Not Knowing What To Say

Hopefully disproportionately small in our lives, sorrow and tragedy are unfortunate parts of life. This means that, at some point, we’ll find ourselves in conversation with a friend, loved-one, co-worker or acquaintance facing a life challenge. Our natural instincts scream for us to fix whatever is broken. We want to find just the right phrase … Read more

Conversing with The Elephant in the Room

It’s almost impossible these days not to engage in discussion about current events. Some of us have even joined protests to find our voice. Yet, concurrently many fear recrimination and remain silent. Silence might be interpreted as acceptance of the new status quo. Unfortunately, we might never know. Talking about issues is the “Elephant in … Read more

So Many Demands, Always Time

So many demands…So many distractions…Too many options. We can feel overwhelmed with how to prioritize our time, including moments for conversation. Just the other day, I declined an invitation to stop in at my neighbor’s house: the car repair shop was waiting . What a miss! Even for a brief moment, saying “Hello” is the … Read more

Complaining is a Non-Starter (for Conversation)

Gifts can come from strange places. My husband recently suffered a second injury within ten months of tearing his Achilles tendon. Despite the pain, he doesn’t complain. He’s focused, instead, on recovering and living! His calm demeanor has helped me stop my own complaining and settle into a new temporary routine. Eliminating the incessant, fretful … Read more

Key Questions to Paint Reality and Win

Ahead of strategic planning for a new year, we assess last year’s successful or not so fruitful endeavors. We check in with our partners and decide if and how we might move forward. Usually this happens before the year ends. In my case, I’m reviewing partnerships now. The quickest way to start the conversation is … Read more

Clear Mind, Clear Conversation

It’s always been a struggle to maintain a clutter free desk. Even in college I had a Peanuts’ sign that read “A messy desk is a sign of an uncluttered mind”. Not true. A recent study, however, found that a messy desk might, in fact, indicate creativity and innovative thinking. Albert Einstein is quoted as … Read more

Celebrate 2017 Confabs

Imagine if every week we conversed about one question, exploring, contemplating, listening, sharing, pausing and, most of all, enjoying each other’s perspectives.The rewards of asking an intentional question every week would be huge.Sometimes we just want to ask questions so that we can understand what’s going on in a friend or loved one’s life! Ask … Read more

The Conversation is the Relationship

What we talk about with others defines the relationship: “The conversation is the relationship.”[1] Does this ring true for you? How we show up in our exchanges determines whether some sort of kinship develops or continues to grow. “Showing Up” means demonstrating a willingness to be honest, kind, and authentic with whomever you share your space. … Read more

The “Top 2016 Questions”

In 2016 A Table In Time worked with a variety of clients in multiple venues. At each gathering, informal or formal, with or without food, and people meeting for the first time or learning more about one another, conversation unfolded beautifully! Why? Participants brought their best full selves to the table, listened exceedingly well, and … Read more

Toast!

Although adding cinnamon sugar to morning toast works deliciously, I’m not talking about bread! Rather, the occasion to raise your glass to those with you at the table. According to author, Paul Dickson, “a toast is a basic form of human expression that can be used to convey virtually any human emotion from love to … Read more