The Weight (and Wait) of Unknowing

Photo: depositphotos

Like many, I spend a lot of time on ZOOM these days. One thing I’ve noted is that people are both energized and exhausted by their new existence in the COVID-19 pandemic. The energy comes from learning new skills and from the new forms of connection they are discovering with family, friends and colleagues. The […]

Podcast Episode 68: Self-Acceptance Leads to Self-Differentiation

Photo: woaiss

Self-acceptance comes from self-understanding and self-compassion. This is easier said than done. It begins with awareness and intentionality and ultimately leads to taking responsibility for self. Show Notes: The Path to Unconditional Self-Acceptance by Leon F Seltzer Ph.D. Therapists Spill: 12 Ways to Accept Yourself by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. This is my blog post that […]

Connection in a Time of Social Distancing

Working from home is great! Except when it’s not. If you’re forced to do it, it may not be so good. Add to that the responsibility of home-schooling kids whose school is shut down and it makes the office seem much better. Even when given a choice, it’s not always the preferred option. Six years […]

Don’t Panic (It’s Never Helpful)

Challenge and uncertainty are a part of life. The question is, how do you handle it? Current events are instructive. The recent coronavirus outbreak is cause for tremendous concern. It’s only a matter of time before your area is affected. The nature of the virus makes that a near certainty. It’s contagious before symptoms occur, […]

How to Avoid a Civil War in Your Congregation (or Family)

The “Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation” that was announced in January puts The United Methodist Church on a different path than other mainline denominations that have battled over LGBTQ+ inclusion. In previous cases, the progressive wing of the denomination ultimately pushed through legislation allowing for ordination and (later) same sex weddings. This in […]

Podcast Episode 51: Anxiety, Apologies and the Definition of Success

Photo: Konstantin Levoshko

This episode shares helpful research on how to make an effective apology. More importantly, it unpacks why this is important for the non-anxious leader. It’s about taking responsibilty for self. Show Notes: Dr. Joseph Bentley’s website Taming Wicked Problems Freakonomics Episode 353: How to Optimize Your Apology Success Story: Robert Fulghum vs. Beethoven by Joseph […]

You Can’t Do Everything (But What You Do Matters)

Photo: ranczandras

This a follow-up to the blog post I wrote on time management back in August. A camp and retreat colleague noted that time management is important, but creating space in your life for the things that matter most is a challenge. She asked if I could share what I’ve learned about this. Here goes. You […]