Photo by Lina Trochez on Unsplash The other day I had a great conversation. It was life-affirming, easy, and clear (“everyone was on the same page”). Each person honored each other with deep respect and curious inquiry. It made me smile for a long time afterwards. I was grateful because I was still harboring a wound from elsewhere, a harsh conversation. Gosh, we all have them at one time or … [Read more...] about Recognizing an open – and closed – heart
Think the World of Someone
My mother-in-law and I on a special day in 2018 Every once in a while, out of the blue, someone honors us with something very special: unconditional positive regard. They have a twinkle in their eye when they look at you and endow you with praise like, “You’re amazing,” “You make my day,” “What a great person you are,” “Thank you for being you.” Lately, I am reflecting on certain people who … [Read more...] about Think the World of Someone
Finding peace during troubling times
Photo by Sunguk Kim on Unsplash Those of us in the Pacific Northwest know that winter brings grey, wet weather for long stretches at a time. This week, I have enjoyed a wonderful spell of sunshine and warmth. I’m trying to focus on my immediate world of burgeoning tulips and irises, relishing the gifts of nature and of being able to walk outside, safely, uneventfully. I’ve had a very hard time … [Read more...] about Finding peace during troubling times
On healing: lessons from cancer and hardship
Photo by Yoann Boyer on Unsplash It has been a very quiet 18 months for me. I use “quiet” not to mean peaceful or uneventful, but off the digital radar. After such a long absence, I admit that coming back to social media feels like I’m at a party introducing myself to a room full of strangers. Scary for an introvert like me! In real life, I’ve reserved precious time and energy for family and … [Read more...] about On healing: lessons from cancer and hardship
Shifting Our Focus: Discovering Deep Diversity
Photo by Thomas Chan on Unsplash Below is a reprint of my article published in the January 2020 issue of the journal, Practicing OD. For decades, organizations in the United States have struggled with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Many reasons account for why we’ve made so little traction with DEI, but one crucial factor has received little attention: workplace culture. Many … [Read more...] about Shifting Our Focus: Discovering Deep Diversity
Your life is your message
In the wake of current events rocking our world, the surge of both peaceful protests and violent riots surrounding the deaths of George Floyd and so many others, we may be at a tipping point. It’s a grossly overdue tipping point, and the long-term change that might unfold remains to be seen. I work with several groups, all of which have been experiencing a huge range of emotions: heartache, shock, … [Read more...] about Your life is your message