The Pineapple Theory of Creating Joyful Work
I love my work. I am lucky that I get to do stuff I like most of the day. The people I work with treat me well. I hope they think I treat them well. And, there are parts of my day that I do not enjoy....
View ArticleOne Sure Way to Bring Joyfulness to Thanksgiving
We all love Thanksgiving, right? It’s such a great holiday that even people who did not grow up here in the United States typically embrace Thanksgiving. And, the day itself can have it’s challenges...
View ArticleThe Most Important Thing to Be Grateful For
As most of you know, gratitude can play a key role in our having a satisfying, successful life. It’s one of the reasons I am grateful that I started my newsletter on Wednesdays–writing about gratitude...
View ArticleMy Love–Hate Relationship with Christmas
I love Christmas and the holidays. I get to guiltlessly sing along with John Denver and the Muppets at full volume (when no one is around), just sit and stare at the Christmas tree decorated with...
View ArticleMake Up Your Mind
“You’re about as happy as you make up your mind to be.” This is what I heard from my dad when I asked for words of wisdom at his birthday celebration a while ago. Dad did not remember who said it, but...
View ArticleYou Have Already Won
You Have Already Won. Last Monday I got to listen to a wonderful speech by that title. Fellow Toastmaster, Tim Greenwood, expounded on the topic wonderfully. He started by being a bit obsessed with...
View ArticleI’m Feeling Brave
I’m feeling brave. I had plans to ski with my dear friend Marci. I love spending time with Marci, even more than skiing. We are both avowed fair weather skiers, so when the day dawned with sleet that...
View ArticleHelp or Hindrance: How Do To-Do Lists Affect You?
I’m really good at making to-do lists, not so great at completing all the items on them. I feel powerful and organized when making the list; then manic as I try to complete everything in the time...
View ArticleWho’s Afraid of the Giant Green Worm?
It’s summer, so I have to talk about giant green tomato worms. A decade ago in my first real garden I found a GIANT green tomato worm. It was as big around as my thumb and longer, much longer. As it...
View ArticleHow is Life Like Eating an Apple?
I recently heard a story about a man who moved to a region where apples were plentiful and could not stop eating them, downing up to 20 per day. I think the story teller embellished a bit, however it...
View ArticleWhat is Good Enough? 80% or 90%?
How do you define “good enough”? How do you know when a project is done? Sauce seasoned perfectly? Years ago a boss told me, “Your version of okay is most people’s really good (picture me smiling). And...
View ArticleOver the Hump is back!
With just a little room to grow, miracles happen. A couple of weeks ago I transplanted a schefflera plant into a larger pot and added some additional soil. Voila! Sprouting new sprouts where there had...
View ArticleHELLO MAGNIFICENT!!!
Last week as I wrote about looking in the mirror and exclaiming this lovely, true sentiment to ourselves, I realized it’s a great way to see the magnificence in others–especially those folks who make...
View ArticleMake time for this important activity
Make time for communication. I heard this as part of a larger conversation last week at a SAMI meeting, and it really hit home so I have been pondering it since. Engaging with one another thoughtfully...
View ArticleLetting go
I try not to let artificial boundaries define my life too much. Yes, I pay my bills on the first of the month, and make sure my corporate to-do list is complete on Friday–but I long ago stopped making...
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