To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Self care

What “one word” sets you on fire for the best year ever?

I really love this topic. My mind runs amok with the possibilities. Where in the world does God want us to go in 2019? How do we best achieve our personal goals and purpose? How can we show up with excellence at home, in our neighborhood, as a friend, for our community and in our careers?

Now, of course I know “one word” doesn’t capture it all, but what would one thought be that galvanizes and energizes? Is there a specific area in your life that needs a specific focus? Do you need to for example cultivate your relationships? Do you need to have more days of connection and joy? Are you being called to adventure, travel or exploration?

So many ideas. Here are a few…

Discipline – This was my first “one word” from back in 2012, and it was the year I started working out on a regular basis and focusing on personal health. Total game changer.

Also… Elevate, trust, joy, stretch, acceptance, happiness, freedom, momentum, growth, unstoppable, shine, minimize, rebuild, peace, silence, brave, curious, perspective, thrive, aware, fresh, quiet, travel, adventure, journey, accelerate, game-changer, win, search, commit, dedicate, meaning, true, love…

If you choose to jump on this train, I highly recommend that you share your word with a few members of your tribe, write it down and put it front and center somewhere you see often. There are also other resources, including a website, which lets you join others across the world in the process.

In closing, I will share that selecting a word could be a challenge. Since I’ve done this a few years, I always want to give it some real thought and try to hear from God on what would be the most powerful word to help direct me. That said, my word for 2018 was “revival,” and I didn’t really understand it fully at the time, but felt it was clearly supposed to be my word.

Here is what I wrote in last year’s blog (referencing a message I had just heard at that time about “revival” being a “season of reintroduction”): “Revival is a time where God reintroduces himself, exposes you more to your next assignment, and gives you insights to conquer that next level.” As it turns out, it actually was a year of reintroduction, but in many ways not at all how I would have even began to predict or understand January 1. I think that is a fun part of this journey… sometimes what you think at the onset is not how it ends up.  

What we can count on is that 2019 will be an adventure! Have a terrific weekend everyone!  

10 down, 2 to go… Let’s dive into THANKFULNESS

November is fantastic! The home stretch is in view and we should be sure to take account of the year and especially those people, lessons, and experiences that we need to show gratitude for. Some thoughts to kick start your mind…

Anything new in 2018?

Friendships, career changes, schools, homes, vehicles, trips, and yes, new arrivals! (I have some friends that have new babies or grandbabies — and oh my, that is the best thing to be thankful for!) 

Any lesson that has stuck with you?

How you handle transition? What you need to be the best version of yourself (sleep anyone)? How do you learn the best? What is your greatest teacher?

Anything painful that is stretching you?

Yep, I think we have to be thankful for those things too… annoying I know!

Anything that has brought you true joy?

Pets? Friends? Experiences? A simple conversation? A lunch date with your favorite friend? 

This list could honestly go on and on. I sit here and begin to reflect on ALL that has filled the last 10 months, and I am literally AMAZED by the blessings and gifts this year has brought. I will be honest and say it has been pretty hard as well, but even the tough parts are deep with meaning, serving as a part of my journey that I respect and appreciate.

I hope you will take some time to begin a month long process of identifying what those things are to you. I feel you will truly be blessed by what one year can bring. I am prayerful that you will find yourself with a big grin and a heart full of the magic of this life, knowing you are fully loved and fully in the process of achieving your purpose.

Loving the Flaws in Humanity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In case you haven’t been hit squarely with this message already this week: We are all flawed!

Isn’t it fun?

You know what? It truly is amazing that with the 330 million(ish) people walking around just this country,  we are able to not only just survive but THRIVE with all of the crazy imperfections that we all have. (For those who love stats…there are nearly 8 billion people in the world.)

As we talked about recently, learning from others through their stories can help us alleviate some of the pain in making our own mistakes.

But the truth is that if we are active and moving forward, we are going to fall from time to time, in word or deed. It seems some people are hellbent on creating drama and yet, their “drama” is likely a response to their own hurt, or flaws that may or may not be a result of their own decisions or choice.

With the elections coming up and the absolute onslaught of messaging on every form of media, we are better if we can keep front and center in our minds that each of us are a part of this “cool” world, and each of us CAN MAKE IT BETTER by embracing the flaws that we bring to the table, and those that impact us from those in our circles. I had a neighbor tell me a long time ago when I went into the health care field, to “remember that EVERYONE was someone’s baby.” That has been so useful. There is innocence and love in all people if we look for it! I’m going to look for it every chance I get. I’m also going to shut down the media outlets this week for the sheer joy of not allowing myself to get wrapped up in the drama.

Have a wonderful week. Embrace flaws every chance you get!  Ultimately they serve us best by making us better.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: The power of the wait

This is a Christian truth.

Wait, maybe it’s just a life truth.

There is POWER in the wait. As we hold tight to our faith, and pray that God will reveal our “next step,” our “best next move” our optimal “way to succeed” in this life, we try to keep our faith strong and forge ahead with grit and hope. It doesn’t matter if the topic involves, school, career, relationships, finances, etc., it’s all the same… the WAIT is a real part of our lives. We endure the WAIT so we can CELEBRATE the “next” outcome and eventually become our best self.

Here’s my thinking today… we just HAVE to try our best to be optimistic, hopeful and even eager to see where God wants us to go next. We have to believe there is a “better” for us… A place that helps us to understand why we have been where we have, and where we are headed. A “next” step to fulfilling our purpose and allowing us to use our gifts, talents and resources to improve humanity all around us.

Here’s what I know… as a 50 year old, I know that my faith is what helps me endure the wait. My faith gives me all I need (although sometimes it is not pretty) to know that His plan is perfect and I’m headed in the direction I’m supposed to. I have truly found that I am strengthened during seasons of waiting and that I am better able to sustain and even prosper during “dry” seasons due to my knowing that there is a better plan… A plan much better than my simple mind can understand.

As you go into the week, know that if you or someone you love is in a period of “waiting,” that God has them right where they are supposed to be. If it happens to be you, I pray that you will be strengthened by this post and are able to realize that the WAIT is WORTH IT and before you know it, you will be STEPPING up to the next level.

Emotionally exhale this Labor Day weekend

(Photo Creds: Canva)

How are you making this Labor Day weekend count? I like to think that this holiday isn’t just about taking a break, but rather about emotionally exhaling.

This weekend used to wind down the summer before school started. Alas, that isn’t the case anymore. August’s onslaught of obligations, activities, etc. are in full force for most of us. But wait, didn’t summer just start? So obviously, Labor Day weekend is a really good time to take a breather.

“Emotionally exhaling” doesn’t take much. (That’s sort of the point.)

Reading, life planning, sharing a meal or two with friends or family, a visit to the farmer’s market, and  a chance to take in the last days of poolside bliss. Those work for me, but for others it’s about rock climbing, marathons and shopping extravaganzas. Reflect on what this weekend should look like for you based on the season of your life. Be a little selfish – you deserve it.

There is a great book that came out a few years ago called “The Best Yes” by Lysa Terkeurst. It calls out to us to make the best decision for ourselves at that given moment and season. So, what does your soul need this weekend? There is still time to make it happen.

Whatever you do with the rest of your long weekend, I hope that you will emotionally exhale.

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!

Time to hit Airplane mode

Happy July y’all.

It’s July 2, and therefore the perfect time to throw on the airplane mode feature on our phones, and (as much as we can) implement that idea into our lives.

I’ve been writing the blog now for four years and decided two years ago to not write during the month of July. The time away creates space to think, pray, read, reflect and hopefully be inspired in my writing. That is the intention I’m setting!  This year I am going to push out some inspirational messaging that “I heard on Peloton.” I recently purchased one of their bikes and it has been an incredible experience. I won’t blog (although I’m sure I have plenty to see about some of the great content) but will focus on what I feel is a simple and powerful message during my regular postings, Sunday, Tuesday and thursdays.   I hope it will add a bit of fun to your summer.

It is such an honor to serve you all with these short thoughts and I am so grateful for your support. My prayer is that you too will go on “airplane mode” so to speak. Look up and savor the joy in this season. What a gift we have been given to live out what God has provided us with.

Have a wonderful 4th of July celebration this week!

GO AMERICA! WE LOVE YOU!

Honoring your children well!

I stand in amazement at how others honor their children so well. Let me first say that honoring can be done in so many ways, and I believe they are all good and necessary. The point today is to lead you all to some folks that do this in ways that astound me, and will spur you onward. I personally love to to learn from others, and these ladies have pushed me along while not knowing it.

Check out these gals if you can; and if not, I have put in a few excerpts below that they recently posted that will offer a flavor of what I believe is pure awesome.

Kira Atkinson-Montuori – Kira always speaks out not only the virtue she sees, but also how her children do this for others. I honestly think without knowing it, she does this instinctively to reward them for being there for others. I love that. What do you want to see more of in your children? Here’s an excerpt from Kira’s Facebook post after her daughter ran the Girls on the Run 5K this weekend:

“She is everything I want to be.

She is determined. She is strong. She believes in herself. She is a goal setter and a goal go getter. And she is kind.

Every picture tells a story. A story about a girl who was excited. nervous. committed to what she wanted. And a girl whose main focus after crossing the line was to go back and congratulate her friends.”

Steph Guerin – This comes from a Facebook post for her son’s birthday (note, it doesn’t have to be her child’s birthday… she does this almost weekly). It’s incredible. Also, please note this is part of a multi-point message, so she really takes the time to honor well. I think that is a key we all need to remember:

“10) You. You, my son are a gift in and of yourself. I love your mind. I love your heart. I love your enthusiasm. I love your determination. I love your desire to win. I love that you would give any friend of yours anything that they wanted. I love your loyalty. I love your secrets. I love your chatter. I love your sense of humor. I love your memory. I love the way you connect things that other people can’t. I love that you get bored with stuff that doesn’t matter- it sucks in 5th grade, but it will serve you well later. I love that you want more than anything to be a good husband and father and that you already have the best taste in girls. I love that you’ve had your career path lined up since you were 5- even though it has changed. I love that you are able to take all the crap the world hands you and say you got it, and now I’m proud you can say you need help. I love that you are an 11 year old boy who can express a full range of emotions. I still wish you’d give me more hugs, but I should give you more, too. We’ll work on that.”

Casi Quinn – Casi does this type of Facebook post often. As parents, expressing our raw hearts is important and yet I find myself not doing it as much as I should – rarely even. Taking the time to point out this level of detail, leaves the family with a connection on how they should live out their lives. The lesson here for me, at the minimum, is that we teach our children how to honor by how we honor:

“Tonight was prom. And as we come to a close on Colton’s Senior year, I am once again reminded that behind every great older brother (in our house) is a younger brother who is equally as great. What memories they have made! How they have cherished one another….

I have watched them build forts, igloos, homemade weapons (In case they were ever stranded out in the wilderness). They have fought together, prayed together, cried together, laughed together – grown up together.

They have been roommates. Teammates. Schoolmates. Partners in crime…they are the epitome of what brothers should be. And I am so proud. So. Dang. Proud.”

Colton Quinn you are an amazing big brother. You are Just. Who. AJ. Needed. No one could have done the job as his big brother better than you. In your outlandish way, you brought out the best of him. You showed him that it was ok to be himself. And when he felt the world was against him, you would lift him up. God knew just what He needed. And AJ Quinn, you have been a silent strength. An unwavering constant that was a safe place for Colton to grow and learn that love doesn’t care about differences. A listener. An encourager. You’ve brought him peace – and balance. What a gift you are to one another!!”

Kira, Steph and Casi: Your words and heart are a profound lesson for us all. THANK YOU!

I hope this post gave you some ideas on how to dig deeper in honoring. No matter what, I hope that all of you will take some time this week to offer up a bit of extra honor to your children, or another loved one that could benefit!

Raise your hand!

Today is the day to look around and assess those who surround us. Both at work, home and in our circle of friends and neighbors.

Name and claim those who inspire you to be better… those who give you strength and inspire your happiness. (Note: This does not mean they are perfect every day, but that they overall add richness to your world.) 

Now, identify those that don’t even come close. These may be those that never say “good morning” or who  engage in life from the perspective that the world circulates around them.

Now, after you have both lists, there are decisions to make. If you find yourself in a position where you simply can’t dodge the situation, the great news is that you can set the tone for how you personally are going to engage. Even the crankiest of people find themselves in a bit better mood when they are surrounded by positive energy and people who care. (They may seem annoyed, but inside, we all need this…) If they are someone that you find yourself spending time with by choice, than by all means it’s time to put a stake in the ground and realize that you truly don’t HAVE to spend your precious time in this way. (Remembering that life is indeed short and it is ours to decide how to best live our days.) 

The point of today’s thought is that we need to live inspired. We have a decision on how we show up and who we allow to impact us. Don’t settle and soak of those strength givers.

Enthusiasm: Get your week off to a rousing start

Today I lean on Tom Peters and his leadership wisdom to offer you some of what I think is absolutely BRILLIANT. In fact, I think this is a game changer for all of us. Here is a brief excerpt from his new read, The Excellence Dividend:

“NFL coaches carefully script the first few plays of the game, aiming to get off to a good start. Of course, the details of the plan will likely fall through long before play number ten.  But the scripts aims to set the course.

Beginnings are everything. A solid research finding, not a slogan. So start the week off on the right foot.

Do NOT — come hell AND high water — let the first 45 minutes of the week slip by without decisive impact. (Mr. Peters using a lot of exclamation points, bold lettering and all caps to stress his point.)

A week is a precious unit of measure. And a week is a story, a novella — it has a beginning, middle, and end. Sweating BIG-TIME on the beginning is crucial to all that follows.

Next Monday: Script your first five to ten plays (i.e. carefully launch every day or week in a purposeful fashion.)”

As always, I hope this is useful to at least one of you wonderful people. For those of you following this blog closely and read about my mom last Thursday, this particular blog pushes into perspective that we really must value our days and weeks. Our moments are precious and we can impact lives and serve so much better if we do so with intention.

(My mother is progressing slightly, so as her brain repairs itself, we continue to hope for God’s will. We greatly value all of you who have reached out.)