Last week, I attended the promotion and pinning ceremony for the South Walton Fire Department. Our son was recognized as a new officer – a result of hard work and determination as he developed his leadership abilities and technical acumen. It was such a privilege to be among the family, friends, and off-duty officers who …
Of all the goals I set this year, becoming unoffendable is probably the grandest. When I mention this goal, the typical response is delivered with a smirk; “How is that working out for you?” Brant Hansen author of Unoffendable points out, “Anger is extraordinarily easy. It’s our default setting.” My personal default setting is happiness but …
During a recent leadership session with a team of smart, motivated, self-aware individuals, there was a lively discussion on how to crush fear and become more courageous. It was agreed that a vital component is building up one’s faith. Since activation is key for this group, the next question was, “How exactly, do you build …
Ever noticed that you are quicker to forgive others for mistakes than you are to move past your own missteps? The fact is, we all make mistakes. I have repeatedly told those offering me an apology that the day I am perfect is the day I will expect them to be. That makes them totally …
Watermelons in February? How does a grower manage that? Not very well, I tell you. I fell for it last week when a decent price on one of my favorite summer fruits called my name. I can’t say I was surprised when I cut into it and found it to be an utter disappointment. I …
President’s Day pops up every February as the combined celebration of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays. It’s a bit of a confusing holiday with more businesses open than closed. It’s a Federal holiday but not many others have the day off. It’s often considered to be a good time to recognize those who have …
The bald eagle has been a symbol of leadership, excellence, and freedom ever since the second National Congress selected it as America’s national bird in 1782. The eagle’s characteristics of remarkable vision, life-long commitment, and the ability to soar higher than any other bird make the designation quite fitting. Since eagles make soaring look easy, …
My husband gave me a new TV for Christmas. I don’t watch much TV, but the one we’d had for years was embarrassingly outdated. It was small and fit in an old TV hutch – the kind that hasn’t been produced for at least 20 years. Time to embrace technology and opt for the new …
Dealing with difficult people is a daily challenge for most of us. Over several decades of teaching workshops on this subject, interest and demand for the topic have not dwindled. Whether it’s controlling bosses, recalcitrant employees, or unhappy spouses – people who are hard to please and chronically unhappy aren’t hard to find. The best …
It starts before the sandbox – this curse of comparison. While we are itty bitty people, we are grabbing for another child’s toy, thinking it’s better than the one in our hand. It seems as if we are born selfish. Whether you call comparison a curse or a trap, it is a habit that can …