When someone is vulnerable, it is venerable to stand with them. When someone takes a leap. Puts themselves out there. Truly and meaningfully expresses something that matters. Let them know they’re not alone. Let them know you are seeing them and that they are seen. Let them know that what they are saying matters to you. Don’t leave those vital Read More …
There is a camaraderie that forms when you fence with someone and enjoy the experience. I’ve seen this in wrestling, sword fighting, and other martial arts. There is an intimacy to that kind of visceral connection that forges bonds. These types of bonds are not often formed in other places. This is especially true for men in our society who Read More …
When I first started going to the gym, it was with a colleague from work. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays instead of going home from work we would head to the gym together. We were generally there for an hour, sometimes we’d work out together, sometimes we would follow different routines. Though our approach to the gym certainly varied, one Read More …
I don’t usually share other links on my blog as the purpose for me has been to express my own thoughts, ideas, and feelings; To challenge myself to present myself in the world in a bold and vulnerable way and not perhaps hide behind the easy sharing of others’ ideas. Yet tonight when I sat down to write I followed Read More …
Anger has never been a very strong part of my emotional repertoire. At least not my outward one. Not to say that I didn’t get angry I have just been exceptionally good at anger management. Yet I have practiced this to the point of often feeling I have very little access to my anger. I have often found myself envious Read More …
I am a good speaker. I’d say my command of the English language is formidable. I love the subtleties that can be communicated and the fullness a message can have when well described. However being partnered with someone who does not have English as a first language has shown me how important direct and plain language can be. When you Read More …
Embracing a full sense of personal responsibility is a powerful and challenging journey. Personal responsibility says both “I have a power in creating my world” and “I am responsible for what is created both good and bad”. Taking on this sense of power can be tremendously liberating and can help you realize an ability to alter every possible situation in Read More …
Sometimes extending trust feels like it requires a leap of ‘faith’ I think more rightly it should be done with a leap of intellect. To extend yourself positively (in good faith as it were) you need to live in a position of choice. You have to ‘act’ with trust. Part of extending trust to another is extending it to yourself Read More …
If you’re shut down by a team member or you encounter some behaviour that impedes you in being heard, being your best, or sharing the best expression of you, it behooves you to address that block within the team “When you act in this way it shuts me down”. It is worth the investment and it is in the team’s Read More …
One of my greatest challenges in growing up has been recognizing that it is more important to have someone’s respect than their friendliness. When I use the word respect I’m not talking about a deference built from fear but a genuine positive regard for another. It is easy to act in a friendly manner toward someone without truly respecting them. Read More …