To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Serve Well

What if … Today I ….

(Photo Creds: We Heart it)

If you are in the workplace and have anything to do with marketing, you might follow Seth Godin.

He has daily, short blogs that offer up simple ideas on pushing you to the next level in creativity. His recent post caught my attention, and my mind took it another direction. His title, “Three simple and difficult steps” offered this:

  1. Get Smarter. Hurry. (Technology and life is moving fast)
  2. Solve interesting problems.
  3. Care. More.

His thinking was that most people do one of these, but what would happen if you became the type of person and does all three? You might add leverage and value and ultimately choices to your life.

I thought it was good, but here’s where my mind went with it…

What if today we set a goal to acccomplish something that really impacted our life/world? What if today was the day that we did not operate our daily routine, but instead choose to take a new route to work, craft a personal mission statement outlining what we’d love to do right now, and set forth a plan to make it so?

One day can be so impactful, yet we often let our days become routine and settle in. I like settling in, but I LOVE feeling energized and like I’m really doing something important. That one is much better! How about you?

What can you do today to UP YOUR LEVERAGE? To get smarter, or change paths or to just be a part of a nicer and better world?  My guess is that we can ALL DO SOMETHING.

Rewind! Simple thoughts Sunday: Here Comes the Sun

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

Here comes the sun… (My all time fav version Brooke White)

What a gorgeous weekend! Today I leave you with this song that I love and my hope is that you will sing, hum, or whistle this all week long!

It will make you smile and remember that no matter what is going on the sun is coming!!!

It’s Easter season and HOPE CONTINUES TO RISE this week! BE EXPECTANT!

Love and technology help the world go ’round

(Photo Creds: My Own)

South by Southwest (SXSW), the “convergence of the interactive, film and music industries” is an annual event (since 1987) held in the ultra-fun city of Austin Texas.

Over the 30 years, it has grown in scope and size and the “coolness” factor is off of the charts. Technology has become a key player and big names such as Twitter were launched into the public conscious at SXSW. (A bit of research shared that Twitter only paid $11,000 in 2007 to host some signage at the event… and from there, they were able to blow up their brand. Influence grew from there.)

All of that said, SXSW seems to be a great place for those “game changer” hopefuls to see and be seen. I personally haven’t been – though hopefully next year! – but have been a “follower” for a few years.

Here’s what stands out to me: technology is the single greatest influencer in our lives right now. Well, that and love… One helps the other is what I’ve found. When you bring it together with music and the arts, it’s a marriage made in the heavens.

Just why is that? The tools of technology have helped us simple humans express love in more active ways. It’s pretty cool that on your birthday, your friends and family from all generations of life can send you a greeting and spread the love and good energy. That’s an easy example. I also love that my mom can text now and that alone has given us an opportunity to cheer one another on, which didn’t exist at that level prior that technology. Instagram and Snapchat allow us to share visuals that bring us joy.

(But, of course, technology can also be blamed for mass sharing of negative. To be honest, my feeds are 95+% positive so in my opinion, we have the ability to scroll or swipe past the “stuff” that makes us crazy… our choice.)

Two key messages today:

  • Embrace technology and the “movements” such as the annual SXSW event that help leverage those into our world… (By the way, I have listed below the various tracks at this year’s event so you can see the diversity and potential impact to our society.)
  • As crazy as technology can sometimes make us, FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE and that it is a  TREMENDOUS VEHICLE FOR LOVE… sharing and growing. We can use this to our advantage and create a world that we all would love to be a part of.

Finally, for all of those that wished me a happy birthday, I want to thank you! Sometimes I get busy and don’t take the time to utilize that awesome feature on Facebook, so I greatly appreciate all of those that took the time to reach out! It  means the world to me that you did. KEEP ON SPREADING THE LOVE.

SWSW17 TRACKS:

  • Brands and Marketing
  • Design
  • Development & Code
  • Government
  • Health
  • Intelligent Future
  • Style
  • Tech Industry
  • Workplace
  • Entertainment influencers
  • Film & TV Industry
  • Making Films & Episodics
  • Making Music
  • Music Industry
  • Music Influencers
  • Touring & Live Experience
  • CLE  (Continuing Legal Education)
  • Experiential Storytelling
  • Food
  • Journalism
  • Social Impact
  • Sports
  • Startup Village
  • VR/AR (Virtual/Augmented reality technologies)

Simple thoughts Sunday: His mercies are new every morning

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

I love a country road.

Although this photo is not overwhelming beautiful, the simplicity speaks to the idea of new beginnings. I just finished reading Steven Furtick’s new book this week.

It is pretty much the Easter story, but his perspective on how we go through life via the “mile markers” of the story is fresh and new. Here are the “mile markers” he reviews:

  • Forgiveness
  • Salvation
  • Relationship
  • Abandonment
  • Distress
  • TRIUMPH
  • REUNION

I’ve been through these “mile markers” a few times and I know you have as well. I highly recommend grabbing the book if you are a reader.

My favorite for today’s insight is the quote captured above. If you take nothing else away, take this with you during your days. It is true. Mercies are NEW every morning… we get a new start to do whatever we need to do to fulfill our purpose. We can choose to view life that way and it should re-energize us and inspire us to take on the day. I of course also believe that God does indeed act on our behalf… over and over again. I know this from personal experience and it offers me hope and more than that… EXCITEMENT.

This is my birthday week – woot woot – so I am all about assessing where my life has taken me and looking forward to the work still left to do! NEW MERCIES… NEW OPPORTUNITY… NEW LEVELS OF SERVICE AND HAPPINESS.

Have an AMAZING WEEK!

Go ahead, jump the fence!

(Photo creds: We Heart it)

Having the right photo or image is always important to me when I prep for a blog. I told my son I wanted to do something funny today – something to perhaps add some levity to our day and get away from anything too serious.

Initially, this idea of “jumping the fence” was captured in a conversation about diversity and the need for us to not be afraid to experience different cultures, food, people, environments, etc. That is still a good idea, but what’s better (I hope for you too) today is this perspective of the image.

Through all of the stress that America has realized over the last few months, and what seems like a never-ending back and forth accelerated by social media, WE REALLY NEED TO LAUGH.

So maybe this photo captures how you feel as you try to get away from your friends’ viewpoints on Trump…? Or, perhaps you had so much fun watching the Grammy Awards on Sunday that you gave some thought to changing career paths to become a rock star… You know you’ve got that image now of you on Monday morning with your blazer on and your friends cheering you on running & jumping toward your new found PATH TO GLORY.

No matter what it is, make it a demonstration of fun, friends and no doubt a lot of laughs. (By the way, that may be me struggling to even get up the dang fence.)

I’m in the mood to jump the proverbial fence into brighter territory. Into something meaningful and beautiful and truly FUN. Grab your tribe this weekend and create some memories filled with laughter!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Black History Month – Why we must continue to educate ourselves

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

I loved this photo because it depicts a diverse and loving community of students. Students who don’t know yet the meaning of “minorities,” nor the impact race, religion or sex have had on the lives of their families and friends.

While, I love that idea, I also acknowledge that we must continue to educate ourselves and future generations on what America’s history looks like, so that we can be sure to learn from the best stories and those that don’t reflect our most shining moments.

This Proverb spoke to the idea of seeking wisdom. I hope all of you would say that wisdom is not only worth finding, but needed now more than ever in our lifetime!

So, on this first Sunday of Black History Month 2017, I hope you prioritize becoming more educated on America’s past and how it relates to us today. Our nation would certainly not be as great as it is today without the diversity and strength of this great community. As we struggle as a country to unify around all manner of issues, let this be a month of gaining the wisdom required to help us reach the next level.

I’m all in.

Some side notes:

In preparing for this blog, I found out some cool facts about African American leaders I didn’t know yet, which reminded of how little I know…

  • Madam C.J. Walker was America’s first self-made woman to become a millionaire. She was considered an entreprenuer and a philanthropist in her time (1867-1919). Isn’t that awesome?! Her product was beauty and hair products… some things never change for us women.
  • Thurgood Marshall was the first African American man appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1967. He served for 24 years and was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Please note that in 1967, our country was still divided over Civil Rights issues. Bold move by the president and AMAZING COURAGE by the Honorable Thurgood Marshall.
  • In 1992, Dr. Mae Jamison became the first African American woman to go into space aboard the space shuttle Endeavor. Not only that, but she is a professor, dancer, actress and holds nine honorary doctorates in science, engineering, letters and the humanities. Can you say POWERFUL?

(Side note: If you haven’t yet made it to see “Hidden Figures” one of the Oscar favorites, you should! The amazing, unheard story of the brilliant African American women who played a key role in NASA for many years. It is a must see for students of all ages.)

Some major, fun lessons you and your family may want to sharpen your minds around this month:

  • The Underground Railroad, a secret network of routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape into the free states.
  • Rosa Parks’ story, as well as the many women who lead the Civil Rights movement. Much to my surprise, there are several Rosas – she’s just the one most of us know!
  • Inoculatin (Vaccinations) were introduced to America by a slave named Onesimus.
  • The diverse history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Very cool story, and there are two state-funded HBCUs in Missouri! One in Jefferson City and anther in St. Louis. There used to be a private, religious HBCU in Kansas – Western University – but it stopped operating in the 1940s.
  • One in four cowboys was black… In fact it is believed that the real “Lone Ranger” was inspired by an African American man named Bass Reeves.

Have fun learning. Share your stories if you learn something interesting… I’m sure we will all love it!

Everyone needs a champion

(Photo Creds: We Heart it)

This is such an important message.

One that we should all feel strongly about.

It doesn’t matter if you are young like these sweet girls, in school, starting your career, mid-career or past retirement age. It doesn’t matter if you work or don’t work.  It doesn’t matter what your education is or how awesome your credentials are. One hundred percent of us are happier and more fulfilled when we have a champion – preferably a few!

I didn’t realize it was such a problem until I started a new job four years ago. It was difficult for me to understand that most people I worked with directly went through their days and years (in one case, over 20 years) without a champion. In fact, when asked who their champion was, there was a blank stare as if they didn’t know what a champion was. It was palpable in the culture. I have since then had this conversation with many, and found that our company* was not alone. I also found that many across my social groups also didn’t feel they necessarily had a champion in life. That is just not right. (*Side note: I’m not indicating that the entire company was that way, but pockets within the office.)

I wondered how they progressed… learned… advanced…? I found out that most of them really didn’t… they were stagnant. Sure, business priorities and strategies changed from year to year, but the feeling of thriving, or truly moving toward purpose was non existent for far too many.

It had me thinking. Is it a choice? Do they even know what it feels like to have someone that is an advocate in the work place? Someone that is going to bat for you and helping advance your cause and work? What if you want someone to “champion” you but you don’t know how to ask or where to start? Is that your responsibility, or the company you work for? What if you feel like you maybe could “champion” someone else, but you haven’t done that before and also aren’t quite sure how to start?

So many questions. An issue I never realized was so complicated. I have always been part of a culture that ensured people were supporting/championed. I try to do that at home too. After all, it starts there, right? We all need someone that leads our fan club.

My hope with this post is if you aren’t being championed, you develop a plan to change that. Heck, I’d be glad to help! If you aren’t championing someone outside of your home, I think finding someone that could use your support would be a really great thing to do. Again, it doesn’t matter your age nor situation… giving someone a hand up ends up making more of a difference to you personally.

Finally, if you do happen to be in the work place, please make sure that everyone in your circle has a champion. The culture will be better for it, and that could be a game changer for 2017. I’m all about game changers. Go be a champion!

Waiting Patiently For Your Calling

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This entire idea of “your calling” is something we American’s seem to love.  We love the thought that we all have a calling that we were each designed for- Personally, I fall for this “hook, line and sinker.”  I love the concept.  Heck, as a christian and a business woman, I especially adore this thinking.  In order to achieve the “optimum” life we need to be called.  I have one time in my life felt “called” in terms of a “career” move.  I believe it was destined.  I know there is an ultimate plan for my life that when it all comes to an end, I will find the extraordinary details that were patched together absolutely mind-blowing.

I read recently that this “calling” business is really only found in first world countries- In other words, those across the world that do not have the same opportunities and privileges don’t even know what this means.  To them, their “calling” is to live a life taking care of their neighbors and family.  To feed for, to pray for, to love others.  It’s that simple.  I kind of like that.

I don’t want to call “all bets” off on our American thinking, but I do want to challenge us to consider this:  What is being truly “called” mean to you?

Have an amazing day!

Beautiful Chaos! Part 1

blog_712158_2766184_1439861599I love the idea of “Beautiful Chaos”- Our lives are literally filled to the brim with both chaotic and beautiful moments.  I feel the key to living well is to find the ying and yang or balance in these possibly opposing forces. If you have ever been to Times Square, pictured above, it is the essence of BEAUTIFUL CHAOS.

Follow me on this one…

  • Beauty in the… People, Energy, Diversity, Arts (street performers mainly)
  • Chaos in the… Loud Sounds, Imagery, Movement, Smells

This experience hits pretty much all of your senses in a fairly abrasive way. It seems to be non stop.  “The City that Never Sleeps”, right?

Do you ever stop in your work day, fully aware of the barrage of emails, phone calls, texts, and demands of life closing in on you, and still find beauty in the unexpected?

How about this…

Find BEAUTY in… The rush of warm air when you step outside from an ice cold office environment, your co-workers too funny to miss weekend story, the “you got this” encouragement from a leader or friend, or simply knowing that after work you get to do something you love… (That could be family, a good workout,  a great meal, your latest favorite read, or your Netflix addiction.)

There is literally BEAUTY everywhere.  We should challenge ourselves this week to look around and FIND BEAUTY IN THE CHAOS.

Diversity. It’s All About the Mindset.

blog_709681_2763047_1439254327Yep!  you guessed it!  I am taking a major bend in road on the DIVERSITY CONVERSATION, into an entirely different version of the conversation! Since it’s Sunday when most of you are reading this, it’s a good time to focus on our PERSONAL HEALTH, which coincidentally requires some DIVERSITY IN OUR PERSONAL HABITS to ensure we are FUELING our bodies with nutrients that keep us in TIP TOP SHAPE!  

This can get downright complicated and since the image I chose shifted my mind to amazing fruits and veggies, I wanted to include some simple thinking on adding diversity here first!  Plus, it’s always more fun to talk food than working out! With that said,  how many of you can name more than 5 different fruits you have eaten in the past week?  I know I’ve been pretty focused on less than a handful, so I personally get zero points for diversity. Here’s some information that is pretty compelling.

A Colorful Adventure  – an excerpt from an article DIVERSIFY YOUR DIET via Sharecare

Start at the grocery store and spend a little more time than usual exploring the offerings. Hit the produce aisle first, and while you’re inspecting the fresh fruit and veggies, focus on the range of colors. Richly colored plant foods — bright berries, sunny tangerines, and dark green lettuces — each contains protective phytochemicals and antioxidants that help prevent disease and preserve health. These healthful vegetables, fruits, and legumes are often lacking in most diets.

Pick out four or five that you’ve never had before or that you rarely eat, and grab a few of your favorites, too. Make sure you see a range of colors in your cart. The following table will help you appreciate the full range of nutritional power these different colors have to offer.

RED
Tomatoes, watermelon, cherries, cranberries, pomegranates, beets, red peppers, radishes, radicchio, red potatoes, rhubarb…

Red foods contain lycopene, anthocyanins, and phytochemicals that help lower the risk of some cancers and promote:

  • Heart health
  • Memory function
  • Urinary tract health

BLUE-PURPLE
Blackberries, blueberries, black currants, dried plums, elderberries, purple figs, red grapes, plums, raisins, red cabbage, eggplant, purple peppers…

Blue-Purple foods contain anthocyanins and phenolics, phytochemicals that reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and help promote:

  • Urinary tract health
  • Memory function

YELLOW-ORANGE
Apricots, cantaloupe, grapefruit, lemons, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, persimmons, pineapple, tangerines, squash, carrots, yellow peppers, pumpkin, rutabagas, sweet potatoes…

Yellow-Orange foods contain carotenoids and flavonoids, phytochemicals that lower cancer risk and help promote:

  • Heart health
  • Vision health
  • A healthy immune system

YELLOW-GREEN
Avocados, green apples, green grapes, honeydew melon, kiwifruit, limes, green pears, artichokes, arugula, asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, endive, leafy greens, green onions, okra, peas, green peppers, snow peas, sugar snap peas, spinach, watercress, zucchini…

Yellow-Green foods contain lutein and indoles, phytochemicals that lower the risk of certain cancers and help promote:

  • Vision health
  • Strong bones and teeth

WHITE-GREEN
Leeks, garlic, onions, chives, bananas, brown pears, dates, cauliflower, ginger, mushrooms, parsnips, shallots, turnips…

White-Green foods contain allyl sulfides and allicin, phytochemicals that may reduce cancer risk and help promote:

  • Heart health
  • Healthy cholesterol levels

Time for developing a game plan?  Which are you going to add this week?  I think I’ll hit the city market and let the farmer’s make my decision for me!

Praying for everyone to have an amazing week ahead!