To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Grit

When the student is ready, the teacher appears

One of the most remarkable movies of all time to me has been Karate Kid. Mr. Miyagi and Daniel “son” were the classic student/teacher duo. Mr. Miyagi’s creativity and patience were lessons for all of us on so many levels. But in this blog, to me, it was all about Daniel. He showed a desire to learn… He may have grown inpatient with the manner of which he was taught, but nonetheless, he showed up, was relentless in learning and his outcomes showcased the effort. The ideal example of possibility when we are ready.

One example in the “adulting” phase of life is the many important conversations that need had, or new approaches that need taken as we move toward our best self and best life. The need to dive into our own back story to learn how history and/or context may have shaped our initial thoughts and narrated our early opinion is essential, as it gives us context. This type of learning and the work that goes into it is always worth it in the end, but feels a lot like Daniel’s experience in being asked to “wax on, wax off…”confusing and grueling at times.

Most importantly, this is what I feel is the idea example of the Buddhist principle, “When the student is ready… the teacher appears.” We can only find this type of teacher when we are ready for it. The good news, the universe delivers us up some excellent teachers and they come in the forms of books, podcasts, movies, friends, family, mentors, colleagues, and of course professional help. I so love it when the world shows up for me just when I need it. (Chances are, they were there all along, I just wasn’t ready to listen.)

Is there any area of your life where you are ready for a teacher? You might not even know the answer. I know I want to elevate my financial understanding this year… investment options, etc. I have found that just when I started honing in on that, Twitter has served up some excellent resources and those have resulted in a couple of new books, podcasts etc. The world seems to shine right when you are ready.

If you have any similar examples or stories we’d all love to hear them! I hope that this idea is as useful for you as it has been for me. The old quote showed up in my world a few months ago and I knew I wanted to write about it, and it just keeps showing up. I’m hopeful that just the right person finds this to be a helpful sign at just the right on time!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Let us run

“Let us Run.” This has always been one of my favorite scriptures because to me it brings action to mind. If you need a reminder…

“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

Hebrews 12:1

I am not a runner, but wish I was. I do, however, identify with the idea that in order to truly live that we have to get up and move forward, regardless of what is going on.

At work, I have the honor of working with seniors. I love them. Just this week I was talking with some of our patient ambassadors and they were sharing stories of their lives, including struggles with diabetes, cancer, family, etc. Their unified message was that you have to get up and move. They also shared about the faith and friends that have provided them strength during their “race.”

That had me thinking, that the first part of this scripture, is often not quoted… This part from my perspective fills in the key part of the truth.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And, let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Did you get that “surrounded” part? Envision a stadium – better yet, ARROWHEAD – where the loudest fans in the world are supporting you. Put yourself on the field and throw out any excuses, pain and discomfort, and make a decision to move forward in FAITH. You have a universe cheering you on no matter what position life has you in today.

This is a throw back post from 2018 that just felt right. I hope you enjoyed it!

Where do you want to end up?

(Throwback! This post feels so relevant right now as many of us are going back to work or have family starting school!)

Pretty much wherever you want to end up, it will require you put your most comfortable shoes (and frame of mind) on. Comfortable and fun go a long way!

I believe it’s important to have a plan to achieve whatever it is we are hoping to go after personally, in our community, at work and at home as we try to answer these questions…

Where do you want to end up this week?
This month?
This semester?
This year?
During your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, etc.?
During your life time?

Intention and design are the two key terms for me.

First, identifying what I “intend” to do (think: get leaner, eat more greens, call my parents more often, send more handwritten notes, hit my Q4 work goals, etc.). Second, design a plan to ensure that I achieve that “end game” goal (carve out time every Sunday to make those calls, try Pilates, start my days an hour earlier, etc.). To me, the design plan is the most important and also can be the most fun. There are so many ways to get to the same place, and we have the opportunity to make it fun.

What can we do differently to add a bit of whimsy into our days? Instead of that lunch, what about a stroll through the market? Instead of a plane, how about a train for that family long weekend holiday?

Would love your ideas and inspiration!

Vibe check: So, how’s it really going?

We have somehow almost pushed our way through May. Virtual and adapted graduations have largely come and gone, school is wrapping up, and Memorial Day on Monday will be our official nod to the summer days ahead. Most of us have adjusted to our routines (Groundhog Day, anyone?) and, like it or not, are realizing that the parts of the reality we lived in a few months ago are now but a memory.

We forge on. Humans are resilient like that.

I love my Peloton bike and find the instructors to be inspiring and generally on point with messages that work for any rider, no matter where they may live. My latest, favorite motivational coach is Alex Toussaint. He has a motto: Vibe check! As in, how are we all doing?

With so many people working from home and having their lives disrupted in many ways, we may have moved too quickly to believing everyone has adapted and is doing okay. They may be doing “okay,” but are they thriving?

We all know that being off-center is normal in smaller doses, and that we generally bounce back. We need to remember that living in this feeling for longer periods of time can (and likely will) take a toll.

It feels to me like it’s time to check in on our vibe, as Alex would say. It’s time to check in on how we ourselves, honestly, are doing, as well as the ones we love.What can we do to help shift out of any place that’s not healthy and help lift each other up? What can we do to keep wellness top of mind? There are so many great resources out there. One of my favorites is from Dr. Michelle Robin, whose resources are life-changing. One of my favorite thoughts she shared just this week was in the context of “what are we dreaming of today,” authored by Carol Lakin.

D – Draft on those that believe in you
R – Relationship: be mindful of who is in your life
E – Enrich: always remember who lifted you up
A – Authentic: Do your work to make generational change (I love this. We can all use this time to give this thought. Moving toward fulfilling a purpose is always an ignitor for the soul.)
M – Meaning or Magic: thank you for giving me a magical life with meaning (I think this is a great time to share this message with someone who has had an impact on my life…)

I would love to hear your thoughts on wellness & how we can keep the vibe going strong. Cheers to warmer days and spreading lots of love where ever and whenever we can.

Where do you want to end up?

For me, it’s all blue sky and blue water! (OK, really any kind of water. But dang, this pic is cool.)

Where are you headed? As in, for the next let’s say 81 days or taking us to the kick off of a new year? If that scares you, how about the next 30 days.

I had a great meeting yesterday with someone I’d say is a “co-mentor,” as in I get way more out of our exchanges, but hope I am helping her in some way. We talked about the need to really gavel down on where you want to be in this season – not the fall like season, but the season of your life.

Are you in a growth mode or a contentment mode? Are you ready to fire up the engines and move to the next level or simply rest? All seasons are good for us so there is no judgement wherever you may identify that you are.

For me, where I want to end up by December 31 can be summed up by a few key things…

I want to connect or reconnect as it may be with those people that I absolutely treasure but my work or life has not allowed for the time I desire. I want to elevate my work by spending more time on strategy development and execution now that I’ve been on a learning curve for for four months. I want to ensure I don’t lose sight of my physical goals to maintain a healthy exercise regimen, and mainly eating right in the midst of a very hectic season. Oh, and I think I better find some time to rest and truly reset at some point soon. (The whole blue water thing needs to happen.)

How about you? Where are you at today? Can you spend some time writing down what you’d like to see happen? The power of the written word is strong. According to a recent Forbes study, we are 1.2 to 1.4 more likely to accomplish what we take the time to write down. In the process you “encode” your hopes and are able to draw on these thoughts as you go through your days toward success.

I hope your weekend is purely wonderful. Here’s to smashing the heck out of whatever we all want to achieve in this season.

Power in the wait

Waiting for the big trip to finally arrive…

Waiting for the big game…

Waiting for the big test…

Waiting to get your first real job…

Waiting to find those people that make you better…

Waiting to watch the daylight fall into the night sky…

The “power in the wait” is beautiful. The preparation, the holding on… it makes us better, more resilient, more determined, more focused. It is in the wait that we are able to go a bit deeper than we thought possible. Pushing ourselves past those self-imposed limits and adjusting our thoughts to the “what ifs,” realizing that it truly will all end up as designed. I have always felt that God has us exactly where we are supposed to be in any given situation, relationship or assignment. We wait, we learn, we grow. We continue with this cycle and if we are smart, cherishing these periods and recognizing that they help us ultimately achieve our best self. Being our best self is what allows us to serve each other well. It is beautiful. Whatever you may be “waiting” on today, my prayer is that you will anticipate it fearlessly and with passion, fully aware that the universe is cheering you on.

Have an amazing week my friends.

Elevating your game takes wonder (oh, and maybe a little pain)

Elevating your game, “leveling up” or taking ground… all require grit, guts and all a heavy dose of creativity and for sure wonder. Many times, that requires us to get a bit bruised in the process.

The quote in the photo refers to Harry Houdini, the world-famous magician. He forever upped his game and worked toward creating genius in his work. In this story, he was trying to figure out how a peer walked a tightrope… he unfortunately learned the hard way (i.e. losing his front teeth) that there are better ways to do this.

Of course you get the main part of that story, but what about the reference to “wonder?” Did you catch that? In Gino’s recent book, ‘Rebel Talent,’ she embarks on just why being a rebel is important. One part I love is her chapter educating us to always strive to have people on our teams (including ourselves) that generate wonder. Those people on the team that may seem to be drifting off, coming up with a different way to look at “things” to help us to see a different “angle.” Pointing out the “what ifs” is an important contribution to any impactful team or project. I would say, even at home.

She shares a story of her toddler son wanting to put food coloring in his cereal. His dad immediately saying, “we don’t do that,” and then their collective awakening: “why not?” Why can’t we have colored milk? Who made up the rule that this is not a good thing? What a simple yet perfect example. How often do we say, “We can’t do that,” or “we don’t do that in this family,” or “our rules don’t allow that in the workplace?” etc.

We should carefully question our tendency to shut down creativity and empowerment in many situations. After all, wonder is often what takes us to the next level. Breaking the “rules” and pushing boundaries (within reason of course…) is what brought us the light bulb, the mobile phone, Facebook, Uber, Amazon… you get the point.

Get out the crayons and paper and allow yourself and your family/work place/community group to exercise their creativity and wonder.  It may get messy, but you might just make something beautiful!

The back story: Even the best highlight reels have them

I had my 50th birthday last week and wrapped up what ended up being a wonderful trip to pick my son Sam up from Australia where he was studying abroad. I posted some fun pictures along the way and it was fun to see everyone’s comments and birthday wishes.

That is the absolutely best part about Facebook: using it as a tool for encouragement. As a community we are darn good at encouraging one another on that  medium! It got me thinking that sometimes we see pictures, videos, etc.  and think others have a “storybook” life and that might make us wish we had that, too, or at least that part of it! I think we all know by now that social media is generally a place we share the great things going on in our lives, and not the parts that aren’t so much fun.

This blog post today is a call for us all to remember that there is always a back story.

Most of the greatest successes in the history of our country have come from those whose lives didn’t start out glamorous, and often were filled with hardship and struggle. What I have found in the average person I know, is that their lives are full.  Full of joy, sadness, anxiety, excitement, fun and sometimes hardship that is difficult to understand. No one is immune to these truths in life.

Just before I left for Australia, I was experiencing some health issues (anxiety triggered by higher-than-normal blood pressure, acid reflux — Yep… I thought it was a heart attack on its way).  I am pretty sure most, if not all of it, was stress related since I felt so much better while away. I also, in all of my “semi-hiking” glory, had a knee injury and walked around with a beautiful tan knee brace which was very, let’s say, “50+.”

If anyone of you have been on a family vacation for any period of time, you know that there are often a few glorious moments of heated exchange.  I think you get the point…we all have a back story.  We all have our great days and those that, frankly, suck. It’s all part of the ride! Have a great weekend!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Playing to win

I am a fan of daily devotions. A good friend got me the ‘Awaken’ devotional book from Priscilla Shirer for this year, and I am really liking it. I love practice examples and she offers plenty. In this verse, she focused on the “in such a way,” part: “Read this again and see: the winning is not just in the running. It’s in the WAY the RACE IS RUN.”

It’s Superbowl Sunday and the Winter Olympics launch on Thursday. A huge week for sports fan and I am indeed among them. Serious athletes and all of us who strive for excellence in our own “race” must run with endurance and have the discipline needed to anchor our souls and lives to a plan that will help us to do so in the best possible way.

Shirer suggests that we do this by listening and submitting in obedience to God’s word. In other words, to actually seek out his voice through scripture reading and any other way that you can soak it in with today’s many resources.

For this “Simple Thoughts Sunday” I am all in on following his plan to achieve the life of excellence I desire. I hope you will have some time to truly enjoy the big game today and will celebrate the athletes who have indeed put in the effort to WIN later this week with the rest of the world.

I can’t wait to spend some time this week diving into the insights of Olympics past and present. It will be FUN!