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"Be the change you wish to see in the
world"-Gandhi-
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Life,
Leadership, and the Pursuit of Living the Life You’ve Imagined We learn something new every day, whether in a classroom,
on a computer, being a parent, or even simply conversing with colleagues at the
office. My personal philosophy about
life is exactly why I’m here, putting myself “out there”—to me, life isn’t
about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself…. At the top of my website just under the
sunflowers you’ll see the powerful words of
Gandhi, by which I try to live my life each day, “Be the change you wish to
see in the world.” I believe you’re the only person that can truly either
block your dreams or unlock your passions.
Sometimes both. It’s all up to
you. Try new experiences, learn about
new topics, what do you have to lose….you never know
if you don’t try…. I derive so much in life from art and working with my
hands, especially clay, I have created my own little spin on a popular
motto—“Carpe Muddum.” Seize the CLAY. Literally, simply grab the experience with
both hands, don’t be afraid to get a little dirty and “muck around,” and
mold, flex, and fashion the experience into becoming a part of you—uniquely
you. I have learned from experience
that you CAN do everything you want; simply do one
thing at a time until you accomplish what you like. Don’t limit yourself, don’t leave any stone unturned, and
you will have no regretful “what if…” moments to haunt you. I believe that all the knowledge, experience, your relationships
you’ve built, and your actions are the only things you take with you when you
leave this life—so make it count.
Because, according to Alice Fulton’s Sensual Math, “Life is too short
to blush.” The only constant in life is change, don’t fight
it, embrace it.
As the trend continues towards viewing organizations from a more
organic, systems view, the push is on to harness the power of chaos that
ignites change, learning, and growth. This change promotes growth opportunities
which stretch, pull, and often hurt/wound both
individuals and leaders—that’s why they call ‘em “growing pains.” These wounding experiences serve as some of
the biggest defining moments and learning opportunities
in a leader’s life; and, although painful, these can be incredible opportunities for
reflection, deeper understanding, growth, and self-improvement. To quote a little inspirational picture on
my desk, “I never said it would be easy; I only said it would be worth it.” By choosing to embrace and understand the
wounding, turning into the storm instead of away from it, incorporating any
opportunities to change and evolve, and move forward, these courageous
leaders gain power, wisdom, and insight.
To quote Dylan Thomas, leaders can choose to “(Do) not go gentle into
that good night. Rage, rage against
the dying of the light.” Good leaders always need
to keep their identities clear—both of themselves as a person and also as a
leader. When crises or wounding experiences
come around and knock you off balance, it’s easy to “lose yourself” and
become confused or lose your personal, spiritual, or professional path. With that in mind, it is essential to work
at getting yourself “centered” again.
This critical reflection practice helps you
stay grounded.
Incorporating activities such as
hobbies or interests can combine with this reflective practice to create a “time out” to step back, regroup, de-stress,
and reflect on both self and the situation at hand. So,
what will each of us do differently today...this year? How will each of us
try to make things a little bit better than what currently is the
"status quo"? How can each of us, in the words of Gordon B.
Hinckley, "Stand a little taller" and Gandhi, "Be the change
you wish to see in the world?"
From there, you will soon see that you indeed
count, and you indeed make a difference in the world...it’s all up to
you….
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