Oh, how I long for enriching conversations. To me these are the talks that center on life, nature, the good of all people and questions as well as statements. A gentle face that allows eye contact is ideal for listening and responding as we volley a topic back and forth to its conclusion.
I need to hear the thoughts of others so that I can ponder them later for incorporation into my understanding of the bigger picture. I seek facts and the willingness for each of us to name our assumptions out loud. These assumptions are seldom aired out of fear of full disclosure. But full disclosure in these trying times is what moves us forward, for I have no desire to look backward.
A Satisfying Conversation
Movies, Our Cultural Mirrors
Films communicate present day culture and artistic ability. When we keep up with the year’s films, particularly the films that are nominated for an Oscar, we’ve sampled the culture of the time.
“Now more than ever we need to talk to each other, to listen to each other and to understand how we see the world, and cinema is the best medium for doing this.” Martin Scorsese
Disarmingly Charming
It takes courage to be disarmingly charming. George Clooney is a master of this skill and every time we see it, we are wowed once again.
“She smiled and greeted me, while looking directly into my eyes. Most people don’t realize how disarming a smile can be.”
unknown
Lead with a smile; don’t approach with a neutral look on your face waiting to see the reaction of the other.
Look To The Examples
“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” James Baldwin
This lady walked in a Colorado 10 K race. She walked with such grace and pleasure that she was hard to miss. I took note, as did others.
These Deer Know A Thing or TWO
Driving through a neighborhood, I saw these deer statues. As I approached, they moved a bit to show that they saw me. Once again, I was surprised by being out and about on a new journey.
“If we don’t change, we don’t grow.
If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.” Gail Sheehy
What Makes Good Work Good?
“If you discover and are able to articulate your philosophy of work (what it’s good for and why you do it), you’ll be less likely to let others design your life for you.” Designing Your Life, Burnett and Evans
Most of us have to compromise in life’s work reality, but we can work with integrity and direction that is all our own.
A Gift Is A Connection
When one gives a gift, it is to foster a connection with another person. Gift giving requires thought, effort, and physical action. And then the gift giver waits for a response. This is why a thank you note, text, email or phone call is so important; the giver is attempting a connection. Connections in today’s world are precious commodities.
(as said by a wise daughter-in-law)
Do The Kind Thing
DO THE KIND THING
“Distance doesn’t separate people, silence does.” unknown
We’re all busy, but our lives would be better if we didn’t allow that to be an excuse. In our gut, we know what we should do to let a person know that we’re thinking about them. The gesture, message, phone call, visit doesn’t take as long as we project, so we should act.
Let Your Life Speak
“Our goal in life is rather simple: coherency. A coherent life is one lived in such a way that you can clearly connect the dots between these three things:
Who you are
What you believe
What you are doing”
Designing Your Life, Burnett and Evans
Actually, to be this authentic is a tall order, but one that is worthy of our efforts.
A Wise Man Celebrates What He Can
“As the actress poured some more vodka, the Count looked about the drab room.
How are the dogs? he asked.
Better off than I am.
To the dogs then, he said, lifting his glass.
Yes. She agreed with a smile. To the dogs.”
A Gentleman in Moscow
The Art of a Day 