on November 6, 2023

Change the World One Brick at a Time

If you want to change the world, start with yourself. Only through learning to listen, ask questions, and genuinely understand each other better, can we develop the mutual respect that allows for openness and influence. With every conversation you are either adding bricks or taking away bricks, building walls or breaking down walls. Which is it going to be today? #listeningandlearning #listeningskills #changingminds#changingthegame #changingtheworld #changingthenarrative#understanding #communication #communicationskills#leadershipcommunication #leadershipskills #leadershipcoaching

changing minds, changing the world, leadership lessons, leadership skills, communication skills, building community, life skills, empathy, communication, understanding, listening, young adult life, listening skills

on September 11, 2023

Is This As Good As It Gets?

There have been hundreds of blogs about the negative side of social media but the other night, as we hung out at the kitchen table with friends, a 16-year-old shared with me how he thought social media was essentially bad for you. I thought I’d share his remarks as they speak to a failure on the part several generations. First, he admitted that social media can be fun, especially for sharing pet videos and practical jokes (that don’t cause physical harm or injury). But beyond that use, is this noted “time suck” valuable, or contributing to the betterment of humans any way? My young friend answers his own question with a resounding, “NO.” Here are his points primarily in his…Read More

young adult life, teen struggles, high school life, negative behaviors, wanting something more, teen life, teens, socializing, communication, social media, young adult issues

on April 10, 2023

Discovering the Power of Gentleness is a Gift.

I was blessed to have dinner with both my parents this week for my father’s birthday. As we enjoyed food and wine and each other’s company, I was compelled to reach over and hold my dad’s hand in both of mine. We smiled at each other, said a few things, and had a moment. But what I felt was a flood of gratitude that we reached this moment in our relationship where we could express love and appreciation rather than what might have become the frustration and contempt I see in many relationships that are long in history. He was not always an easy dad. And I was far from an easy daughter. We challenged each other a lot—starting when I was…Read More

openness, relationships, power, sharing dreams, strength, communication, tenderness, connecting, connecting with others, everyday life, gentle, gentleness, gentler side, harsh realities