To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Adventures

Mind over matter: Don’t give up

(Photo creds: Unsplash.com)

Since Sunday’s ‘Simple Thoughts’ post was focused on the power of the mind and the human spirit to achieve anything, today I’m throwing it back to an extra-relevant post from this time last year.

I have had many a friend or colleague recently that are going through “hard” things, so now seems like the right time.

Incredibly challenging work situations, moral issues, children with health issues, children with drug problems, seemingly insurmountable financial challenges, loss of jobs, a strained relationship… the list goes on.

I’m sure you have your own. We all have seasons of pain and sometimes it’s a life-long undercurrent of something needing dealt with.

There was a book published several years ago by twin brothers who were 18 at the time, called ‘Do Hard Things.’ That book was written for teens as an encouragement to do the hard work and not get caught up in our me-first culture. The message, however, is ageless in its attempt to harness our power and potential. In order to achieve that, no matter what stage of life you are in, it requires us to “Do hard things.”

We must be accountable to excellence. We can’t stand on the sidelines and “hope.” We often use the idea that “hope is not a strategy” in the work place and I love it. We have to….

  • Have HARD conversations
  • Be uncomfortable
  • Find our voice… use it
  • Encourage each other, even those we don’t like
  • Reach out even when it’s cold outside and we want to go home and hide
  • Develop strategies for POSITIVE THINKING, even WHEN it’s not our natural course
  • Stop the negative commentary… You are not too old, too overweight…etc.  Change the narrative you tell yourself about yourself.

As our year winds down, I have great news… There is time left! Time to heal some wounds, address some of that stuff that is downright ugly and start the year with a truly fresh start.

What do you have in your life that needs dealt with? Who do you need to mend “fences” with, and launch into a better place? What needs to happen to set you up for success? Who will speak truth to you if you need a good honest answer to confront your own misigivings?

Let’s get uncomfortable together. I’d love to hear your stories along the way.

Rewind: 13 ways October delights!

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(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

(This is a throwback post from 2016 as we look toward how to make October great!)

I think October is my favorite month. I know I have a few that I have grown over time to love, but October is delightful… I’ve listed below some of my reasons why I say that. Take a moment to add yours in the comments! I think it would be fun to share and who knows, you might just get a great idea to refresh your own list.

  1. My No. 1 for sure… the COOLER weather: My dog is relishing in longer walks and gentle breezes. HIKING, and CRUNCHING IN THE LEAVES… INVIGORATING!
  2. The COLORS: The leaves, all manner of pumpkins and vegetables that look like pumpkins to me!
  3. COMMUNITY: It feels like everyone comes out and “GATHERS.” I like that idea of gathering. And with pop-up options like cider mills, pumpkin patches and corn mazes, what better time to hang out with old friends or make new ones!
  4. FOOTBALL! I do in fact love football, from little league, high school, college and the NFL! It’s just plain FUN!
  5. SOUP: My friend Nan always brings me soup. I love that! I also love finding a great butternut squash or pumpkin soup recipe. A bit of crusty bread and it’s the perfect meal, and as an added bonus, it soothes the SOUL!  (I promise my trainer, Amy, that I’ll add some protein in there!)
  6. BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: I love how America has embraced this and over time the rates of SUCCESS if you get an early diagnosis are greatly improved. Research is necessary and this campaign showcases how, if we galvanize the troops, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
  7. HOLIDAY SEASON SNEAKS IN: We get a glimpse but we aren’t fully deluged yet.
  8. HALLOWEEN: To be perfectly honest, until my boys were born I didn’t really embrace Halloween. I mean it’s okay and I loved to fill my pillowcase when I was in 3rd grade, but then it sort of faded. Now that my boys are in college, it’s fading again, but OH HOW FUN IT IS if you have little kids! EMBRACE EVERY MOMENT OF IT! Make fun punch with dry ice, set up a bobbing for apples activity, host a neighborhood pre-trick-or-treating party… It’s a BLAST!
  9. OCTOBER BASEBALL: Last year in particular, but I still LOVE MY BOYS IN BLUE! FOREVER ROYAL!
  10. BONFIRES, S’MORES, ETC.! Being around FIRE IS PRIMAL and screams connectedness. The smell of the smoke… the whole thing is just perfect fun!
  11. BOOTS, SWEATSHIRTS, SWEATERS: If you are a gal, need I say more? If you are a guy, ask your favorite gal! She’ll fill you in!
  12. APPLES! Apple orchards, apple picking, cider, cider donuts, apple crisp, apple pie…         It’s fully AMERICAN and fully AWESOME!
  13. Last but not least… HAYRIDES: YEP, HAYRIDES. I need to find one this year. There isn’t anything more fun to me, than a simple trailer, some HAY, and family, friends and complete strangers! I hope you’ll find one too!

“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale!”  – Lauren DeStefano

Don’t miss an opportunity: Tales of my Uber Driver, part 1

Travel often offers us the opportunity to meet some great people. Some not so friendly, but thankfully the good wins.

I was reminded on Sunday night, as I was traveling from the airport in Denver, of the tremendous opportunities we have to CONNECT with some AMAZING people. It is always great to put the headphones on and get lost in our own thoughts, but that’s a choice that may result in a miss. I generally do the headphone thing on airplanes, but when I’m at someone’s mercy as they drive me around unknown territory, I like to be aware and also engage. (Mom, I’m sure that makes you quite happy.)

Sunday, the driver was a local attorney from Nigeria, moonlighting with Uber to make money for a foundation he has created to send back home to help provide educational opportunities for students in his native land.

He had two children at home ages 10 and 14, so I know this extra effort is a sacrifice. How many of us would work a part time job JUST to send money to a cause we love and know will change the world?

We had a truly meaningful conversation, and I think we both walked away as better humans – I for sure did. I like the idea of of being “BETTER HUMANS,” don’t you?

As you go through your days, don’t miss those opportunities we have to learn, connect and as a result GROW.

September Favs – What are yours?

(Photo creds: Canva)

I thought it would be a good idea to inject some joy into our conversation. One of my boys recommended I talk about my favorite things about September. Well really, about fall as a whole. I am pretty sure it’s my favorite season. (I may or may not change my mind if the days get chilly too soon!) I thought I’d get the ideas flowing, and I know others would love you to chime in with one or two ideas for fall fun!

  • Definitely…. Football, the “littles,” high school’s Friday night lights, college and – of course – GO CHIEFS!
  • All kinds of festivals… the apple orchard, the pumpkin farms… ALL KINDS. Please have cider donuts!
  • Shorts & sweatshirt weather – and jeans with t-shirts for that matter.
  • BOOTS (they deserve a line for themselves, cowboy or other)
  • Community 5Ks and Saturday farmer’s markets
  • Patio seating with heat lamps…

Okay, your turn….

Have an amazing weekend!

Life happens in the “wait:” Breathe easier on the other side

As I write this, I don’t even know if it will be a workable post, but I’m going to free flow here and see if it makes sense.

I am waiting for my son Sam while he has surgery to repair a deviated septum. It’s minor and yet, it seems to be the “minor” things in life that can end up being “majors.” With some age, I know this all to well. WAITING can be hard and in this case, Sam will BREATHE much better on the other side of recovery. Like most waits, it will be well worth it.

About the wait… in that space is where we learn stamina, grow in grit and challenge our minds to stay positive. So here’s my thought: life does happen in the “wait,” and yet as we pray, engage with good intent and even fight our battles, we all learn and BREATHE BETTER on the other side. That’s the entire point of the “wait” – to get to the BETTER.

As I think through this, I think it’s probably a timely topic. I literally just had a friend/mentee text a bit ago and ask me one of those “How do you know?” LIFE questions. Again, it happens in the wait… in the discovery.

Another dear friend has a terrific blog, Middle Moments, that shares similar thinking. Check it out; you won’t be disappointed. Her humorous approach to “the middle,” or what I’m calling the “wait,” is both refreshing and fun.

We have a choice in the wait, and that is to choose joy and choose to walk through it with grace and gratitude for the journey we are on. To find a window where we can see the beauty in the moment and ultimately to know that breathing better is on the other side!

Worth repeating: What this moment demands

(Photo Creds: Pine Cove Camps)

(This is an insight worth repeating from around this time in 2016.)

Every moment and season of our lives seems to require something different.

This blog is a shout out to not only my son Sam (pictured above), but the thousands of camp counselors at Pine Cove Camps, Kanakuk Camps, Camp Barnabas and the many other great camps that have literally given themselves fully this summer to serve others. In their endless days, with little sleep and millions of calories burned, they encounter moment after moment where they have to ask this question: “What does this moment demand?”

A child that is just flat-out tired today and not into the camp games, one that isn’t feeling well and another that has more energy than Kelly Ledecky. In every situation, these students have learned to adapt, rise and ultimately, to serve well.

I haven’t gotten to talk at a deep level with Sam yet, but my mom intuition tells me that Sam learned more than he could have imagined and he has a new​ ​idea what personal sacrifice and dedication looks like.

As we think through this idea of “What does this moment demand?” I believe we also often are required to​
adapt and rise up.

What are you encountering in your life right now?​ ​This time last year, we talked about hard conversations, and that is certainly an area that requires something different from us.

Some others might include…

A friend that just received a cancer diagnosis. What is required of us as their friend​? ​How do we need to​ ​rise​ to the occasion. How do we need to adapt our life to be there for them and their family?

A child that is struggling in middle school. Do we need to educate ourselves and read everything we can on these struggles? Do we need to take the time to have meaningful conversations with the school leaders​ ​and​ ​teachers involved? How can we best serve that child in​ ​this moment​​?

A local small business that could use some publicity.​ ​Do we even have a role here?​ ​You bet! Social media is a tremendous tool today! Tell your friends​ ​and give them a shout out. What else?

A community struggling with conflict. Where to even start?

We start by​ ​adapting, learning and by rising up to the moment!

Safety or adventure? You choose.

(Photo Creds: We Heart it; Grand Gunderson)

Sunnier days! We are all ready for that! You might be looking at the coming summer months ahead and planning a road trip, a “bucket list” trip or something else like hanging out by the pool.

One of our local magazines featured several road trip ideas within a “tank of gas” from Kansas City. It was a fun read, and I truly believe there are so many little towns across the country that would have a lot to offer for a someone out on an adventure, even if that’s an antique hunt!

Here’s the idea to contemplate today: Will you choose SAFETY OR ADVENTURE as you plan out the free moments in your life? Will you be afraid to launch out and do something you’ve never done? (Blaming it on lack of energy, funds or something else.) Or, will you set forth on an adventure and go out and LIVE?

I truly believe I spent too many weekends at home when I was younger thinking for some reason that I was saving money, or choosing the better path. Today, I believe and KNOW that you can go on an adventure, whether it’s close to home (think sailing/kayaking on Shawnee Mission Lake) or not, and that ADVENTURE OFFERS PERSPECTIVE. It can cost little to nothing and still deliver an experience that allows you to get OUT of the everyday patterns of life.

As the warmer days show up, I hope that you will put some time into thinking about what ADVENTURES you can dream up over the next few months. Grab a family member or a long lost friend and enjoy ALL THAT LIFE OFFERS. You’ll be REFRESHED and add MEMORIES that will enrich you with HAPPINESS!

Love and technology help the world go ’round

(Photo Creds: My Own)

South by Southwest (SXSW), the “convergence of the interactive, film and music industries” is an annual event (since 1987) held in the ultra-fun city of Austin Texas.

Over the 30 years, it has grown in scope and size and the “coolness” factor is off of the charts. Technology has become a key player and big names such as Twitter were launched into the public conscious at SXSW. (A bit of research shared that Twitter only paid $11,000 in 2007 to host some signage at the event… and from there, they were able to blow up their brand. Influence grew from there.)

All of that said, SXSW seems to be a great place for those “game changer” hopefuls to see and be seen. I personally haven’t been – though hopefully next year! – but have been a “follower” for a few years.

Here’s what stands out to me: technology is the single greatest influencer in our lives right now. Well, that and love… One helps the other is what I’ve found. When you bring it together with music and the arts, it’s a marriage made in the heavens.

Just why is that? The tools of technology have helped us simple humans express love in more active ways. It’s pretty cool that on your birthday, your friends and family from all generations of life can send you a greeting and spread the love and good energy. That’s an easy example. I also love that my mom can text now and that alone has given us an opportunity to cheer one another on, which didn’t exist at that level prior that technology. Instagram and Snapchat allow us to share visuals that bring us joy.

(But, of course, technology can also be blamed for mass sharing of negative. To be honest, my feeds are 95+% positive so in my opinion, we have the ability to scroll or swipe past the “stuff” that makes us crazy… our choice.)

Two key messages today:

  • Embrace technology and the “movements” such as the annual SXSW event that help leverage those into our world… (By the way, I have listed below the various tracks at this year’s event so you can see the diversity and potential impact to our society.)
  • As crazy as technology can sometimes make us, FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE and that it is a  TREMENDOUS VEHICLE FOR LOVE… sharing and growing. We can use this to our advantage and create a world that we all would love to be a part of.

Finally, for all of those that wished me a happy birthday, I want to thank you! Sometimes I get busy and don’t take the time to utilize that awesome feature on Facebook, so I greatly appreciate all of those that took the time to reach out! It  means the world to me that you did. KEEP ON SPREADING THE LOVE.

SWSW17 TRACKS:

  • Brands and Marketing
  • Design
  • Development & Code
  • Government
  • Health
  • Intelligent Future
  • Style
  • Tech Industry
  • Workplace
  • Entertainment influencers
  • Film & TV Industry
  • Making Films & Episodics
  • Making Music
  • Music Industry
  • Music Influencers
  • Touring & Live Experience
  • CLE  (Continuing Legal Education)
  • Experiential Storytelling
  • Food
  • Journalism
  • Social Impact
  • Sports
  • Startup Village
  • VR/AR (Virtual/Augmented reality technologies)

What inspires you?

(Photo Creds: My own from Tuesday’s flight to Detroit. Cool, huh?)

Where people find inspiration fascinates me.

To me, inspiration incites joy. What moments make you smile and give you a dose of hope and excitement about our world? As I get older, the “small” moments for sure inspire me.

The street performer sharing their talents with the community, a giggling child and yep, even looking out the window of a plane, mesmerized by the beauty and complexity of our world.

Let’s keep dreaming here a bit… what else inspires? I would add “brilliant minds” to this list. Do you ever pick up a book, watch a movie or even engage with a great teacher or a colleague at work and just feel amazed with their ability to bring together insights that take you to the next level? I just love that.

I saw a movie preview for the upcoming film, “A Dog’s Purpose,” and I was moved immediately. The concept of the film is brilliant. Check it out – it’s great!

Finally, I would add to the list “simple kindness.” I know there is a lot of it out there, but honestly, I’d like to see it more… like everyday if possible. There is a warmth that comes from the simple act of someone going out of their way to open a door or send a message of encouragement. It’s what makes the days rich and the years more so.

As January brings us more cloudy days, perhaps we can all approach this one with an extra intention? That is serving well… both ourselves and the recipients!

What inspires you? I know the readers would love to hear from you!

Have an amazing weekend.

Books you might want to read!

(Photo Cred: We Heart It)

If you have been reading this blog for a bit, you might know that I post a blog three times a year with my “top books.” I am an avid reader and follow the thinking that once we stop learning, we stop growing.

I actually slowed a bit during the last stretch of 2016, but still had some excellent reads worth sharing. I added my top books for 2016 below as well! Let me know if you have read any of these, or if you pick one up for later!

1. BRAVING IT, by JAMES CAMPBELL
Why I loved it: This is about a father and daughter who have an amazing journey through Alaska. It is gripping and makes you want to seek adventure. It’s a true story, but as close to fiction as I get. Those who normally read fiction will like this one!

2. HOW TO LIVE A GOOD LIFE, by JONATHAN FIELDS
Why I loved it: Jonathan is an all around inspiring guy who runs an organization called the “Good Life project.” It’s good stuff y’all! He focuses on three key areas: connection, contribution and vitality buckets. Well written and easy to read.

3. THE MAGNOLIA STORY, by CHIP & JOANNA GAINES
Why I loved it: Any other HGTV Fixer Upper fans out there? I don’t watch much TV, but I go out of my way to catch this one! Chip and Joanna and just plain fun, and they do some good work. Their book shares how they got to their recent success and lets you inside their lives just enough to make them more endearing.

4. THE BROKEN WAY, by ANN VOSKAMP
Why I loved it: Ann is another who I have heard of often, but hadn’t read any of her books. After I read this, I quickly ordered all of her books. Ann’s words are simply poetic and pack a powerful punch. This book really focuses on the “not so good in life,” and how to embrace those moments “well,” (quote:  “Feelings are meant to be fully felt and fully surrendered.”). SO GOOD.

5. THE HIDING PLACE, by CORRIE TEN BOOM
Why I loved it: THIS IS A CLASSIC in the truest sense. Something told me I surely read this before, but if I did it was with totally fresh eyes. Our modern world sometimes makes us feel like things are hard when honestly they are not. This book captures not only important history, but keeps the sacrifices that people have made for our benefit top-of-mind, and inspires us to be willing to sacrifice when called to do so – INCREDIBLE.

TOP 5 BOOKS 2016

1. ORIGINALS, by ADAM GRANT
Why I loved it: Everything! This is my favorite. It’s both a business read and one that will definitely make you a better person in every segment of your life. The insights and breaking down of myths on how we think and act are very cool.

2. IF YOU CAN KEEP IT, by ERIC METAXAS
Why I loved It: The subtitle of “The Forgotten promise of American Liberty” jumped out and it was also highly recommended. Pretty much everything this author writes has been golden. He dives deep into America as a “nation of nations” and challenges us to reconnect with the ideas of liberty and freedom for all and embrace our role in living out what our nation’s founders entrusted us with – it’s EXCELLENT.

3. CHASE THE LION, by MARK BATTERSON
Why I loved it: Batterson is my favorite Christian author. He seems to magically weave biblical truth and offer example after example of historical evidence to support his call here for us all to CHASE down our fears and go after our dreams. This is a book about “stretching.” Here’s a great quote to wet your appetite: “Napoleon Bonaparte made a distinction between two kinds of courage – regular courage and two-o’clock-in-the-morning courage, ‘The rarest attribute among Generals is two o’ clock -in-the-morning courage.”

4. PRESENT OVER PERFECT, by SHAUNA NIEQUIST
Why I loved it: I had never read Shauna Niequist before, even though she has several books out there. I guess nothing seemed to resonate before. At any rate, this particular book addresses the seasons of our lives and the need to step into the craziness fully. A bit of a flavor: “If someone gave you a completely blank calendar and a bank account as full as you wanted, what would you do? The first thing that leapt into my mind: stop, I would stop. I would rest. I would do nothing at all. I would sleep.” She addresses a certain season as feeling like “off reading.” I for one have been in that season more than one time! If you have as well, you’ll love this one!

5. THROUGH THE EYES OF A LION, by LEVI LUSKO
Why I loved it: Levi and his family lost a little girl unexpectedly. With great sadness, Levi is able to shine a light on God’s grace and Share the painful details but also inspire hope.