Poci Volki
November 2, 2009
Here’s the Poci Volki. That’s a Pocatello Volkswagon, if you need translation.
This painting/sketch was inspired by a photo of new-to-her wheels on niece, Jill’s blog: http://thenoisyplume.blogspot.com/2009/10/morning-has-broken.html
If you’re generally in the mood for some very creative writing, you’ll find plenty on Jill’s blog, The Noisy Plume.
She is, as she proudly notes, a young Canadian woman transplanted to America soil, where she lives and toils as a jeweler in Pocatello, Idaho.
(more…)
PAUSE – 9.39 – Asking For Help
October 28, 2009
REFLECTION:
I’ve been working on a new opening for a speech that I’ll be giving in Phoenix next month. After having drafted out my ideas, I asked a few colleagues of mine who are blessed with an abundance of wit and humor for their reactions and advice.
I just heard back from the first of my buddies. He offered some great suggestions and reassured me I was on the right track. Now I’m even more excited about doing some additional tweaking and tuning.
On the same day, a colleague of mine contacted me and asked if I’d contribute to a bonus package of items that she was putting together as a purchasing incentive to help market her new book. Our messages are complimentary to each other, so I was happy to give her a hand and add to her bundle.
What do these two experiences have in common? The practice of reaching out for help and asking for what you need.
It has been my experience that friends, family and colleagues are more than willing to lend a helping hand. But if you and I can’t identify the need or find the confidence or humility to make the request, those generous offers of caring and support are much less likely to surface.
ACTION:
What do you need? And where can you help? Pay close attention at work and at home. Someone just might need support; and at any given time it could be you or me on the giving or receiving end of the equation.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“He who is afraid of asking is ashamed of learning.” – Danish Proverb
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RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:
Here’s an interesting article from the Business section of the New York Times titled, “Why Is Asking For Help So Difficult?” See: http://tinyurl.com/yhxcasw
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READERS WRITE:
In response to last week’s message on ‘Buckling Down’, Pause reader GJ writes: Well, this is one of the most timely messages I have received in ages! I’m in a wonderful new position. After 20 years at home raising my children, I’ve been easing into part time work. For the last 8 months I’ve been working full time. I love the learning curve around my new position; but prioritizing, managing the interruptions and trying to remain focused on task is a weakness. Today YOU have just written out what I need to place in front of me to help me transition to a more productive day. Thank you!
REFLECTION: I’ve been working on a new opening for a speech that I’ll be giving in Phoenix next month. After having drafted out my ideas, I asked a few colleagues of mine who are blessed with an abundance of wit and humor for their reactions and advice. I just heard back from the first of my buddies. He offered some great suggestions and reassured me I was on the right track. Now I’m even more excited about doing some additional tweaking and tuning.
On the same day, a colleague of mine contacted me and asked if I’d contribute to a bonus package of items that she was putting together as a purchasing incentive to help market her new book. Our messages are complimentary to each other, so I was happy to give her a hand and add to her bundle.
What do these two experiences have in common? (more…)
PAUSE – 9.37 – Reality Check
October 15, 2009
REFLECTION:
A few weeks ago, I entertained a fantasy about how Thanksgiving might unfold this year. I come from a good sized farm family that has a long history of gathering the clan for special occasions. And so, I issued the Thanksgiving dinner invitation to my folks, my kids, my sisters and their extended families.
Although some family members are too far away to drop in for dinner, those most likely to be in the vicinity number 20 or more. In my mind, I picture a large group gathered in my home enjoying a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, leisurely drifting between house and garden throughout a warm, sunny fall afternoon.
Here’s how it actually unfolded. Everyone except my own youngsters and my parents had other plans. In the end, my parents ended up under the weather on ‘turkey day’ and elected to stay home rather than spread the bug. The weatherman delivered snow and temperatures well below zero. The garden that had still been quite beautiful the week before was frozen solid!
You might think I’d be disappointed – and I confess to having experienced a twinge or two in the run up to the event. However, it turned out to be a great Thanksgiving after all.
The small group made for lots of close and easy visits. There was less pressure to meet conflicting timetables for getting dinner on the table, and a small enough group that we actually sat at the table instead of balancing plates on our knees buffet-style. One sister and her family dropped over later in the day for a fun visit over coffee and pie.
The day after the dinner, my daughter, grandson and I delivered a ‘meals on wheels’ version of Thanksgiving leftovers to my folks at the farm, resulting in another good visit at that end. And, the weather, although chilly, was still decent enough to get outdoors for a few short walks.
ACTION:
I’m reminded of the importance of not letting some fantasy picture of perfection interfere with enjoying the reality that unfolds on our doorsteps.
When life knocks at the door, open up, and welcome it in. Although, it may not be what you had expected, it could turn out even better than you’d imagined!
_________________________
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.” – W.J. Cameron
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RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:
Here’s a tool to help you pay attention to the appreciative power of positive action. Print a copy of Pause Check and post it where you’ll be reminded of a few of the small but significant experiences that make up a very good day: http://www.pauseworks.com/library/documents/PauseCheck.pdf
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READERS WRITE:
In response to last week’s message, Get A ‘Smove On, Pause reader LR writes: “I always enjoy receiving your uplifting messages. At times, I sadly don’t take the time to read them as thoroughly as I should and this is my loss. I took the time today and you know it was the best start I’ve had to my mornings in a couple of weeks. Smile & Move is simple, clear, and easy to read. Best of all it has a message that I honour. I try to reflect these behaviours in my personal walk in life. Refreshers on what life should be and can be are sunbeams that keep this human going.”
REFLECTION: A few weeks ago, I entertained a fantasy about how Thanksgiving might unfold this year. I come from a good sized farm family that has a long history of gathering the clan for special occasions. And so, I issued the Thanksgiving dinner invitation to my folks, my kids, my sisters and their extended families.
Although some family members are too far away to drop in for dinner, those most likely to be in the vicinity number 20 or more. In my mind, I picture a large group gathered in my home enjoying a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, leisurely drifting between house and garden throughout a warm, sunny fall afternoon.
Here’s how it actually unfolded. (more…)
PAUSE – 9.36 – Get a ‘Smove On
October 7, 2009
REFLECTION:
I don’t know about you, but some days it’s pretty easy for me to get distracted noodling around the web. A simple query takes me to web site A. An interesting link lures me to site B. Site B suggests a detour to site C. And so it goes.
It’s a bit like meandering through the streets and canals of Venice. You know you’re lost. You have no idea where you are. You’re not sure how you got there, or where you’re going. There’s always something enticing just around the corner, beckoning from a distance. But, still the journey itself is highly engaging.
And, so it was – meandering around the web one day – that I stumbled upon the Smile & Move site. Smile & Move is a ‘smovement’ created by a media group in Richmond, Virginia.
In brief, their goal is to encourage others to participate in the world in two important ways: by building connections and by making contributions.
Building high quality connections by becoming more attentive, engaged and interested in the people around you. Getting a move on in the service of others by finding ways to contribute without excuse or complaint.
ACTION:
It’s an engaging message. Check it out for yourself at: http://www.smileandmove.com
Be forewarned, though. Exploring the site is definitely more of an amble than a sprint.
Watching the 3 minute ‘smovie’ is a good place to start for an overview of the ‘smovement’: http://www.smileandmove.com/smovie/.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
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RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:
If you are so moved, share the ‘smile & move’ message around your office through the mini-posters provided as a complimentary download at: http://www.smileandmove.com/resources/
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READERS WRITE:
In response to last week’s message, Tuning In & Tuning Out, Pause reader LC writes: “How we deal with interruptions may show where our heart really is. Somehow we want things to go smoothly without a bump in the road.
An interruption of sorts that became a huge irritation for me was around the coffee pot at work. The understanding is that when you take the last cup, you make a fresh pot. There always seemed to be some who would forget, or ignore, the rule. It rankled me and I thought that my time was just as valuable as that of others. What right had the other person to interrupt my finely tuned schedule? Why should I have to make coffee when he or she should have done it?
I don’t recall when it happened, but at some point, I changed my thinking and purposed to use coffee making time for a moment of gratitude. Now, when I make a pot at the office, whether I or another person took the last cup, I choose to let that time be a signal to be grateful. I am grateful for my job, for my health (which at one time seriously jeopardized my job), for interesting and fulfilling work, for family, for friends. Life is full of irritations. We can choose to be upset, to worry, or to take time for gratitude. “
REFLECTION: I don’t know about you, but some days it’s pretty easy for me to get distracted noodling around the web. A simple query takes me to web site A. An interesting link lures me to site B. Site B suggests a detour to site C. And so it goes.
It’s a bit like meandering through the streets and canals of Venice. You know you’re lost. You have no idea where you are. You’re not sure how you got there, or where you’re going. There’s always something enticing just around the corner, beckoning from a distance. But, still the journey itself is highly engaging.
And, so it was – meandering around the web one day – that I stumbled upon the Smile & Move site. Smile & Move is a ‘smovement’ created by a media group in Richmond, Virginia.
In brief, their goal is to encourage others to participate in the world in two important ways: by building connections and by making contributions. (more…)
Plogged? Intersturbed?
September 17, 2009
Years ago, my eldest daughter tugged at my sleeve while I was speaking on the telephone and pleaded, “Mom, sorry to intersturb you, but…” I don’t remember the nature of the emergency, but I do remember the word – a cross between interrupt and disturb. I don’t believe ‘intersturb’ has yet made its way into the dictionary (my spell-checker tells me it hasn’t); but, I’m sure it belongs there!
On the weekend, as I tried my best to force a reluctant (or should that be recalcitrant) water sprinkler spike to do its thing, I complained to my husband, “The dang thing is plogged.” Apparently, I couldn’t decide if it was clogged or plugged so I opted for the combo!
If you, like me, occasionally find yourself struggling to choose the right word, you’ll definitely be interested in the new e-book authored by my friend and world-class editor, Barbara McNichol.
Barbara specializes in helping people find the perfect words and avoid mistakes in everything they write. She has now made it easy to find the exact right word when it really matters through her ebook, WORD TRIPPERS.
This easy-to-search guide includes more than 300 everyday word pairings that cause confusion (e.g., further vs. farther or except vs. accept) with examples that make selecting the right word fast and easy.
To take a peek (not peak), follow this link to purchase Word Trippers (and receive bonuses that will improve your writing): http://4f1a7enss2yy7u3vtdjiya1p10.hop.clickbank.net/
Dithering
September 16, 2009
No sooner had I posted today’s Pause message about indecision on the blog, than I opened the paper to the comics section where I discovered a great cartoon expression of the same conundrum.
Check out the ‘Cornered’ cartoon for September 16/09 at: http://www.gocomics.com/cornered/2009/09/16/
Enjoy!
Turn … Turn … Turn
September 13, 2009
Autumn is clearly upon us.
So say:
the first red leaf on the bonsai maple,
the brightest tiny pumpkin,
and these eager tomatoes of varied heft and hue.
If the sun-drenched glow of red, orange and gold
warm your heart and call your name,
then your time and your season have arrived.
PAUSE – 9.32 – Labor Day Legacy
September 9, 2009
REFLECTION:
Another Labor Day weekend has come and gone. We spent our trio of days socializing in a uncommonly active way: hosting an out of town colleague for dinner on Friday, visiting with dear friends around the riverbank fireworks on Saturday, taking in a dinner theatre with my parents on Sunday, and enjoying two visits with our grandson and his parents – one involving a last-day-of-the-season twirl on the merry go round. We experienced wonderful connections with all these people who are so important in our lives.
At the same time, I couldn’t help but remember two who are no longer with us. You see, in addition to marking that transition from summer to fall, for two decades of our family life, Labor Day weekend was the time for our annual visit to a treasured aunt and uncle in Edmonton. Both have passed away in recent years, but I still think fondly of them and the memories we created together during those ‘same time next year’ Labor Day visits.
I’ve noted that my aunt’s birthday still appears every year on my electronic calendar (September 3rd was her day) and that her address and phone number are still listed in my electronic address book. For some reason, I can’t yet bring myself to erase either one.
ACTION:
As summer ends, the leaves turn, school begins, work ramps up, and fall activities roll into full gear, spare a moment to think about the status of those relationships that are near and dear to you.
In whose lives do you want to have the kind of presence that your influence – not to mention your vital statistics and coordinates – are treasured long after you’re gone?
And, when you take a look at your plans and schedules for the days and weeks ahead, how often do those folks appear in the mix?
You probably already know that devoting time and attention in the present moments of our lives is exactly what it takes to build relationships with that kind of lingering impact. I’m just offering an autumn reminder, before the fall calendars and commitments get jammed so tight that there’s very little space for those who matter most.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?” – Stephen Levine
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RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:
My friend and speaker colleague, Jim Clemmer, offers a generous storehouse of articles on life, leadership and learning on his website. Here’s a link to one that describes how ‘Life Accumulates in our Personal Choice Accounts’: http://www.jimclemmer.com/life-accumulates-in-our-personal-choice-accounts.php
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READERS WRITE:
In response to one of last month’s Pause e-zines titled ‘What Do You Want From This Experience’, reader YD writes:
“Thank you for this wonderful question, ‘What do I want from this experience?’ Only seven words – but a lifetime of awareness and discovery.
As of late, I’m trying to live the daily experiences of life through two prisms or optics:
a) What would I think of this situation if this was my first morning ever?
b) What would I think of this situation if tonight was my last evening ever?
Somehow, I experience the daily events differently. I wonder why.”
REFLECTION: Another Labor Day weekend has come and gone. We spent our trio of days socializing in a uncommonly active way: hosting an out of town colleague for dinner on Friday, visiting with dear friends around the riverbank fireworks on Saturday, taking in a dinner theatre with my parents on Sunday, and enjoying two visits with our grandson and his parents – one involving a last-day-of-the-season twirl on the merry go round. We experienced wonderful connections with all these people who are so important in our lives.
At the same time, I couldn’t help but remember two who are no longer with us. You see, in addition to marking that transition from summer to fall, for two decades of our family life, Labor Day weekend was the time for our annual visit to a treasured aunt and uncle in Edmonton. Both have passed away in recent years, but I still think fondly of them and the memories we created together during those ‘same time next year’ Labor Day visits. (more…)
PAUSE – 9.30 – Finding The Fun
August 26, 2009
REFLECTION:
We’re just back from a four day weekend get away to Victoria. Amongst the many people we encountered were Susanne, Mauro, and a handful of Harbor Ferry pilots.
Susanne served us in the restaurant at the Laurel Point Inn. Though business was brisk for both Saturday breakfast and Sunday brunch, Susanne made the time for conversation. She remembered our names from one day to the next, asked about our plans each day, tossed in a few bits of info about herself, and we shared more than a few laughs in the process. I almost stopped to apologize for deserting her on morning three, as I headed off to breakfast elsewhere.
When Mauro, the proprietor at The Tuscan Kitchen, discovered my husband Dave was a fellow foodie, he eagerly swapped stories on a wide range of topics – the merits of various balsamic vinegars, food and travel in Italy, fresh garden vegetables, and old country cooking tips. We wandered into his shop looking for one thing, purchased something entirely different, and popped back again for yet another item and a second round of stories.
We used the Victoria Harbor Ferry services to scoot across from one side of the harbour to another. The pilots we met were easy-going, personable and brimming with information. At 10:45 on Sunday mornings through the summer, five of the pilots muster their boats in front of the Empress Hotel. As the sounds of the Blue Danube waltz blast across the harbor, they execute a synchronized water ballet involving circles, turns, rotating lines, and criss-crossing paths. Think the RCMP musical ride on floats! The ten minute performance is pure whimsy – transporting no one from point A to B and transporting everyone from serious sightseeing to guffaws and giggles.
What do all these people have in common? To a person, a love of their life and work. And … that feeling was infectious.
Sure, you could make the case that their actions paid off in increased business. Great customer service and word of mouth marketing can and do build sales.
But not once did I have the sense that there was an ulterior money-driven motive in their actions. These individuals all seem to have cultivated a love of life and work that just spills from their core, catching others in its wake.
ACTION:
So what might this have to do with reducing the impact of overload and overwhelm in our lives and work? In my mind, a great deal.
When we tap into the raw enthusiasm for our work and the services we deliver, that energy influences the way we engage our clients and colleagues. It’s an upwardly infectious spiral that builds both relationships and businesses, energizing givers and receivers in the process.
Where is the play in your work? If you’ve lost sight of it, see if you can’t tap into the source once more. Look for opportunities for lightheartedness in the everyday grind. Reclaim the joy and let it work its magic for you and those you serve. You will be energized – and so will they!
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“Delighted engagement trumps dogged determination – and it’s a lot more fun, to boot!” – Yours Truly
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RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:
If you are curiously inclined, take a moment or two to treat yourself to a sample of the ferry boat ballet at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peNcxsFk7f8
REFLECTION: We’re just back from a four day weekend get away to Victoria. Amongst the many people we encountered were Susanne, Mauro, and a handful of Harbor Ferry pilots.
Susanne served us in the restaurant at the Laurel Point Inn. Though business was brisk for both Saturday breakfast and Sunday brunch, Susanne made the time for conversation. She remembered our names from one day to the next, asked about our plans each day, tossed in a few bits of info about herself, and we shared more than a few laughs in the process. I almost stopped to apologize for deserting her on morning three, as I headed off to breakfast elsewhere. (more…)
PAUSE – 9.28 – I Wonder
August 12, 2009
REFLECTION: The bud on the Morden Sunrise rose popped open this morning. With its warm gold and apricot tones, it’s aptly named. I wondered at its beauty.
During yesterday morning’s riverside walk, a beaver surfaced, nosing its way downstream – slicing smoothly through the water, ripples streaming to either side. I wondered at its ease.
Last week I accompanied my grandson to the Exhibition Parade. (more…)
