I have a friend who’s a project manager and who often has to train and manage new team members. Recently, one of her new hires was struggling with his tasks and making numerous mistakes, which she then had to go and correct herself. As his manager, she easily could have criticized him and told him … Continue reading How to Wield Empathy as a Powerful Tool in the Workplace
There is a time and a place for all things, and nowhere is this clearer than in the changing of the seasons. The earth’s seasons are natural, designated times of change, and provide us with fresh surroundings, hopes and inspiration. With each transition, we’re able to experience the earth’s gifts and wonders anew, and in … Continue reading Welcoming a Season of Change
Growing up, I had clear expectations for the kind of life I would lead as I matured, including what I would know, how I would behave, the kind of job and husband I would have, and so on. As I’ve gotten older, most of those expectations have died, but new ones never seem to fail … Continue reading Unleashing From Expectations
No matter how much we might strive for perfection in each area of our lives – in our relationships, in our careers, in our health, or even in our faith – it’s inevitable that we’ll fail at times and see others outshine us. Yet when this happens, what’s our reaction? Do we express happiness for our … Continue reading Finding Happiness in Others’ Success
When it seems like all of our friends are getting married, having kids, purchasing houses or settling into careers before us, how are we supposed to feel? Is it possible to maintain true excitement for them without comparing their circumstances to ours? In such situations we’re often first told not to measure ourselves against others, but … Continue reading Being OK With Being Last
Think of one person who’s made a positive difference in your life. Perhaps it’s a motivating sports coach, an encouraging college professor, an inspiring boss or a dependable friend who comes to mind. Or, perhaps several names come to mind. We all have people in our lives who have left an indelible mark upon our … Continue reading Getting There {With Gratitude}
With its ability to inspire and enrich our lives, art provides an unparalleled respite from the constant distractions and troubles that we face and allows us to reconnect with our spirits in a profound way. It’s an incredible gift to be able to create art, but it’s not always easy to find the time or … Continue reading Sketches of Life: An Interview With Noel Badges Pugh