To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Barry

“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.”

—Aristotle, Ancient Greek philosopher and polymath

Image form Unsplash by Aaron Burden

Aristotle’s philosophy encourages stepping outside one’s comfort zone as part of pursuing eudaemonia — human flourishing.

He emphasizes that achieving excellence and virtue often require effort, discomfort, and rational action beyond habitual or pleasurable routines.

EXERCISE:

How has taking on life’s challenges and stepping outside your habitual and pleasurable pursuits provided you some of the more beautiful aspects of living?

Where and when can you continue to step out into some of the chillier aspects of life to discover other kinds of beauty awaiting you?

Some people are worth melting for

Posted on January 7, 2025 by Barry

“Some people are worth melting for.”

—Olaf, in the film Frozen

Image from Unsplash by Miriam Gilles

Here in the Northeastern United States there is always the potential for a bit or bunch of the white stuff as we enter the winter months.

If you happen to enjoy holiday movies you may have seen one of my family’s favorites: Frosty the Snowman. There is a particular scene where Frosty shows his wiliness to melt. He enters a greenhouse to save his friend Karen from freezing, to demonstrate his love and his willingness to sacrifice everything for her.

EXERCISE:

Who are the people in your life worth melting for? How does realizing the importance of these people give your life greater meaning and purpose?

Boost the resolution of your thinking

Posted on January 6, 2025 by Barry

Boost the resolution of your thinking. Notice the self-talk and images that pass through your mind and watch them come into focus.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by David Travis

I recently visited my ophthalmologist for my annual checkup. Evaluating my sight with eye charts and paddles to cover one eye at a time is a test I always hope to pass.

When I compare my actual sight — which tends to decline with time — to my evolving “in-sights” of thinking, I find it pleasing to know that my focus in many areas of my world is actually improving.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can you boost the resolution of your thinking? How can the focus on this inner world help you to see beyond your current horizons?

Friday Review: Opportunity

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Barry

Friday Review: Opportunity

How do you respond to opportunity? What opportunities have you passed up, or grabbed onto? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“Constraints can unwittingly open so many doors.”

When you receive criticism take a moment to pause. Let this time be a kind of speed bump to slow down and “try on” what is being said.

“Doors don’t slam open.”

Misery is a moment of suffering

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Barry

“Misery is a moment of suffering allowed to become everything.”

—Mark Nepo, poet and spiritual adviser

Image from Unsplash by Syed Ali

Mark Nepo is a renowned poet, philosopher, and spiritual teacher.

Earlier in his life he navigated a very challenging cancer journey that transformed his understanding of survival and living authentically.

Diagnosed with a rare form of Lymphoma, his experience with illness led to a deep inner journey and a focus on living fully in the present moment.

This journey inspired him to explore themes of vulnerability, presence, and the essence of life in his work particularly
in this best-selling work, The Book of Awakening, where his healing process encourages readers to find meaning and growth through adversity.

EXERCISE:

In what ways has adversity shaped your life?

How can you separate the moments of misery from the other more positive aspects of living to gain a broader more hopeful perspective as you take on each day?

“Certain people in our lives could be our biggest speed bumps to living the lives we want.”

Posted on December 31, 2024 by Barry

“Certain people in our lives could be our biggest speed bumps to living the lives we want.”

—Tim Parr, CEO and Founder of CADDIS

Image from Unsplash by Sander Sammy

When was the last time you were faced with actual speed bumps on your way to an intended destination?

How did you feel when you were forced to slow down or when you were jolted by the elevation change?

Who are the people in your world that slow you down from moving at the speed you desire?

In what ways do they test your patience and cause you considerable frustration?

Speed bumps are usually put in place to protect us or others from potential accidents and injuries.

The speed kills concept can definitely apply in certain situations!

Sometimes, fast can be slow and slow can offer a much smoother ride.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can the speed bump people in your life actually be helping you get where you need to go versus where you want to go?

Build a life for yourself that doesn’t require validation from others.

Posted on December 30, 2024 by Barry

Build a life for yourself that doesn’t require validation from others.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Giulia Bertelli

From the time we are born we seek validation from others.

Getting what we want from parents, teachers, friends, and work colleagues seems to be the key to opening the doors of successful living.

Beyond the nods, smiles, gold stars, and promotions some of us still find our lives lacking.

No matter how many fans we have, the search for more often continues.

How we measure our lives and know when enough is enough can be a very elusive quest.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can you apply more of your own views of your life as the primary validation needed to see yourself as a success?

Friday Review: Momentum

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Barry

Friday Review: Momentum

Do you find it easy or difficult to get going or keep going? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”

“When a dog runs at you, whistle for him.”

“It’s hard to build momentum if you are divided in your attention.”

The bond of our common humanity is stronger

Posted on December 26, 2024 by Barry

“The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness or our fears and prejudices.”

—Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States

Image from whitehouse.gov

Jimmy Carter is known for his commitment and efforts to enhance human rights at home and throughout the world. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his diplomacy and promoting peace through the Carter Center.

At the age of 100, his life stands as a powerful legacy of extraordinary contributions to global welfare, inspiring others to engage in a wide range of humanitarian work.

EXERCISE:

In what ways does your attitude and efforts support the bonds of our common humanity? How do and can you partner with others in your communities to create a more peaceful and unified world for everyone?

The Quotable Coach

Tag Archives: Barry Demp Coaching

To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake

“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.”

—Aristotle, Ancient Greek philosopher and polymath

Some people are worth melting for