A Gift to You: Pure, Simple Joy

Time to read: 10 seconds

I started drawing a few months ago for the first time in my life. A short drawing class turned on something I didn't know was there. When I show people my work, they make suggestions like, "you should sell it!"

Drawing calms me. It feeds my creativity. It gives me something to give away (when I want to). Learning to draw taught me to see in new ways. Sometimes, you do something simply because it feeds you or you enjoy it. Simple as that. You don't have to make everything you do into SOMETHING.

Your enjoyment is value enough.

What's your pure, simple joy?

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This One Cracks Me Up

Time to read: 5 seconds

This thought cracks me up at the same time that it stings:

"The truth will set you free. But first it will piss you off."

If you love this quote share it with your friends and colleagues. They can sign up to receive this newsletter here. It may be the best gift you give this year.

Love to you!

 

One Powerful Thought

Time to read: 5 seconds

I have no idea where this came from. Maybe one of my coaches:

"Make what is right about you more interesting than what's wrong."

If you love this quote share it with your friends and colleagues. They can sign up to receive this newsletter here.. It may be the best gift you give this year.

Love to you!

 

The Holidays Are Coming!

Time to read: 21 seconds

Swarovski Christmas dogs. Yup, I love crystal animals.

In the USA, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and then it's the holidays!

This time of year is accelerated…year end at work, prepping for celebrations, time with family (and the complexities that can bring), and all the feelings and busyness that come with November and December. My clients already report feeling slammed.

So, until January, I'm going to make these newsletters short….a quote, a piece of advice I share often, a thought. The idea is you can dive in and in a few seconds, leave with just what you need. Easy. Effortless. You need your time elsewhere right now.

If you love the quote or thought, share it with your friends and colleagues. They can sign up to receive this newsletter here. It may be the best gift you give this year. It's free and takes up no space in your closet.

Here is today's: Pay attention to what you think about, talk about and do. If you don't like those things, change them. Talk about something else. Find something interesting to think about. Make a new choice. Even a small one.

Love to all of you! Please email anytime. I love to hear from you.

 

Observations On An Important Day

Time to read: 35 seconds

Our democracy at work

As I thought about writing to you this week, I wasn't sure how I would feel or what I'd want to say. None of us in the US knew what would happen in our election, and clients and friends have been on pins and needles for the past few weeks.

I work as an election judge, and I want to tell you about it. I have no profound revelations or grand conclusions, and I do have a few observations and thoughts, in no particular order:

  • 5:15 am sucks. And walking to the polling place so early in the morning is quiet, lovely and yesterday, foggy.
  • We live near a small college. Students came out in droves to register and vote. They were nervous. Some even shook when they held their ballot for the first time. It was inspiring to see the next generation stepping in to take ownership of their future.
  • In Minnesota, polling places must be staffed by people from all parties. We have no idea who is who, and we aren't allowed to and don't talk politics. We work side-by-side for 16 hours, following the precise rules to run an election and create a welcoming environment for every voter. We talk about our kids and share recipes. We share a commitment to the integrity of the process and respect for all voters.
  • It's inspiring to see people's commitment to having their voice heard - coming back multiple times with the proper documentation, running in soaking wet from the rain, an autistic woman pushing past her fears to express what she needed to cast her ballot, elderly people with walkers.

We live in a complicated and flawed world. Spending all day looking at our nation from the small window of this polling place shows us at our best.

I hope this helps.

Reach out anytime. I always love to hear from you. Email me here