The truth will set you free. Unfortunately, it's rarely convenient and often appears unappetizing. I was moderating a panel on work-life balance for a group of engineers. Four experienced veterans were sharing insights to help these future leaders achieve a new level of growth. The following morning, with the panelists gone, I facilitated a discussion about what was shared the evening before. I asked for examples of advice that resonated as well as any sentiments they disagreed with. One young man raised his hand and admitted, "I guess I was disappointed that the answer to better life …
Archives for April 2024
One Last Time
The two angels in the back row wearing yellow t-shirts and gold tinsel halos were mine. My two youngest kids were in a musical as part of our homeschool co-op. It was the first time on stage for both of them. We went to both performances and they did great! Naturally, opening night was filled with nervous excitement and hyperactive butterflies. There were no noticeable gaffs or forgotten lines from anyone. It was an impressive effort. The second day was different. Still good, but some missed cues and forgotten lines that added awkward uncomfortability. One might think the second …
The Ogres in Maine
There are ogres in Maine. My daughter Lucy and I were there for a speaking engagement in Portland. We spent some free time visiting the lighthouse, and Lucy paused to photograph some plants she saw along our path. (She is her mother's daughter!) Then, a crabby ogre emerged up over the cliff. Her vile breath slapped us in the face as she bellowed through rotten teeth, "That's GARLIC MUSTARD. It's a TERRIBLE weed!" And just like that, she disappeared from view, apparently returning to the dank cave she calls home. Okay, it wasn't an ogre. And she didn't have bad breath or …
Horses vs. Hummingbirds: The Winner Is…
One of the main reasons I wrote the book Must Be Nice is because I compare myself to other people all the time. Social media exacerbates this, but honestly, I don't need anybody's help. I compare myself to other speakers, other artists, and authors. Both dead and alive. I compare myself and my house and my yard and my patio furniture to my neighbors. I compare myself to the people I went to high school with that I see posting on Facebook. I compare myself to other guys who can build things and fix things and fight things better than me. I compare myself to people older …
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