"Keep coming back, it works!" Is a common refrain in recovery programs. And it's true for sure. Battling anything massive, it's the resolve, the grit, that makes the difference when facing difficult challenges. Certainly addiction is such a circumstance. But it's not the only one. Little kids and learning any number of lessons: riding a …
Category: Insight
Lean In
This phrase, "Lean In", is a common expression. It means to push back against that which is giving you difficulty. Don't give in to the challenge. Keep working. I did a search in this blog recently I've written about this concept several times over the years. No wonder. It's so fundamental to a happy life. …
Fat Tuesday
A week ago we celebrated “Fat Tuesday”, “Mardi Gras” in French. It’s historically celebrated as the last day before Lent in the Christian — and particularly the Catholic Christian — World. Since Lent is seen as a time of reflection and extra spiritual discipline, Fat Tuesday is the last day before is a chance to …
Each Day
“Each day go back to being small within, be simple and enthusiastic, and recall the blessings in your life. Do these, and your heart will remain open for others, and your spirit will be grounded in love.” This advice from Pope Francis recently rings true in at least a few ways. The fundamental premise, the …
Hanging with Tax Collectors
Back in the day, some two thousand years ago in the ancient world, tax collectors were considered among the least desirable people in Jewish society. I suspect it was on a whole lot worse than how we think of IRS folks these days. The story goes, they were like prostitutes; unscrupulous, greedy and corrupt, even …
Prez Day
Honoring George Washington's Birthday, that's the idea behind this federal holiday we have the third Monday in February. More that just Washington, it's become a day to honor the current president, and all presidents that have preceded. Well, I'm glad to have the day off work so I can hang with my family. Beyond that, …
Remember Me Out of Love
This refrain from Psalm 105 stands out for me this weekend. It’s from one of the Saturday readings. In one of the loaves and fishes stories from Sunday, the motivation is similar: act out of love. Fundamentally, that’s what Jesus taught us. Act out of love. Elsewhere in his teachings he boiled all the laws …
Ramp UP
Ramp Up It's a feeling that starts early, if you're lucky. It's a sense of anticipation, a particular urgency and readiness to take action. It's something that spurs you forward, to handle the situation, rise to the moment, do what's necessary. If you're lucky, it starts early, in life, and in the moment too. Get …
A New Gig within a Gig
Learning is always good. In your personal life, in your professional life, you get better when you’re learning. Sometimes it’s not easy. But it’s always worth it. Any company that prioritizes cross-training its personnel to support each other’s functions within a work group is doing the right thing. I’m in that boat now at work, …
Don’t Give Up on a Bumpy Day
“Today didn’t start off as planned, but we’ve adjusted and are going forward. Don’t give up on a day that gets bumpy. See it through. Make it GOOD.” I wrote that early one morning last week. I thought it was a good attitude to have regardless of when things go sideways early on. I still …