Will I Ever Feel Safe Again?

Chapter One: Hugs Imagine standing on a street corner wearing a t-shirt that reads “Free Hugs.” In 2019 it might have gotten you a few strange looks, probably a lot of return hugs, and possibly a touching viral YouTube video. In 2020 you might have been arrested. In mid-2021 you will still get strange looks, … Read more

ACT HAPPY WEEK, DAY 4: I WROTE THIS FOR YOU

I. ACT HAPPY WEEK, DAY 4: I WROTE THIS FOR YOU I wrote this especially for you, because after the past year I know you need it: 75 happiness exercises that take anywhere from a minute to a lifetime. E-book requires a download. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ II. An Offer: Dance Differently with Stress and Confidence This is a … Read more

Act Happy Week, Day 3: For What Are You Thankful Today?

Ten Gratitude Activities Here are practices used by me and others (or me) that I know work to strengthen your gratitude muscles, which are a pre-requisite to Happiness. Some are simple, some complex; some are high-tech, low-tech, visual, verbal, or physical. There is no ‘perfect’ practice, so create one that works for you. For more … Read more

ACT HAPPY WEEK 2021

ACT HAPPY WEEK, DAY 1: WHERE ARE YOU NOW? I’m always excited about the third week of March. Act Happy Week has been a thing since 2004, embracing International Day of Happiness on March 20. We SOOO need Act Happy Week this year, so I hope you’ll join me. Every day this week I will offer you a new tool … Read more

Lessons Learned From a Pandemic – Part Three

This post wraps up the sharing of lessons learned from a dumpster fire of a year… that despite obstacles and tragedy, still offered learning and opportunity. On Work and Leadership My Ego was in charge before. “I learned I am not needed in the office as much as I was going in; I can better assist … Read more

Lessons Learned From A Pandemic – Part Two

This post continues the sharing of lessons learned from a dumpster fire of a year… that despite obstacles and tragedy, still offered learning and opportunity. On Your Inner Life You can live well AND slower. Many of you reconnected with Patience, Silence, Stillness, and Sleep. “I can slow down and still get everything done. I don’t … Read more

LESSONS LEARNED FROM A PANDEMIC

Lessons Learned from a Pandemic Year As we wrapped 2020 I asked members of my tribe to reflect–in a positive way–on what you learned from the “dumpster fire” that was 2020. I continue to ask that question in every meeting and talk I attend. And what rich sharing it has been! While media headlines have … Read more

DUST MOTES OF WISDOM

During my search for past writings on Optimism, I came across this article from 2012, LONG before pandemics and 2020’s turmoil – and I was struck by how much of the wisdom from a “normal” year still applies, but feels different, in a pandemic year. With minor tweaks, I share this from the archives. My … Read more

DO I BELONG HERE? REFLECTIONS ON MY WHITENESS

DISCLAIMER: This post moves into territory I have never before addressed publicly. I recognize that for some this topic may push into what they experience as polarizing space. I offer this essay as MY reflection on MY experience in the world right now, and I make no judgment whatsoever about you and your position in the … Read more

This Too Shall Pass

  ARE YOU AN OPTIMIST OR A PESSIMIST? It is said that an eastern monarch once charged his wisemen to invent him a sentence, to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and all situations. They presented him with the words: “and this, too, shall pass away. “How … Read more