Good Morning, Friends!
Whoa, it’s almost Thanksgiving, and what a mercurial year it has been!
We hoped a vaccine would end COVID, but the virus would not go quietly. Variants, mask mandates, proof of vaccinations, and restrictions coming and going dominated our thoughts and discussions.
We ushered in political change and, for the first time, without a smooth transition of power, creating more distrust, precariousness, and fear about American institutions. We are experiencing resource scarcity because of supply-chain disruption. The great resignation is in full swing, and prices are rising – bringing on fears of runaway inflation.
I struggled with tragic illness, heartbreaking loss, COVID, pneumonia, and unprecedented uncertainty. 2021 has been an unexpected year that I was not prepared to face. But, with everything that has come to pass, I (we) have a lot to appreciate.
For me, I made it through this year with the tremendous outpouring of love and support from my friends and family. Without my lifelines, I am not sure how I would have made it through this year.
The small notes on social media, the cards sent to my home, the flowers that brightened Kim’s room, and food that brought comfort all were the warm hug I needed to keep moving. When I needed lightness in my darkening world, someone was there; I was never alone.
Through all of this, I found a new and more powerful voice. I probably shared my experience in prose and poetry too much, but it allowed me to become more self-aware. As an Intentional Leader, I have been using that insight to reshape and rebuild my life.
As a result, my inner authority has become more resolute, and I am humbler and more comfortable in my skin. The importance of connection and relationship has a renewed definition. This has been the most significant disruptive year of change in my life, while at the same time, it has been the most life-affirming moment I have experienced.
As Thanksgiving week ambles into view, I carry so much gratitude in my heart. I am thankful that I found new love, connected with my friends, and lived new experiences. My book, The Intentional Leader, is now in hardback and sitting on my desk, and that adventure is just beginning.
So, when Thanksgiving dinner is served, I will bow my head in my gratefulness. I will recognize the blessings of this year, and I am astonished by the prospects of a new year. I hope you have a few unguarded moments to reflect on what an incredible year you have had. Happy Thanksgiving!
[TED] Different?
What is it that makes you different? What makes you jump out of bed? Cole Blakeway, a messy ten-year-old, teaches us the value of celebrating differences as he describes his beautiful friendship with Steven, a 44-year-old man with Autism. In a world that gravitates to being the same, this TED Talk reminds us that we are all different, and that’s AWESOME!
[VIDEO] The Four A’s
Early in my career, I followed and studied the work of Brian Tracy. His sage advice on sales and leadership became bedrocks of my leadership development. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wanted to share his video about gratitude. Watch to learn his best strategies for showing and reflecting appreciation.
My favorite quote from his video is, “Even in the midst of the greatest difficulties, you will experience in life, you can always find things for which you are truly grateful.”
Patience
“Would you rather take $30 today or wait for $50 three weeks from now?” This is a question asked in the recent Time article “Here’s an Easy Way to Become More Patient.” So, what would you do?
As an Intentional Leader, what would happen if we all became a little more patient with those in our lives?
Treasure
Living under the constant pressure of today’s breakneck pace, we often forget the abundance that surrounds us. We get up early to prepare for work. We race around completing one mundane task after another. It’s easy to lose sight of the treasures that we possess.
Last night, I enjoyed a beautiful dinner with a dear friend and her family. Her two young daughters exuded a joy for life and, more importantly, the purity of the moment. I longed to those carefree days of pure excitement.
Thornton Wilder’s quote from his book The Woman of Andros captures my genuine awe of sharing dinner with my friends. So, this morning, I am alive – conscious of the treasure that lies in my heart.
“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”
– Thornton Wilder
The Intentional Leader Update
The last two weeks have been a whirlwind! On November 9th, The Intentional Leader was released, and all pre-orders shipped. Friends, family, and early supporters received their copies of my book. I enjoyed all the pictures of The Intentional Leader in their hands or videos of them opening their Amazon boxes. What an experience watching a life goal become a reality.
Earlier this week, I was featured on the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC) monthly ZoomCast. I presented an overview of The Intentional Leader, and we engaged in a vigorous leadership conversation. Thank you, Ken Lizotte and Emerson Consulting, for making this happen.
This week I conducted my first “Intentional Leader” workshop in thirteen months. We had a small and intimate session of 18 scholars at various stages of their leadership journey. We studied the meaning of intentional leadership, the devastating impact of ghost mode, legacy moments, and the power of self-awareness and inner authority.
Looking forward to the new year, I am back!
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Up Next!
I will be speaking on the Growth Igniters® Radio PodCast; recording begins on December 1st. I will discuss and explore my book and intentional leadership with growth igniters Pam and Scott!
Book Launch – It’s Official
Our book launch party is booked at Machine with Magnets on December 9th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Unfortunately, because of COVID safety guidelines will be able to host 60 people, and proof of vaccination is required. Our goal is to create a unique and entertaining event to share our excitement with our friends and families.
Send us a note if you are interested in attending and we can add you to the waitlist. We look forward to seeing you there!
Warmest Regards,
