Friday Review: Joy
What brings Joy to your days? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
“The rising sun blesses my mind with joy. The setting sun blesses my heart with peace.”
“Joy is the most enduring cosmetic.”
“The right time was yesterday. The best time is now.”
“The right time was yesterday. The best time is now.”
—Author Unknown
Image from Unsplash by Kaja Kadlecova
Consider the good habits you admire in others. Who are the people in your world that eat right, exercise regularly, and call their mom even when it’s not her birthday or other special occasion?
Many of us have developed an array of handy-dandy excuses for putting off the tasks that we know will better our lives in the long run.
Where do you fit on the continuum of procrastinator to the folks who do things now?
EXERCISE:
Two books that may prove useful if this quote rings true for you are The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and The Power of Regret by Daniel Pink. Continue reading
In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities
“In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy — and if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.”
—Warren Buffett, American businessman, investor, and philanthropist
Image from Amazon
Warren Buffett has a pretty good record as an investor over many decades. A critical aspect in selecting great companies is to invest in the character and capacities of their leaders.
Hiring super smart people with boundless energy is certainly important. Buffett is adamant that the linchpin quality for these companies and their leaders — especially during challenging times — is integrity.
Without honesty and consistent adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values, things eventually fall apart.
EXERCISE:
How important is integrity in your hiring decisions and in those with whom you work?
How do you demonstrate personal and professional integrity in your words and actions to be a sure-fire hire in your communities?
Consider reading the book Linchpin by Seth Godin for other ideas on this critical subject.
We are living on the planet as if we have another one to go to
“We are living on the planet as if we have another one to go to.”
—Terri Swearingen, winner of the 1997 Goldman Environmental Prize
Image from Unsplash by NASA
At our current consumption rates, Earth’s natural resources are at significant risk of depletion over the next 100 years. Fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas could be exhausted by 2060 if current trends continue.
Water resources are also under threat, with global demand projected to increase by 50% by 2050.
Additionally, mineral and ore consumption may triple by 2050, putting further strain on the availability of building materials and resources for developing technology products.
EXERCISE:
Given that there is no “Planet B” and moving all of us to Mars is not a viable option, what can you do today to make an impact for the good of our precious world?
Consider signing up to The Daily Difference Newsletter to see what others around the world are doing.
Trusting in your natural intelligence and capacities
Trusting in your natural intelligence and capacities to navigate life can be a source of great confidence.
—Calm App Reflection
Image from Unsplash by Courtney Cook
How often do you lean on others to make it through your day? How frequently do others lean on you to do the same?
Regardless of your answer, if you are reading this post, you’ve made it this far and will likely do so in the future. What have you accomplished along the way?
What obstacles and setbacks have your worked around and overcome?
Exploring these questions may have offered you a booster shot of confidence by recognizing your natural intelligence and capacities to navigate life.
How can you remind yourself in the future when self-doubt creeps in?
EXERCISE:
What internal and external support structures can you use to maintain and expand your store of confidence?
How can you serve as a coach or mentor to support the confidence of others in your communities?
FRIDAY REVIEW: INFLUENCE
FRIDAY REVIEW: INFLUENCE
How do and can you use the influence you have over others for positive results? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
Image from Unsplash by NASA
“I am a citizen of the world.”
“Don’t ever work for someone you don’t want to become.”
“Broad ideas influence more people. Specific ideas influence people more.”
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”
—Audrey Hepburn, 20th Century British Actress
Image from Unsplash by Susan G. Kamen 3-day
In the wake of October’s hurricanes, many people have lost everything — including loved ones.
When some of these individuals are interviewed about the devastation many still remain positive and grateful
to be alive and get right to work helping their neighbors and others in their communities.
Although these forces of nature can sweep away and destroy many things, it’s heartwarming to realize that the best things in life are not things.
EXERCISE:
How do you demonstrate to your loved ones that they are the most precious gifts in your life?
You are an aperture through which the universe is looking at and exploring itself
“You are an aperture through which the universe is looking at and exploring itself.”
—Alan Watts, 20th Century English writer, speaker, and philosopher
Image from Unsplash by infixed photo
My favorite time of day is the 30-60 minutes just before dawn.
With the dark skies on clear mornings just before my daily walk, I often stop in my driveway and gaze into the heavens to see the constellations and the phases of the moon shining down.
At such moments, I contemplate my place in the world and know in my heart and soul that millions of other people are doing the same. To experience my oneness and the oneness of us all is profound.
EXERCISE:
In what ways do you experience yourself as an aperture through which the universe looks and explores itself?
“Coffee is a hug in a mug.”
“Coffee is a hug in a mug.”
—Author Unknown
Image from Unsplash by Kyle Glenn
Do you remember the character Sheldon from the Big Bang TV series? If you do recall this often awkward and zany individual, you may also recall many of his quirky idiosyncrasies.
Among them was his ritual of offering and expecting a hot beverage when receiving or being a guest at someone’s home.
Although most of his social skills left much to be desired, this small gesture of kindness was an endearing hug he offered others to show that he cared.
EXERCISE:
As we enter the chillier holiday months, how would some coffee, tea, cocoa, or hot apple cider be a hug in a mug to offer those you love?
I’ll bet some actual hugs would be appreciated as well!
Take a plunge into your senses
Take a plunge into your senses. Note what you are seeing, feeling, hearing, tasting, and hearing. What is the present moment offering you to experience more fully?
—Calm App Reflection
Image from Unsplash by Aaron Burden
Autumn is a perfect time to plunge into your senses. It’s not too hot or too cold to get outside and appreciate mother nature in all her glory.
Consider taking a walk outside at different times of the day from before dawn to after dusk to experience all the sights, sounds, and sensations available.
Be sure to leave your phone at home and consider traveling alone at a leisurely pace to take in and savor all the wonders many of us often rush past.
Make a few stops along your way to turn around and look up and down so as to not miss out on the show the world is always offering.
EXERCISE:
Share your adventure with someone close to you and consider taking them along on your next sensory outing to offer them a taste of the gift you just received!