Moving Forward

A good day

2012-02-22T22:18:00.000-05:00

So what is it that makes a good day for you? Today was a good day for me, and as I reflect on why, it seems to be about connecting, taking some risks, trying something different, and really listening and noticing what is going on around me. Being thoughtful and intentional about my contributions, and staying open to learning also help!

Hope you had a good day too.

Flexibility vs. Rocks

2012-01-03T14:20:00.000-05:00

Just read this quote and I love it!
"Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. but water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is another paradox: what is soft is strong." (Lao Tzu 600 BC)

As 2012 begins, I have been reading about Intuition (after I finished reading Michael Ondaatje's new book "The Cat's Table" - which I highly recommend - ah but I digress :) ). Listening to and for my intuition is something that I do, and the articles in this month's "choice" magazine, and the quote above, remind me of it's value. We can't be flexible without listening to our intuition, and our intuition reminds us to be flexible.

As the new year begins, I think many of us take stock of where we've been and what we see ahead. I've been ruminating on 2012 "goals", "intentions", "plans", etc. etc. (not quite sure what I want to call them) and find myself not completely clear on the focus. Perhaps it's in fact because I very much value flexibility, and so need to keep the path forward open enough to let intuition, choices and the unexpected room to live. I think I would like this to be a year of "pushing boundaries" and "challenging". I need to push against what's rigid - it's what I do. I know the boundaries and the rocks need to be there, as they make the path interesting and challenging. (I know that sometimes too I'm my own rock - getting in my own way :)). I also know that I need to push against these, climb over them, walk around them, and sometimes simply consider them and reflect. Remaining flexible when confronted with the rocks makes them less intimidating. There is possibility, there are options: perhaps a new way of doing something - or a new way of thinking?

What "rocks" are you seeing that you have the flexibility to manage? When are you the rock? Where/how could you be more flexible as you trust your intuition and your strengths? What kind of year do you hope 2012 will be for you? I hope it's a wonderful one!

I love school!

2011-10-24T21:27:00.000-04:00

Graduated (again) from another program. This time it was my Coaching designation. I do love this process of learning, and yes, I do love the letters. For me, they mean something. They mean I set a goal, worked to achieve it, and hit the finish line!

It's funny, because I don't really consider myself a goal setter, and yet, perhaps I am, at least when it comes to school. I don't necessarily plan and set goals in other parts of my life, but I do, and have for many years, set educational goals for myself. I love to learn, and as my wise Coach pointed out to me (thank you Laura), as an ENFP, structure is not something I strive for. :) and so.... when I want to learn, I need to put that external structure in place - which means that "I need to go to school" - it keeps me grounded, focused and moving forward.

Learning rocks! And this latest journey has been great! I wonder what's next?

Accomplishments

2011-10-17T14:30:00.000-04:00

What have you accomplished, in the past year, that you are really proud of? It can be personal or professional? Take a moment - think about it - then write down your answer.

This is a question I often ask participants in my workshops to consider? It's one I also ask myself, because, in my experience, with adults, if we aren't accomplishing something, if we don't have something that makes us feel like we can "check off the box", if we don't find something that engages and satisfies us, we get bored.... and if we're bored, we get grumpy! :)

So... what have you done lately that you're proud of? It doesn't have to be "big" or maybe it is. Maybe you cleaned a drawer in your office desk and you can now find things.... maybe you walked a half marathon..... maybe you took the time to reconnect with a friend or colleague that you've been meaning to touch base with for the past several months....maybe you registered for school.... maybe you finished a course..... maybe you updated your resume....perhaps you met a key milestone in a project.... started a new job.... finally read the novel you've had your eye on for the past year? It could be anything - the key here is doing something that makes you feel proud - of yourself!

Once you've done it, and noted it, think about what did it take to make it happen? Pay attention to to all the things you did that made your accomplishment possible. Consider your skills, knowledge, attributes, experiences, behaviours, attitudes, all of it - it's all you - you've got it! You make things happen!

So how are you feeling now? What are you noticing? And how about this... look around and consider how could you share what you know, what you've learned, what you're good at with others?

For me, writing this blog is a new process. I'm doing it occasionally, and trying to do it more often and more intentionally. It's still making me nervous, and every time I hit the "Post" button, I feel like I've accomplished a little something. It's a start!.

We need to be moving forward, we need to be growing, learning, trying, faltering, achieving, etc. So... what have you done lately that you're really proud of!?

'till next time
Glennie

"If you want things to be different, you need to do things differently"

2011-10-04T12:43:00.000-04:00

Often, when we want things to change: to be better, to be more fun, to be more inspiring, more active, more meaningful, busier, quieter, whatever it is we want to be different, ..... we wait. Waiting for something "outside" of us to change. Well... that's not how it works! We need to change: to be different, to break a bad habit, to risk a new one, to put our toes in the water, or to leap right in! Then, and only then do things start to shift. And the shift is exciting. We may not know exactly what's next, how we will react, how others will react, what the path will actually look like, but we feel in control nonetheless and that's an awesome feeling!

Over a year ago, I decided that I needed to grow, and that I wanted my business to be more - for me and for my clients. I loved what I was doing: I love Facilitating, and I still do, and I wanted more, and so I decided to add Coaching to my practice.

Next week I complete the final step in my Coaching Certification process, and once done, I will be a Certified Co-Active Coach. I'm very excited! It's been over a year of education and learning, working with wonderful teachers, coaches and clients, and now I look forward to creating what's next.

I love Coaching! Working with individuals to support them as they grow and develop, watching them take risks, try new things, push themselves to be amazing - it's a privilege to be a part of. The gifts we all possess are inspiring, and encouraging and witnessing individuals as they truly step in to their gifts and talents is wonderful.

And so some change will occur. Some things will remain the same. Some things are unknown. All of this is mine to manage, just as in your lives, it is yours to manage. And if you want it to be different, do something differently - starting today!

'Till next time
Glennie

More on the concept of "BEING" vs. "Doing"

2011-09-08T14:37:00.000-04:00

I have a couple of questions for you:
Who do you want to "be"? and How do you want to "be" going forward?

Since finding my "to be list", I've been thinking more about who I want to be, how I want to be going forward, and what I want to be focusing on, both personally and professionally.

With an emerging interest in Positive Psychology, and a Strength Finders assessment that has Positivity as my highest strength :),I am fascinated by what makes us move forward with a smile. I believe that who we decide to "be" significantly influences how we show up, and in particular, how we show up satisfied. I wonder however,that we spend much more time thinking (and worrying) about what we need to "do" and subsequently lose some of our enthusiasm as we disconnect from our authentic selves?

My experience, and much of the research suggests that when we do what we love, we do it better; when we find something easy, it's likely because it's something that is truly aligned with who we are; and when we act, respond and engage from our authentic self, life flows. (a couple of good books - FLOW The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Scikszentmihalyi, and The How of Happiness - a Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want by Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D.)

So... who do you want to "be"?

In thinking about what's on my "to be list", I decided to pass on some of mine to you, in the form of requests:

I encourage you to be BOLD! Take a chance; try something you've been thinking about for awhile; speak up; speak out

I encourage you to be OPEN! Really listen, (and I mean really, with the tape in your head turned off :)) to the people you are speaking with; read a different kind of book; visit a new website; take a different route to work; take the time to think/mull things over and give new ideas a chance; make a new friend

I encourage you to be ENTHUSIASTIC! Make your default response "yes"; put your hand up - volunteer - participate; take the lead; be a champion of others when they take the lead; smile!

I encourage you to be COLLABORATIVE! Take turns deciding; decide together; go first; go last; go together; share your strengths; lean on others for theirs; offer help; ask for help; don't worry about getting the credit - focus on getting it done and share the success

I encourage you to be INTENTIONAL!
Think about what you really want; think about what you're doing and why you're doing it; and then do it!

Until next time...
Glennie

First Day of School - What's on your "To Be" List

2011-09-06T10:24:00.000-04:00

I found a great little desk pad in a funky little store this summer. It's entitled "To Be List". I love it!

So it's Sept. 6th and it's off to school. I have written before about my love of this time of year, and once again I find myself inspired and thinking about my "To Be" list.

I was up early - took the dog for a walk, ate a healthy breakfast, checked emails, and wrote a letter to my City Councillor regarding a disturbing decision that could be made today at our City Council Exec. regarding our beautiful Toronto Waterfront. As I now sit down to write this post, I am feeling re-energized, and ready to move forward in a slightly different way.

I actually completed some schooling of my own a few weeks ago. Having begun last summer (2010) on Coach Training, I have finished the course work, the individual and group supervisions, my written exam, and as a Professional Coach, look forward to the final phase of Certification upon completion of my oral exam in October. While I have been coaching with clients for many years, this education process has enhanced my capacity and built my competencies as a Co-Active Coach, and I am loving it! Working with clients to discover thier best, unleash their potential, and have them really step in to their fulfilled, present and balanced lives is wonderful!

And so, as I begin this new fall season, I am going to Bold, Intentional, and Energetic.

What's on your "To Be" list this fall?

Talk to you soon.

Glennie

Happy 2011 - I promise it's not a top 10 list!

2011-01-07T08:49:00.000-05:00

What do I want to write about today? Two words that come to mind are FLEXIBILITY and CURIOSITY.

Let's start with FLEXIBILITY:
I understand and agree that planning is extremely important. Being clear about goals and setting plans to achieve them offers us realistic time lines, manageable steps, tangible outcomes, and opportunities for success. Planning is about the future.

Flexibility, is about the present. When flexibility is combined with good planning, it ensures an awareness of the present and a focus on the here and now which we need to take the time to appreciate, incorporate and enjoy. Sometimes when we experience stress, it's because we are focused on what we have yet to do, when perhaps we need to take the time to realize what we have accomplished and where we are now. Flexibility is the "living in the moment" part of our lives that we need to integrate in to the planning or "being prepared for tomorrow" part of us. Flexibility offers us the opportunity to be creative, surprised, and delighted, while responding to what we discover when we become curious.

And so.... to CURIOSITY:
Be curious about yourself: What surprised you today? What did you notice that you didn't expect? What are you paying attention to? How are you feeling? What's that about?

Be curious about others: When others react to the world and to you, stay curious. Ask yourself: I wonder what they are experiencing right now? I wonder what is making them react this way? I wonder what they expect of me? I wonder what I could do that would be helpful? I wonder what that means to them? I wonder what they're hoping for?

Curiosity is about understanding that each and every one of us make different decisions, react in different ways, and make different choices to the various things that we experience in a day, an hour, a moment..... Instead of reacting to someones reaction, stay curious...hmmmm I wonder what's going on for them?

Pay attention to where you are and how you are experiencing the world. Stay present. Be flexible. Stay curious.

Happy New Year.

Let's Dance....and sometimes we need to be smaller...

2010-09-14T22:41:00.000-04:00

So this is part 2 (part 1 was about being BIG). This is about being mindful that in order to be big, sometimes we need to be small.

Actually, big and small aren't perhaps the right words. It's about knowing when to step in.. and knowing when to step out; when to take the lead... when to follow; when to take up the space with your particular type of energy, and when someone else's energy is more needed. It's about sharing the space that we inhabit.

Each person brings their own unique perspective and gift to the party! What is yours? How do you show up? How do you inhabit and impact the space you are in? What do you do to give space to other people's energy, to their views and strengths?

Life is a dance. Sometimes we twirl and leap and move on our own, and sometimes we dance in partnership. Sometimes the stage is full and we are part of the chorus. Regardless, each version, each style, each movement is magical, always contributing to the intricacy of the overall design.

Today I witnessed a dance. People in dialogue: exploring, listening, leading, following, contributing, changing, growing, co-creating. It was inspiring!

We dance everyday - pay attention to the dances in your lives. Have fun!

Time to Blow the Lid off!!! and I mean you!

2010-09-12T23:58:00.002-04:00

Ok, so it's time to be BIG!!! What are you good at,, no wait, what are you great at? You know what it is! ....You know! ..... I know you know, and there are a whole number of people around you who know so..... don't disappear.. don't let yourself be small. Open Up.... stand up..... move around...... s t r e t c h.... keep stretching..... move/shake/jump/hop.... you're doing it! How does that feel. Take it in... drink it in.... feel it... oh, and if you're thinking of sitting down... don't even consider it. Oh wait...you haven't gotten up yet/ .. stop reading... get up - move around - and while you're moving - talk to yourself....imagine no one is listening.. or even better... imagine a whole bunch of people are listening... what do you need to share - what do you bring to the world that if you shared it would make a difference. I know you're brilliant - I know you bring something to this planet that only you understand. Guess what - it's worth sharing. Speak up. Explore your voice. Find your voice. Share your voice. Put your voice into the choir. We need it.

Sometimes we think (I know I do), that we aren't worthy: we don't know enough; we aren't smart enough, resilient enough, energetic enough, but, but but.... Sorry - not allowed! We need you. I'm insisting that you BE big. Step in!

I am the shit disturber that demands you blow the lid off your life!! No just watching your life. No waiting. No looking at it as not yours - it is yours! and WOW! what an amazing person you are.

So... today, tomorrow and the next day etc. etc. Find a strength - own it, relish it and share it.

Imagine the possibilities - together we can blow the lid off the world!!!

Ok, so now that you've read it all the way through - just in case you're still sitting down, now you know what to do... go back to that place where I talk about standing up and moving around and talking out loud - and do it! Connect to a strength - play with the energy... I bet you're smiling :) I know I am!

Back to School!!

2010-09-07T16:37:00.002-04:00

Ah... September brings, once again, gangs of youth, looking freshly scrubbed, decked out in new duds, excited and ready, for the adventure ahead. Took a walk today and my local park was teaming with kids! Ran in to a few I knew, and couldn't help but be infected with the positive energy. I love the fall! I love back to school!.... And for me... it reminds me that although I'm not going back to the high school classroom, there's still lots I want to learn.

So..for those of us past the "First day of school" habit, perhaps we need to be reminded of the principles at play.

What friends haven't you connected with this summer. Now that Fall's here, give them a call. They're likely back in town, had some holidays, and are ready to be in touch.
What do you want to learn? What new subject would you like to study? What book would you like to read? Get started!
What do you want to try at work that you've been thinking about and haven't done yet. Do one thing this week related to that project.
Of course, lets not forget "back to school shopping". Treat yourself - doesn't need to be big - just a little something that feels new, to mark this new beginning time of year
What is important to you? What's your dream? Give yourself permission to consider what's possible. Do one thing this week that really excites you.
Teach. Everyone has something to learn, and everyone has something to teach. Share what you're good at.

Have a great "first day back"!

"Life is a gift to unwrap everyday"

2010-09-03T09:37:00.002-04:00

Just listened to an interview with Chris Hatfield, an amazing Canadian who has just been named to be the leader of the International Space Station beginning in March of 2013. What an inspiring, accomplished and delightful man! The interview was on CBC radio, and I expect there will be a podcast, which if you can, I would encourage you to access.

The quote that I used to title this post was one he used during the conversation, and one that resonates for me, as I move through my own daily thoughts and actions, and as I engage with others as they do the same. He has many lessons for individuals and leaders alike, as he approaches his days with wonder, optimism and curiosity.

His work with people from around the world, and his perspective as he looks out of the windows from space, reminds him, and through him all of us, how really appreciating, respecting and understanding different perspectives opens us up to so much more. Building from strengths, learning everyday, focusing on what's possible and what's yet undiscovered, and doing all of this with intention and discipline - it's a beautiful thing!

He also had an interesting perspective on luck. It's really about creating the life we want. Taking ownership, being the best we can be, sharing with others, taking advantage of the gifts that surround us, getting involved! Hard work is required too, so find something you love, find your own passion, as working hard at that feels like hardly working!

Have a wonderful day - remember - unwrap the gift and enjoy!

Systems Thinking: Different Perspectives Required

2010-03-02T13:48:00.013-05:00

Trading Places: A Smart Way to Change Your Mind

I've been doing work/reading about "systems thinking". A key element in creating and sustaining strong systems is the need to recognize and embrace diverse thinking i.e. different perspectives. The attached article describes an interesting activity undertaken by two CEO's to experience the power of "different perspectives" first hand.

By considering information and opportunities from different angles, we force ourselves to think differently, leading to the potential for new and varied actions. When we shift from our known and understood paradigm, we begin to observe and interact with issues, people and solutions in an altered way. The diversity provided by different perspectives, challenges us to be more creative and innovative. When working in complex systems, the need to consider different perspectives is essential throughout the planning, implementation and evaluation of any process.

So how do you ensure diversity of ideas and perspectives? Consider the following:
- Ask yourself who impacts or is impacted by the issue being discussed - be sure they are part of your dialogue

- Put yourself in someone else's shoes - experience their world if you can (as the CEO's did) and at least ask questions from their perspective i.e. What would my client think? What would a key stakeholder do? If I was my partner, what would I want? What strategies do others who do this work use?

- Consider personal "styles" and "competencies" - do you have a diverse representation of these on your team? i.e. Do you have a "big picture" thinker, or is everyone focused on the details?

- Do you engage in dialogue where disagreement occurs? If there is no diversity, disagreement may be minimal. Remember, disagreement is OK - how it's managed is what makes it a positive or a negative experience

As we engage diversity and consider the insights gained from various perspectives, we challenge and clarify assumptions, see impossibilities as possibilities, recognize varying needs, and potentially, discover opportunities previously hidden.

Enjoy the view!

Collaborate

2010-02-11T14:03:00.005-05:00

The following link includes a list of 70 single words, and associated thoughts related to each, as identified by a number of "thought" leaders. Each was asked to submit a key word they felt was going to be important in 2010. Seth Godin, a blogger and writer has created this collection as an e-book and encourages people to share it.

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/files/what-matters-now-1.pdf

My thoughts on this collection:
Have a look - pick a word and live it for a while - or consider your own word - what do you think is important? What can you do to make a difference?

My word today is Collaborate
Share what you know. Learn from those around you. Be prepared to engage in dialogue - real dialogue, where you reflect on your own thoughts and feelings, and try to fully understand and appreciate what others may be experiencing.

Be prepared to take risks. Enjoy exploring others' perspectives while remembering to recognize your common goals. Be open to the unexpected, as you consider emerging opportunities and ideas that present themselves through your collaborative efforts.

Collaborate with good intention. Collaboration often challenges and requires us to move out of our comfort zones, and so we must be prepared to do so. Trust your instincts and your intuition. Trust your collaborators.

Prayers for Haiti

2010-01-15T15:04:00.004-05:00

It is Friday afternoon, and as sit in my office, it is difficult to concentrate, as I continue to consider the catastrophic events that are occurring in Haiti. Our connected world has created access to information, but what I am aware of this day, is how this access to info has in fact created a connection and level of accountability which is fundamentally changing our paradigm. The term "global village" means something! This may not be an "aha" for you, and it isn't completely for me, and yet I am struck by the profound responsibility we have to not only our own local communities and villages, but to the those farther away. I have known this intellectually for some time, yet this event, reminds us again, to take the knowledge from our heads, combine it with the love and compassion in our hearts, and fuel the action in our hands that can make a difference.

Responding with money is what is most needed at the moment and so it is what I have done. It however leaves me feeling helpless. So... I ask myself what else can I do? What difference can I make? How can I ease suffering? What can I do at home, in my community that will filter out? I don't have the answers, and expect I will continue to ponder the questions. My action is to ask others to do the same: To consider what you can do; to consider how you might influence this situation in any way - however small, because as we gather up the small kindnesses, we create waves of compassion.

I believe in prayer, and so will send many prayers to Haiti. I believe in the resilience of people, and so while I feel profoundly saddened, I will not be discouraged, for humanity is strong. I believe that when we work together towards a common goal, our capacity to influence positive change is undeniable.

Be kind to each other. Share your gifts. Learn something new. Make a positive difference in someones life. Take a small step. Move forward. Take care.

Richard St. John: "Success is a continuous journey" | Video on TED.com

2010-01-12T17:13:00.001-05:00

Richard St. John: "Success is a continuous journey" Video on TED.com

We make New Year's resolutions, then wonder why they don't work. As per the above video, it's about reminding ourselves that success requires constant and ongoing attention.

So... whether it's a New Year's resolution, a new skill to be acquired, a relationship to be enhanced, a project undertaken, a dream to be considered, or a small first step to be taken, remember, life requires you to engage!

There are risks, there are challenges, and there are opportunities. We have a responsibility to participate, and the more we do, the more energy we create, for ourselves and for those around us.

Taking Action

2010-01-09T15:10:00.003-05:00

I decided to begin a blog as a way to participate in the digital environment. I am acutely aware that there is a tremendous amount of information available, and also want very much to interact with the world (perhaps better described as the "new world) in a current way. As the mother of two teens - (members of Gen Y or the Net Generation) I see their comfort and understanding of technology, and see it as imperative to stay current myself. I have stopped asking my daughter why she texts her friends instead of calling them to talk, realizing that she does both, each offering a different type of "conversation". My paradigm needs to shift. Communication is not better the old way or the new way, it is simply different either way.

Regardless of the tools we use, it is still communication, and my belief has always been that we need to share ourselves with others, and that we work best as a community when we are doing just that. So why not share even more - tweets, facebook, blogs - web 2.0 gives us various tools to dialogue, rant, influence, listen, discern, consider, act.... This can be good!

I think it is also important to enter in to these environments with integrity, and while I know that we each have our unique view of ethics and values I hope we can have these dialogues and reflect on our differences respectfully. The new technology offers a wide variety of ways to communicate, many of which are extremely useful. Using the technology as an enhancement to the personal, is a huge opportunity.

Suggested reading: "Grown up Digital" - excellent look a the Gen Y group and their influence

Day 1

2010-01-09T11:30:00.001-05:00

It's 2010, and the fact that we're in a new decade feels different. The first 10 years of the millenium were perhaps "practice". We now have an opportunity to improve, to take some risks, to try harder, to relax....

I've decided to try blogging. An "aha", a thought, a reflection, an action - not sure what exactly it will look like, it just seems to me that we all have lots to share, and this is just another way of engaging in conversation.

So today - thinking about trying something that makes me a little nervous, and trying it anyway!

It's cold and unbelievabley sunny where I live today, so I'm off to enjoy the sunshine!