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Children and Grandchildren

children

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. ~Stacia Tauscher

How do we honor our children and grandchildren regardless of their age?

– be a great listener (listen intently and listen globally to what is said and unsaid)

– be equitable ( try to bring what is needed to each child in each situation, not just their share, not  what they deserve but what they need)

– be a confidant ( keep the secrets that are shared unless danger is involved)

– be a reliable parent ( quality time only works if their is enough quantity time for the relationship to blossom)

A child can ask questions that a wise man cannot answer. ~Author Unknown

I am often surrounded by people who think they are experts. I am often one of them, myself.  My expertise blinds me with bias and blinkers me to options. I hope to learn to be more like my grandchildren who ask with curiousity not problem solving at the heart.

Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there. – Will Rogers

My impatient, imperfectionist with an action bias shining through.

Make Today Remarkable, for a child,

Bob

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Thankful

thankfulOn the day after Canadian Thanksgiving , I am holding on to the reminder of how very blessed I am. I live in a country where I have the freedom to express my political, spiritual, and personal beliefs and in a time where I can publish them in blogs, comments and letters. I am thankful for the material blessings that I have – the home, clothing, provisions and toys that are lavished upon me. My family is close by,but not too close. I see my kids and grandkids (11) regularly and they bring great joy to my life. My beloved(of 38 years)lifts me up, makes me smile, and keeps me a bit grounded and I so appreciate that we are more in love today than when we married. I have good health, good friends, access to beautiful scenery and opportunities, and work that fulfills me. I ran the Alzheimer 5k in 28 minutes – It has been 45 years since I went below 30.

My church provides a place of both peace and challenge. The leaders, who I don’t always agree with, face struggle openly and seek God’s assistance and grace in times of trouble. I am truly blessed and have much to be thankful for.

I am trying to hold onto the thankfulness that I was reminded of on the holiday and will likely need a constant reminder to look for the blessings.

What are you thankful for today?

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Tuesday Thoughts

“Things do not change; we change.” — Henry David Thoreau

I attended a session yesterday with Ashley Good from Fail Forward where she presented a Risk Sandbox tool to help us understand how we all view our tolerance for risk differently. Understanding that we need to change  and understand  how others see change in order to affect change in our teams seems obvious but this tool is a fairly simple way to demonstrate it. Contact ashley@failforward.org for a copy.

“People don’t resist change. They resist being changed!” — Peter Senge

I am not sure how the two words perceived and threat ever came together because if you believe it is a threat, it is a threat and perceived downplays the reality you are feeling. If you are leading change, frame it clearly, define expectations and set reasonable timelines and then include everyone who may be impacted as soon as possible.

“If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” — Mary Engelbreit

Easier said than done but very similar to May Angelou’s “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” I take both to suggest that the sandbox may be too big, too small, the wrong shape, or has the wrong sand. I usually approach changing my attitude with true curiosity.

curious

Make Today Remarkable and Curious,

Bob