To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

To Serve Well

In a world of conflicting opinions, we must get to a place of respect

Our nation was in full ACCELERATE mode this weekend with  “March Madness” games, the youth-led walks across the nation to raise awareness of the desire of “the people” to achieve greater gun control laws, and the celebration of Palm Sunday.

All areas of which there are opposing views. It’s no surprise when I asked one of my dear friends if they had any blog ideas for me, that the immediate response was on how we can best respect differing opinions.

I’m not sure I have any profound thoughts, but my hope would be to get to a better conversation. To truly think through how we honor one another best without allowing our personal opinions to be in overdrive, which often results in the opposite.

Here are my initial thoughts…

  • We must “get to” a point of listening with the intent to understand. This is a call to not listen or simply “hear” with the intent to respond.
  • We must honor where others come from, remembering that just like us, their opinion didn’t come about overnight. They too have come to the conversation with history and perspective that is true to them.
  • We must also be true to our own perspective, and share it when it matters and not be silent. We must share with grace, with subtle power and with love.

There is so much to talk about with this topic, but I believe that if we keep honor in mind first, we can have opposing opinions and continue to push through to a better world for the future generations.

The back story: Even the best highlight reels have them

I had my 50th birthday last week and wrapped up what ended up being a wonderful trip to pick my son Sam up from Australia where he was studying abroad. I posted some fun pictures along the way and it was fun to see everyone’s comments and birthday wishes.

That is the absolutely best part about Facebook: using it as a tool for encouragement. As a community we are darn good at encouraging one another on that  medium! It got me thinking that sometimes we see pictures, videos, etc.  and think others have a “storybook” life and that might make us wish we had that, too, or at least that part of it! I think we all know by now that social media is generally a place we share the great things going on in our lives, and not the parts that aren’t so much fun.

This blog post today is a call for us all to remember that there is always a back story.

Most of the greatest successes in the history of our country have come from those whose lives didn’t start out glamorous, and often were filled with hardship and struggle. What I have found in the average person I know, is that their lives are full.  Full of joy, sadness, anxiety, excitement, fun and sometimes hardship that is difficult to understand. No one is immune to these truths in life.

Just before I left for Australia, I was experiencing some health issues (anxiety triggered by higher-than-normal blood pressure, acid reflux — Yep… I thought it was a heart attack on its way).  I am pretty sure most, if not all of it, was stress related since I felt so much better while away. I also, in all of my “semi-hiking” glory, had a knee injury and walked around with a beautiful tan knee brace which was very, let’s say, “50+.”

If anyone of you have been on a family vacation for any period of time, you know that there are often a few glorious moments of heated exchange.  I think you get the point…we all have a back story.  We all have our great days and those that, frankly, suck. It’s all part of the ride! Have a great weekend!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Relationship goals

Easter is early this year — two weeks from today, actually. If you participate in the season of Lent by sacrificing something, you are probably counting the days. The best I ever heard was giving up the snooze button. Clever, huh?

The idea of course is to remove our focus from something we enjoy, and focus more on God and how we can live a life closer to how God intended for us. Lent leads us to the celebration of Easter for the christian community. It is truly a time of joy as we celebrate the life, death and the resurrection of Jesus.

I just wrapped up Dharius Daniel’s book, RePresent Jesus, which focused on reintroducing core parts of his character to the reader. My favorite, you may guessed, is the “servant” that he was, fully focusing his life and ministry on helping others.

No matter what your beliefs — religious or not — the idea of serving others is a life value that most people I know truly embrace. The modeling of washing the feet of his friends (and enemy) on the night before his death, is a perfect display of selflessness and one that we can learn from.

As you go into this week, I pray that you renew your commitment to look for how you can best serve those in your circle of influence — and yes, even those who aren’t so lovable. We have an opportunity to dig deeper into how we and our families can be a better reflection of that wonder example of servant-hood.

Designing a life you love

I don’t know about you, but I love to look at beautiful buildings, no matter if they are historical, or modern.

Some of the coolest modern-day structures are actually sports stadiums, which create an experience far and above what we have come to expect from “watching a game.”

Architecture is fascinating, as is the idea that someone can sit down and literally create a structure that can endure storms while maintaining its integrity and beauty.  Great architecture inspires, and offers a connection to the environment around. It can even engage our imagination.

All of these qualities lead me to the idea that we are the true architects of our own lives. No matter if you are in school, looking to what the future brings, or a young professional, ready to know what the “next” level looks like, or heading into a later phase of career or life, the same truth applies.  We have this wonderful opportunity to design what we personally find to be rewarding for ourselves.

My perspective has always been that it starts with attitude, and if we choose a positive one, then we can  achieve whatever it is that we strive for.  While it is true that we all have been given gifts that help us fulfill our purpose in life, we still “get to” prioritize and use our time and talents to mirror a beautiful life.

So, what is it for you? Is your life currently where you want it to be? Do your weeks look how you want them to? Is your health and wellness lined up where you’d like it to be? Your relationships? Your career, studies, retirement? Your community engagement?

Sure, sitting down to design the life you want takes intention (I recommend a quarterly assessment at minimum), but the results, like great architecture, endures. I think that sounds pretty good to me!

The ‘no fly zone’ effect

If you are a This is Us follower, you may have caught the episode earlier this season where  Kevin’s family’s significant others waited out the family meeting at a local establishment, getting in a good laugh while talking about the the Pearson family ‘no fly zone.’

You know, those sensitive discussion topics that we “just don’t go there” in conversation. In some cases, that may mean the topic is only for immediate family only, or for some it may mean a topic that you are not willing to talk about, period.

In the show, the ‘no fly zone’ focuses on the death and addiction problems surrounding the dad, Jack Pearson, Kate’s weight, Randall’s issues raised via his brilliance and his adoption into the family – and the list goes on. It’s complicated, but then again, aren’t all of our lives?

I immediately wrote down this as a good blog topic because I wonder how  many of us have ‘no fly zone’ areas where we can’t or won’t go with those we love the most. “No need to talk about it. It was what it was and time will heal.” Right? Maybe. My years of experience tell me that a healthy family and relationship is surrounded by honesty; full disclosure if you will.

I’m sure we’ve all thought at some point that somehow our extended family is “different” or “strange,” and that those large family gatherings are sure to be awkward. The truth is we all have characters in our family that are so different from us that they seem like someone we may not want our significant others to know about right away.

Whether it’s family, the fact that you got fired from a job (I did in college) or whatever potentially sensitive area it may be, being able to destruct the ‘no fly zone’ and be transparent with those closest to you will make you feel so much better. “Sharing is caring,” as the saying goes. Sharing is also healing!

What are the ‘no fly zones’ you need to address?

Simple Thoughts Sunday: The power of prayer

Most of us realize the power of prayer. Sometimes prayer can be stressful because our requests don’t get answered fast enough (or maybe that’s just me). Sometimes prayer can be frustrating, because we think we have to pray for a certain amount of time, or in a certain posture.

Regardless, today I want to impress that prayer makes a difference in this world! In Matthew Kelly’s Rhythm of Life book, he refers to prayer in the following ways:

  • Prayer cuts through and clarifies. (I think of this as a guidance counselor or coach.)
  • Prayer reminds us of what is truly important. (Bringing to mind those people that we need in our lives.)
  • Prayer is the great mediator that introduces us to God. (Makes is clear that a higher power indeed is controlling the universe… and thankfully it’s not us!)
  • Prayer is the faithful friend who points out who we are  capable of being. (Inspiring us to dream bigger, and filling us with positive thinking.)
  • Prayer reveals the deepest desires of our hearts and points out the path that was ordained for us. (This is close to the first bullet point.)
  • And my favorite, “Prayer gifts us with purpose and direction, and peace in that direction.” Peace is the part I love and have found to be the most true.

I’m honestly not the best “prayer person.”

I have great intentions, and pray a lot of short, little “popcorn” prayers throughout the day – especially when people come to mind. I am not sure prayer has to be a long session, but I feel like I can be better at it. I have personally seen – even recently through my prayer group – that prayer indeed works. (Side Note: Three friends and I just started this Jan. 1, and let me tell you, it is a game changer. If you want to know more, message me and I’ll tell you how we are doing it!)

There is also a great book by Priscilla Shirer, called Fervent and a movie as well, called War Room that dive into prayer in ways that will for sure help anyone who has an interest. I highly recommend both!

I hope you all have an amazing end to February this week. I’m praying for each of you as I write this! Sending Love.

Rewind: Go ahead, jump the fence!

(Photo creds: We Heart it)

(This is a throwback post to 2017, because levity goes a long way.)

I told my son I wanted to do something funny today – something to 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 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!

What pressing problem can I help solve?

This lady had some BRAVADO: Word on the street (and in the magazines) is that Lori Goler, Facebook’s human resources chief, got the job basically by cold-calling Sheryl Sandberg.

The question in the title of today’s blog is what she asked that triggered Sandberg to respond.

“We need help recruiting.” Here’s the thing: All leaders have problems to solve. That is the entire reason they (and we) are hired in the first place. On any given day, I assure you a leader would love if you come to the office with this question on your mind. How can I solve problems? How can I best serve today? What issue, if we address it right, will make us achieve our goals, improve employee satisfaction, make our customer experience the best it can be…? You get the point.

I think this question is golden at home as well as in the community – and even in places you wouldn’t think. My mom lives in a retirement community and I know that if she asked this question, they would have a response. Whether it’s providing useful feedback or diving in to fix issues, the “sha-bang” problems exist all around and are looking for people that are ready to rise to the occasion and help to solve.

*Side note: Huge shout out to the kids in Florida who are championing the effort to solve our country’s enormous problem with school shootings. They are jumping in and using their voice. I have no idea where it will go, but I applaud them! Any collective effort we can make to solve problems, both big and small, are key to our ongoing growth and success.

Black History Month series: Use your voice

I didn’t know who Alice Walker was. Perhaps you don’t either.

She is known for her work as a novelist, penning masterpieces like “The Color Purple.” This book became a revered film and was a part of a movement that once again showcased our need to be educated on history that impacts our world still today.

I  love her thought in the photo above because I feel that it is true today, despite the fact it shouldn’t be.

Today we can use our voice and, in a matter of moments, reach thousands. How powerful is that? Our voice can be used for good or for the more controversial. Our voice can be used to raise awareness as an instrument of peace, or to galvanize our communities to achieve better, together.

The bottom line is that we have the power.

We have the opportunity to achieve the purpose God has set for us.

We have tools available to us to join the conversation, educate, raise the flag and spread the love.

We have the power to make an impact in our lifetime.

I believe one important impact area is knowing; knowing the history of our country. This knowledge will create a greater understanding that can and will change us and the generations to follow.

I hope you’ll join in!

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)