It has been quiet a while since I have visited this space. Time did that weird thing where we hit hyper-speeds all while moving as if we were in some sort of jellylike dessert. We have experienced deaths, moving of friends, sending off our family doc and starting of a new job which also brought a host of other changes to our lives. Good things have happened too. We have reconnected with friends, enjoyed the PNW in Spring, celebrated a graduation, got tickets for another graduation and our FAVORITE Artist for a summer concert.
In this time we have all grown and changed so much. Little Miss is physically, emotionally and developmentally growing by leaps and bounds. My Babe is now a full fledged toddler who loves music and coloring all over her body but especially her face. My amazing partner is in a job the challenges him. This is a great things because he is for one thing, hard to challenge and two so much happier when he is. As for me, I have been doing lots of emotional work. It's draining but very rewarding.
So right now I am thankful. Truly Full of Thanks for my life, my partner, my children and the work I get to do everyday.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
What does a leader look like?
Across culture, time, location and faith the coming together of people is our common thread. Humans by nature are social creatures. The degree to which each of us partake in community varies individually.
I think when we look at participating in community,religious groups or even family we have to set our agendas aside. As we lead we have to set aside our ego which is one of the hardest things for us to do. Well for me it is at least.
When I look at possessively influential historical leaders, I see similar attributes in there success. They all seam to realise that the movement, cause or mission they initialised isn't theirs. They do not own it. They gave it life, yes. They helped develop the frame work yes but they turn the implementation over to the participants.
In collage my Resident Director taught me so many amazing things. She was truly a mentor who's words I go back to time and again. When looking and working with community she helped me see that the role of an adviser or leader isn't to set a personal agenda but to facilitate the groups positive evolution.
Of course She went into meetings with an agenda and a direction but she listened. She knew what we created together would be better than what she had envision on her own. She had the frame work of the university but the community that was created was ours. It didn't belong to her, Resident Life or the University. It belonged to the community that lived there.
The activities we planned were the result of community assessment. Our job was to hear and empower others to act or participate. Important University required content happened in a way that got students not only to attend but have fun as they participated.
We met needs. We facilitated community. We all had a chance to thrive.
I think when we look at participating in community,religious groups or even family we have to set our agendas aside. As we lead we have to set aside our ego which is one of the hardest things for us to do. Well for me it is at least.
When I look at possessively influential historical leaders, I see similar attributes in there success. They all seam to realise that the movement, cause or mission they initialised isn't theirs. They do not own it. They gave it life, yes. They helped develop the frame work yes but they turn the implementation over to the participants.
In collage my Resident Director taught me so many amazing things. She was truly a mentor who's words I go back to time and again. When looking and working with community she helped me see that the role of an adviser or leader isn't to set a personal agenda but to facilitate the groups positive evolution.
Of course She went into meetings with an agenda and a direction but she listened. She knew what we created together would be better than what she had envision on her own. She had the frame work of the university but the community that was created was ours. It didn't belong to her, Resident Life or the University. It belonged to the community that lived there.
The activities we planned were the result of community assessment. Our job was to hear and empower others to act or participate. Important University required content happened in a way that got students not only to attend but have fun as they participated.
We met needs. We facilitated community. We all had a chance to thrive.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Right Now
Sitting:: in the hall typing as my little play and pour in the bath.
Thankful:: my Family is all home now safely.
Tired and Rested:: I got to sleep in and lay in bed BOTH Weekend days with my DH as Grandma watched the littles.
Excited:: for the big new things to come.
Amazed:: my little baby is ONE YEARS OLD!
Proud:: that little took her first steps surrounded by love.
Remembering:: to stay present even as I feel I have lots to catch up on after so much fun.
Thankful:: my Family is all home now safely.
Tired and Rested:: I got to sleep in and lay in bed BOTH Weekend days with my DH as Grandma watched the littles.
Excited:: for the big new things to come.
Amazed:: my little baby is ONE YEARS OLD!
Proud:: that little took her first steps surrounded by love.
Remembering:: to stay present even as I feel I have lots to catch up on after so much fun.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
January's Favorite Books
We read a lot in our home. We are the people at the library that take easily 10 mins checking out not because my littles are running everywhere or I lost my keys, well ok. We have had at least one of thoughts days. Really it's because we have that many books and Little Miss like to help check them all out. We read the titles, talk about what they might be about or simply comment about the cover illustration.
The last half of January we had SNOW! It was glorious.We got to know our library books a bit better and held them a bit longer since we missed our library day. Here are our favorites.
I have to say if you have never read Trumpet of the Swans by E.B. White STOP reading this and find a copy. It is one of those books you will want to read and reread. Not only because the characters are charming and the language engaging but the character of the characters is good. The parents value the children, love each other, and strive to be honorable. Louis the main character is responsible, true to his word, motivated and talented. All the characters strive to do the right thing. All in a completely non preachy way, but an honest, true to life fashion. Plus it's just a fun story. You can now frequently hear "Kahooo Kahoo" in our home as Little Miss tries to get our attention from a different room. This is also the first book we had to renew because Little Miss wasn't ready return it.
The last half of January we had SNOW! It was glorious.We got to know our library books a bit better and held them a bit longer since we missed our library day. Here are our favorites.
I have to say if you have never read Trumpet of the Swans by E.B. White STOP reading this and find a copy. It is one of those books you will want to read and reread. Not only because the characters are charming and the language engaging but the character of the characters is good. The parents value the children, love each other, and strive to be honorable. Louis the main character is responsible, true to his word, motivated and talented. All the characters strive to do the right thing. All in a completely non preachy way, but an honest, true to life fashion. Plus it's just a fun story. You can now frequently hear "Kahooo Kahoo" in our home as Little Miss tries to get our attention from a different room. This is also the first book we had to renew because Little Miss wasn't ready return it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)