In chaos there is fertility. Anais Nin, novelist The first leg in our journey of transition was about “letting go” and just when we thought nothing could be tougher than saying goodbye, we find ourselves in still murkier waters. Welcome to the second leg of our transition process, “redefining ourselves” or what change management expert, William…
The only way to make sense of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. Alan Watts, philosopher, writer The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus famously observed that the only constant is change and that life is a rapid river, perpetually flowing, churning and transforming. When challenged by change in…
freak flag n. A characteristic, mannerism or appearance of a person, either subtle or overt, which implies unique, eccentric, creative, adventurous or unconventional thinking. Urban Dictionary My freak flag has been flying since day one. I had always been the “odd duck” of the family. I was the child repeatedly reprimanded by her schoolteachers for…
All great changes are preceded by chaos. Deepak Chopra Not a day goes by that I don’t find myself chasing tiny balls of solder from various corners of our home, reminders of recent re-piping and renovation work. The need for re-piping had presented the ideal occasion to initiate much neglected and long deferred projects. For…
It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech. Mark Twain For many of us, public speaking can be a nerve-racking experience. Literally placing ourselves, front and center stage for public scrutiny, rarely tops our fun-to-do list. My first time presenting a wellness seminar was just that – all butterflies and sweaty palms. Despite my…
It is never too late to be what you might have been. George Eliot, novelist I recently returned from a visit to Montreal, Quebec where I feasted on delicious French Canadian cuisine and meandered through the city’s art galleries and museums. The highlight of my art jaunt was the Chihuly exhibit on display at the Montreal…
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama The opportunities for simple, small acts of kindness are endless if we pay attention. For many of us, we are comfortable enough complimenting a family member, friend, or acquaintance but doing so with a stranger rarely enters our mind if at all. A…
Ask the child within to come out and play and you will meet with your genius. Robert R. Toth, artist, sculptor As a visual artist, I have experienced my share of creative blocks and the accompanying feelings of fear, self-doubt, and anxiety that can hijack any creative process. I can also recall far too many…
While spring-cleaning my home library, I rediscovered an inspirational gem tucked in one of the books as a marker – a quote from A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson, spiritual teacher, author and lecturer. I never tire of the timeless, encouraging message that speaks to our individual uniqueness, capacity for love and immeasurable human…
Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day. 17th century nursery rhyme, author unknown I hate the rain. This I know for a fact, as a British Columbia native I spent most of my school and working life in one of the rainiest cities in Canada. I recall one spring where it rained steadily for…