It’s shocking how early in the morning our minds start racing down the day’s track and yet the sun is barely in the sky. Frenetic energy also affects family members, those who move a little “slower”. Which are you, the snail or the Road Runner? Beep Beep. Running around like a crazy person at any … Read more
When recently travelling to Spain, my husband and I with marginal Spanish abilities and a little effort enjoyed interactions wherever we explored. Sometimes our efforts translated into a bowl of green olives “on the house”! Although starting a conversation required some extra energy, the rewards were worth it, even if just for the smile and … Read more
Comfort food such as mashed potatoes, gravy and meatloaf reminds me of goodness, a dependable meal of solid kindness. Similarly, a conversation can be packed with goodwill reminiscent of homemade apple pie your sweet grandmother likes to serve. Thoughtful conversation ultimately means taking a “heart to heart” exchange to heart! There’s no beauty greater than … Read more
Sometimes we wonder about insensitive behavior during a conversation. We ask ourselves “What Gives”, what cues are we misunderstanding? A more helpful question, instead, is to consider how to change a discussion’s tone and tenor to something more amiable. In a favorite morning meditation by ”happiness expert” Jonathan Lehmann[1], he offers affirmations to “make it … Read more
It’s intimidating to enter a room as the new employee or guest when people already know one another. Conversation is buzzing and you look around wondering how to make a graceful entrance. There doesn’t seem to be a place to sit other than at the end of the table! You don’t want to interrupt. “Breaking … Read more
“Everybody wants peace, peace of mind. Peace of mind, peace of mind, peace of mind, peace of mind.” (Loggins and Messina) How do we find it amidst travails, busyness and troubled public and private conversations? If Facebook is a signpost, we have not yet recovered from the venomous exchanges of the Presidential election. Rants continue … Read more
At a recent cross-cultural, cross-faith event, hosts enthusiastically met each attendee at the door. Guests were coming together from different religious backgrounds and we wanted our greeting to put them at ease. For some it was the first time to be in a church. The sincere welcome created immediate comfort. How we invite someone “to … Read more
There’s nervousness in the air. People wonder if they’ll be liked. They feel nervous about being themselves. Even the most accomplished professionals and members of a team experience apprehension when gathering with co-workers and acquaintances. Like shiny toys we acquire, the list of our professional accomplishments tells a small part of a “success” story. Our … Read more
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
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