Trust

"When we believe people truly are acting inour best interest, we tend to trust them." ~ Stephen M. R. Covey

Living in the Moment

Living in the moment.

What is really in our control?

It's not uncommon for any of us to say that someone else makes us mad, pushes our buttons, or that it's their fault we did/responded in such a way.

But, if we really admit it, we have all of the control. We choose how we respond. We can't control much in our lives, but we can control ourselves and our responses.

It's a tough reality to face. It's so much easier if other people 'make' us do things, feel things, respond to things, etc. We don't have to own our responses or choices if we can blame someone else, or justify based on an excuse that it is beyond our control.

When I participated in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People workshop, based on Stephen R. Covey's book of the same name a number of years ago, I was reminded of this very important truth.

Since I am a work in progress, I seem to have to be reminded of this truth frequently. ...

In The 7 Habits, Stephen R. Covey reminds of our most human element, our freedom to choose. Between the event and our response we have that moment, that pause button that allows us to choose our response. We can use our self awareness, imagination, conscience, and independent will to help us choose that response.

So what does this have to do with living in the moment? Well, when we choose to live in the moment, we choose to let go of the other junk: the past, the negativity of others, our desire to blame or justify our behaviour by blaming another's behaviour.

It's about recognizing what is within our control and what is beyond. We all have a Circle of Influence, that which we care about and which we can control....ourselves, our choices and our behaviours. We also have a Circle of Concern, that which we care about but do not control: the weather, our pasts, others' behaviours, etc.

An interesting point that Covey also makes is that when we remember our circle of influence and focus on it, it actually enlarges our circle of influence. Our proactive focus When we remember these two things: what our circle of influence is and that we have the freedom to choose, we can step into actions that are more effective and yet still be in the moment.

Now, even if this is common sense, as I've often heard Covey quoted: "common sense isn't always common practice."

So, if I use some common sense, I can live in the moment, and let go of that baggage stuff that can hold me back. I can be proactive in my choices and decisions.

Ah...even common sense is something to practice! I guess I'll practice it moment by moment.

Success

"If there is any great secret of success in life, it lies in the ability to put yourself in the other person's place and to see things from his point of view - as well as your own." ~ Henry Ford.

Yorkton, Saskatchewan

Every few months I travel to Yorkton, Saskatchewan to facilitate a leadership course at Parkland College, on behalf of the University of Regina. 

Yorkton is a nice sized city, that seems to be continually growing.

My favourite place to stay is at Patrick Place. It's a beautiful heritage home that has been converted into a bed and breakfast. It's second and third floors have a few different bedrooms to choose from. There's Sadie's room on the second floor, where I often stay, William's room that runs the length of the house and the large Sleeping Porch that features a jacuzzi tub. Upstairs is the Garret, a suite of three rooms: the Study, the Servant's room and a bathroom.

I'm in the Study this visit. The Study is a large room with hardwood floors, a comfy bed and beautiful furniture.

Margaret, Lawrence and their daughter always provide a warm welcome and unbelievably good breakfasts! The rooms are spotless and fresh, and nothing beats feeling like you are at home when you are travelling.

The first time I travelled to Yorkton to facilitate the leadership course, one of the participants, Rhonda, was the owner of a local spa. Luna Experience has also become my favourite place to visit when I am in Yorkton. Luna Experience has a great relaxation room and nice treatment rooms.

Rhonda never fails to provide me with a great massage or facial, or both! I call ahead to make sure that I can get an appointment for the end of my first facilitating day. By the end of my massage the stiff neck from driving has disappeared and she sends me back to the Bed and Breakfast for a great night's sleep to prepare me for the second day of facilitating and my drive home.

This weekend I have arrived on my birthday. I've reworked the program that I facilitate so I'm really excited about tomorrow. Tonight I will soak in the huge tub. Tomorrow I have a special treat of both a massage AND a facial!

I also happen to know that breakfast, tomorrow is a crepe with a mushroom, onion and ham mixture. It is delicious!!!

The pictures on this post are from Patrick Place and Luna Experience's websites.

Trust

"I bring you the gift of these four words: I believe in you." ~ Blaise Pascal. French Physicist and Mathematician

Tomato Soup

Here's a tomato soup recipe that I found this week and made...in 20 minutes!

1 large diced onion

2 cloves minced garlic

1 large can diced tomatoes

1 small can tomato paste

3 c chicken broth

freshly ground pepper
1/2 tsp oregano

Sauté the onion and garlic in a tiny bit of vegetable oil. When the onion is translucent add the tomatoes, tomato paste and chicken broth.

Stir together and cook at medium heat for 15 minutes. Add freshly ground pepper and oregano.

Purée the soup and serve. I used my immersion mixer. (way easier than a blender!)

For some variety: sprinkle on croutons, add some barley (increase the chicken broth accordingly - just follow package directions), add rice and extra broth.You can also add some diced red peppers, put them in with the onions to sauté .

I love tomato soup but haven't eaten it for years because the canned stuff has milk. I found this recipe and tried it with some reluctance, I had no idea that the soup would be so easy to make. It was rich and creamy. One day I'm going to try it with fresh tomatoes.

The Impact of Recognition

 The Impact of Recognition

• Reinforces positives.
• Lets employees know that their work is valued and appreciated.
• Gives employees a sense of ownership and belonging in their place of work.
• Improves morale.
• Enhances loyalty and commitment.
• Builds a supportive work environment: when employees feel supported, they will, in turn, support each other.
• Increases motivation and satisfaction.
• It builds quality leaders at all levels. Successful leaders make the people side of business a top concern.
• Managers and employees learn how to support and encourage one another.
• Improves employee engagement and retention.