A few months back, I was out with a group of women; some I knew well, others on a more casual basis. The conversation was light and energetic when one question caught us all off guard. “How do I tell my teenage daughter that the playground never goes away?” The room grew quiet and after a few moments, an animated … Read More
The View
A familiar view can bring a rush of memories, and also create a sense of calm, purpose, connection to nature, or a feeling of home. As I sit and write – admiring this longtime favourite view and constant in my life since the age of ten – I am reminded that some things never change, and some things change every … Read More
Hope is Not a Strategy…But it May Be What We Need!
When the word “hope” is used in business, a client of mine is always quick to remind that “hope is not a strategy”. This may ring true in work environments, but when it comes to our personal lives, our hearts are far softer in contemplating life. “They say a person needs three things to be truly happy in this world: … Read More
Give, Care, Repeat…
For me, the spirit of the season means joy, peace, and the chance to reflect while spending meaningful time with family and dear friends. But, it’s not the case for everyone. In reality, it’s quite the opposite: a very lonely and sad time. As human beings we share the desire for belonging, to be cared for, accepted, and loved. We … Read More
Perfectly Imperfect
As a born perfectionist, I’ve learned many things the hard way, or simply put, through the wisdom and experience the gift of aging has provided. I have come to understand and embrace being “perfectly imperfect”. Many would agree hindsight is 20/20 and it’s something this stage of life gives us. But more importantly, how are we putting hindsight into action … Read More
This Is 30 (Years of Marriage)
Last week, I celebrated 30. Not turning 30 years of age, but celebrating 30 years of marriage with my husband, partner, champion, supporter, and best friend Michael. It happened slowly and yet so fast, all at once. I’d be lying to say marriage is easy, but in reflecting on 30 years married to my high school sweetheart and having reached … Read More
Feedback: Are You On The Same Side of the Table?
Have you ever experienced a derailed feedback attempt, where you felt personally attacked and had to shield yourself in “armor” to fight back tears (or, did you just do that too)? Done well, feedback is expressed as a function of respect and is not supposed to cause shame, but instead raise an opportunity to engage in productive, balanced conversation and … Read More
The Beauty of Real Conversation: Have We Lost It?
I couldn’t help but feel somewhat agitated, or maybe it was actually a bit sad, as I sat observing those around me while having a pedicure a few weeks ago. I witnessed: One woman arrive talking on her phone, followed by her choosing a polish colour using hand gestures and continuing to speak on her phone throughout her service, and … Read More
Mother’s Day Wishes and Focusing On the Real
This weekend presents a special day, celebrating Mom. A time to celebrate your mom, grandmother, motherhood of your own, or recognizing those “like a mom” to you. This can also be a time of reflection and sadness for those who have lost mothers, grandmothers, or children of their own. A time to appreciate what those relationships were and what they … Read More
How Far Do We Parent Our Adult Children?
As we say goodbye to the toddler and teenage days of parenting, we enter new territory: parenting adult children. This stage presents a new set of challenges, as those before them did. In the continued spirit of embracing simplicity, I came across my well worn (and well marked!) book “What to Expect the Toddler Years”. It made me smile in … Read More