This is definitely a weekend that has had more than a few twists and turns that I'll likely remember for a long while. Here would be a few stories as of Sunday afternoon:
Friday night - On my way to a meditation this night, I got lost for a half hour driving around a neighborhood I hadn't been to previously. I've interpreted this as a test to my persistence that I have at times to see something through. I arrived at the house where I hadn't been before yet somehow I felt quite comfortable in this place. There were a few visualization exercises that can be interesting to take this kind of trip within one's mind. How do I see myself? Where do I want to go? What do I want to release tonight? These would be some of the questions addressed in various journeys. There was also the drawing of a card from an Oracle deck where I drew the "Children" card. That my life will be about helping, teaching and healing children is kind of an odd thing to get since I don't have any children but I do enjoy teaching stuff so maybe there was that connection. While the person that ran the meditation had a different interpretation. Her view was that I should let my inner child out more and enjoy play in the world. I can appreciate this on a few levels. Of the dozen and a half people there, less than a handful were men which I find to be an odd theme in my life. Somehow I seem to find groups where there tends to be more women than men which is likely an indicator of something.
Saturday night - This would be the birthday night of a friend. I get to the place where the party is being held a bit early so I look around to see if I find any familiar faces. Having found none, I sit at the bar with a water and read my book. This would be one of my reasons for packing books with me: If I'm alone somewhere waiting for something, this is what I can do to fill my time. Eventually it gets to be the reservation time and I figure, "Ok, time for me to talk to the staff and see where we are," and so one staff member near the front door says we'd be upstairs and so up I go. Then talking to a guy upstairs, we are downstairs it seems. Now, this is where I get to discover we have a few tables where there are couches and chairs. Quite funky in some ways and again I keep reading as I'm waiting for others to show up. Eventually some do start coming and so the socializing can begin. Lots of interesting conversation and more than a few hugs would ensue. There would also be some lengthy waits for food that I see as a test of how patient can I be. I also wrote up a card where I'm recycling some Christmas cards I bought that seemed to still be fitting for this situation. I wonder how that will be viewed. There was also some dancing that was quite nice. Now, worth noting that there were a handful of women up on the dance floor first and it was that kind of moment where I can wonder, "When is it my turn here?" Still it was fun to be up on the floor and shake my booty. There were more than a few familiar faces here which made for a good contrast to the previous day.
Sunday morning - Being that rather faithful church going person that I am, I enjoy going to the service, singing some songs, seeing some familiar faces and taking in some new data to update the mental model I have of how I understand God, Jesus and most parts of the Bible. This would also be where I got to tell people about my new job that I was rather excited to pass along. There was also an interesting exchange just before I left where someone said hi to me that I still wonder if I know how to handle these things. While she guessed my name was J.P., I did correct her to J.B. though I can wonder where was this to go? What am I to ask in this case to make conversation? Then, as I wonder off to my car, I get asked if the sermon is over which I doubted since I didn't think it was that late. When I got into my car I noticed that the service had only been going for half an hour and thus my guess of coffee break may have been off. Part of that guess came from noticing that the drummer this morning was done and so I thought the worship part was over. I don't know how right or wrong I was though it may be interesting to ponder this at some point.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
My Top 10 Authors
Being the avid reader I am, here's a list of 10 authors whose work I've enjoyed over the past few years:
10. Jay Fiset - Author of "Reframe Your Blame" which is that book where the exercises are really the secret sauce of this excellent book. While there is the sharing of Jay's past trials and tribulations with finding how to be personally accountable that is enjoyable in its own right, jumping into the exercises to see how these ideas apply to oneself is what makes this such a powerful book.
9. Dan Pink - Author of "Drive" which is about motivation that includes a reading list that is just what I could use at times to take some of the ideas further. Intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation is quite an interesting idea to ponder. The concepts of autonomy, mastery, and purpose are also some powerful ideas to see how well these fire me up to get me going on something new.
8. Tom Rath - Author of Gallup Press' "StrengthsFinder 2.0" and "Well-Being" which both have on-line assessments that can be useful in applying what one gets from the material in the book. My strength themes are Learner, Achiever, Responsibility, Intellection and Strategic. I suspect those who know the themes and know me could easily see how these relate to me. It is quite something to get these kinds of results and have steps to take to refine how these can enhance the quality of one's life.
7. J.D. Meier - Writer of "Sources of Insight" blog that has lots of great ideas for improving productivity and how to view the world. I've often enjoyed how he responds to so many posts on his blog and enjoys having conversation. His book would be "Getting Results the Agile Way" that is about how to apply a software development methodology to other areas of one's life.
6. Thomas Friedman - Writer of "The World is Flat" that is quite the book about early 21st century history on more than a few levels. I've also enjoyed his NY Times articles as he writes with conviction in a no nonsense way that I find refreshing at times.
5. Seth Godin - Writer of "Tribes" that discusses how people come together and form communities to some degree. The book actually advocates being passed onto someone else who may be helped by it that made me want to go, "Aaawwww."
4. Gary Zukav - Writer of "Seat of the Soul" and "Soul Stories" that were both quite interesting books for me to enjoy and intellectually process. While conveying the type of material that is quite radical, it is done clearly and with some compassion so that the transition is somewhat smooth. I did enjoy seeing him on Oprah a few times.
3. Jack Canfield - Writer of "The Success Principles" and co-author of "The Power of Focus." Both books are interesting for having lots of ideas and theories to bump up one's game in the world. While the books took me a few months to get through, they are the type of books that more than a few people will go, "Huh?" to seeing someone read them.
2. Marcus Buckingham - Writer of "Go Put Your Strengths to Work" and "StandOut." The latter had an on-line assessment I did last Christmas. My top roles are Pioneer/Teacher. Like the StrengthsFinder book .there are action steps to take from this and apply in one's life. There is some emotion in Marcus' writing that is quite cool yet at the same time it is rather simple writing.
1. Frank McCourt - Writer of "Angela's Ashes," "'Tis," and "Teacher Man." The writing style is what sticks out the most for me. As depressing as the subject gets at times, there is still a ton of humor found in the pages of these books about his life in the US, Ireland and the back and forth challenges he experienced growing up in the manner he did. While he passed away over 3 years ago now, his books will live forever.
Special mention to John Bogle who founded the Vanguard group, popularized index funds, and wrote more than a few books of which the last I read was titled simply, "Enough." I'm not sure how many people would have the courage to write a book calling for a return to some basic principles yet that is what Bogle writes in this wonderful little book. Anyone got some other authors that may be interesting within this subject matter?
10. Jay Fiset - Author of "Reframe Your Blame" which is that book where the exercises are really the secret sauce of this excellent book. While there is the sharing of Jay's past trials and tribulations with finding how to be personally accountable that is enjoyable in its own right, jumping into the exercises to see how these ideas apply to oneself is what makes this such a powerful book.
9. Dan Pink - Author of "Drive" which is about motivation that includes a reading list that is just what I could use at times to take some of the ideas further. Intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation is quite an interesting idea to ponder. The concepts of autonomy, mastery, and purpose are also some powerful ideas to see how well these fire me up to get me going on something new.
8. Tom Rath - Author of Gallup Press' "StrengthsFinder 2.0" and "Well-Being" which both have on-line assessments that can be useful in applying what one gets from the material in the book. My strength themes are Learner, Achiever, Responsibility, Intellection and Strategic. I suspect those who know the themes and know me could easily see how these relate to me. It is quite something to get these kinds of results and have steps to take to refine how these can enhance the quality of one's life.
7. J.D. Meier - Writer of "Sources of Insight" blog that has lots of great ideas for improving productivity and how to view the world. I've often enjoyed how he responds to so many posts on his blog and enjoys having conversation. His book would be "Getting Results the Agile Way" that is about how to apply a software development methodology to other areas of one's life.
6. Thomas Friedman - Writer of "The World is Flat" that is quite the book about early 21st century history on more than a few levels. I've also enjoyed his NY Times articles as he writes with conviction in a no nonsense way that I find refreshing at times.
5. Seth Godin - Writer of "Tribes" that discusses how people come together and form communities to some degree. The book actually advocates being passed onto someone else who may be helped by it that made me want to go, "Aaawwww."
4. Gary Zukav - Writer of "Seat of the Soul" and "Soul Stories" that were both quite interesting books for me to enjoy and intellectually process. While conveying the type of material that is quite radical, it is done clearly and with some compassion so that the transition is somewhat smooth. I did enjoy seeing him on Oprah a few times.
3. Jack Canfield - Writer of "The Success Principles" and co-author of "The Power of Focus." Both books are interesting for having lots of ideas and theories to bump up one's game in the world. While the books took me a few months to get through, they are the type of books that more than a few people will go, "Huh?" to seeing someone read them.
2. Marcus Buckingham - Writer of "Go Put Your Strengths to Work" and "StandOut." The latter had an on-line assessment I did last Christmas. My top roles are Pioneer/Teacher. Like the StrengthsFinder book .there are action steps to take from this and apply in one's life. There is some emotion in Marcus' writing that is quite cool yet at the same time it is rather simple writing.
1. Frank McCourt - Writer of "Angela's Ashes," "'Tis," and "Teacher Man." The writing style is what sticks out the most for me. As depressing as the subject gets at times, there is still a ton of humor found in the pages of these books about his life in the US, Ireland and the back and forth challenges he experienced growing up in the manner he did. While he passed away over 3 years ago now, his books will live forever.
Special mention to John Bogle who founded the Vanguard group, popularized index funds, and wrote more than a few books of which the last I read was titled simply, "Enough." I'm not sure how many people would have the courage to write a book calling for a return to some basic principles yet that is what Bogle writes in this wonderful little book. Anyone got some other authors that may be interesting within this subject matter?
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Aftermath of a hot seat....
This past Sunday I had my turn in the hot seat in my Creation Circle. This is where I got the opportunity to have the others in my circle focus in on a specific problem I'm having and get help/support for this issue. Now, leading up to the meeting I had more than a few conversations with my "coach" to help nail down the issue so that discussing the issue will be of value to everyone in the group. While we started with how I can get rather emotional, we did get a little digging to get a bit deeper into the issue.
The issue I decided upon was my issue of self-confidence. Now, if I'm in my comfort zone, I'll rarely have confidence issues as I can feel like King Kong in those places most of the time. At other times, I may struggle whether this is in starting a conversation, introducing myself, or opening up in some cases. Now, just before the hot seat, there were some exercises done as part of the meeting around getting our needs met that in a way overlapped with this that was a bit creepy. Perhaps it is just a divine hand guiding things along that makes it seem really weird that things line up so well here and that is what threw me. In the dyad I had, I got to share some of my background on this and got some interesting feedback. In a way, it was the kind of kick I needed and served me quite well in being prepared for the hot seat.
Part of my time there was explaining the issue which I'd reckon is typical. What I managed to get from this group was some amazing insights and ideas that will really help a great deal. The idea of confidence being built instead of found was definitely something to shift my frame of reference. That I tend to go for external validation at times was another useful point. I do have the work of going through all my different groups to see which are the ones that feed me and which are the ones that drain me. Last but not least is the idea of honoring myself. This was tended to throw my stomach into knots which I could take as a sign of being an issue to work through soon. Why would I have an issue with celebrating the awesomeness that I am? Lots of different ideas come to mind though what if I just did things for myself to find what works to be ways of acknowledging that I am great at times.
The issue I decided upon was my issue of self-confidence. Now, if I'm in my comfort zone, I'll rarely have confidence issues as I can feel like King Kong in those places most of the time. At other times, I may struggle whether this is in starting a conversation, introducing myself, or opening up in some cases. Now, just before the hot seat, there were some exercises done as part of the meeting around getting our needs met that in a way overlapped with this that was a bit creepy. Perhaps it is just a divine hand guiding things along that makes it seem really weird that things line up so well here and that is what threw me. In the dyad I had, I got to share some of my background on this and got some interesting feedback. In a way, it was the kind of kick I needed and served me quite well in being prepared for the hot seat.
Part of my time there was explaining the issue which I'd reckon is typical. What I managed to get from this group was some amazing insights and ideas that will really help a great deal. The idea of confidence being built instead of found was definitely something to shift my frame of reference. That I tend to go for external validation at times was another useful point. I do have the work of going through all my different groups to see which are the ones that feed me and which are the ones that drain me. Last but not least is the idea of honoring myself. This was tended to throw my stomach into knots which I could take as a sign of being an issue to work through soon. Why would I have an issue with celebrating the awesomeness that I am? Lots of different ideas come to mind though what if I just did things for myself to find what works to be ways of acknowledging that I am great at times.
Friday, August 10, 2012
People person, moi? Really?
Yet again in my life I confront the challenge that is, "Am I a people person?" to which I have to answer, "Yes, I am." I say this in part because of how socializing can impact my day in both good and bad ways. One of my biggest needs is to be connected to others which can take the form of some Facebook replies that I post a comment and then the original poster posts a follow-up that just melts me and hits my ooey-gooey center. In a similar vein, if I had a day where I'm not reaching out to others, that tends to leave me feeling a bit hollow and empty.
Some people will tell me I have a beautiful soul. I have reached a point in my life where I accept this compliment and try to avoid over-analyzing it. I do think there is a lot to be said for how someone handles someone else crossing a boundary. For example, I recently a Facebook friend post a private message that sparked a good discussion where I think opening up what was said allowed for some great exchanges of ideas.
Some people will tell me I have a beautiful soul. I have reached a point in my life where I accept this compliment and try to avoid over-analyzing it. I do think there is a lot to be said for how someone handles someone else crossing a boundary. For example, I recently a Facebook friend post a private message that sparked a good discussion where I think opening up what was said allowed for some great exchanges of ideas.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
A new quotient to study...
What about the idea of a "Hugging Quotient?" I've had days where getting dozens of hugs just made that day awesome. Granted not everyone is a hugger but how does one found out who are and aren't? It is a rather personal question in more than a few ways.
This is without getting into the style of various hugs. There is the great squishy hug that tends to be my favorite though depending on the person this isn't always a good idea, e.g. if someone looks old enough to be my grandmother this hug may be a bit too much someone frail and delicate. Then there are the manly one arm hugs. I've had a few 15 minute hugfests that were rather interesting experiences. I've also heard some massive wailing hugs that I wonder if I was in that what would it be like? The wailing coming from someone that I'd think was working through some deep trauma but will be OK as I've seen this in a couple of church-y situations.
Though let me state here that I love hugs. I enjoy giving and getting. Upon request I do shift my style as I'd never want to force myself onto someone. If someone wants a gentle touch, I can do that. If someone wants the hard core, spin them around while embraced then I could do that too. Each has its place in being a wonderful expression of love.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
The God wink du jour
Earlier tonight I was at this dinner Meetup and had this wonderful experience that I just have to share here. Way after the main meal there was this late discussion between a vegan and someone curious to know why someone would choose such a life style there was this quirky little moment where I mentioned "The Light Cellar" which was a place I learned about at "The Seed Event" as she had mentioned she wanted to find more places to get raw food.
The change in this person's eyes was remarkable. You'd think I'd pass along a recipe for ambrosia or something in that ballpark of awesomeness. It was like someone that had lived in the desert for weeks and I came with a fire hose and an ocean of water to quench that thirst. I got all giddy inside and will now await the next time in my life where I'll have this kind of yummy moment as I know another is coming soon.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
God's magic in the world...
Last night being the first Monday of the month, I had the plan of attending "ReVision Your Life" which would be through the ReSolutions Meetup group though Mother Nature threw a monkey wrench into that. By the time I realized that the location would be closed I was already there and figured, "Ok, something is up here so I'll check my e-mail." There was a message that the organizer changed the format to a webinar and so I just switched to a backup plan at this point.
That plan being "Tehillah Monday" where I was earlier in the day helping the bands set up as the previous week I had my original plans fall through and this was something someone suggested and so I figured, "Do I really have something better to do? Not really." Thus, I show up at 6:30 and notice a few people going into the church at this time that seems really early.
While the music was quite something there were a few other things that also seemed oddly poignant for me:
Fashion notes - I decided to wear my "Creator's Code" shirt on this day just as something that would be neat yet at the end of the night I was asked about it and had a lovely conversation with someone about it. There was also someone that wore these sparkly pants that I doubt I'll get out of my head anytime soon.
Offering - As an offering is taken there is a question put forth for those in the audience in need of a job to put their hands up and this would be one of a few times in that night where up goes my hand as I am in that situation. While there isn't really any judgment here externally, there is that internal sense of failure for being in this situation where I either be honest and put up my hand or I hide from the world which would be my old style. I go for the hand up and have one of a few crying moments on this night.
Altar call - This would be the big "A-ha"-y moment where in the first round of calling people forward, I thought, "That isn't for me. I had my Jesus intellection throw down 2 years ago and got baptized that Easter, this couldn't be for me." Anyway, a second call is put forth and this time I sense a, "Go do this and see what happens," to which being in the second row I'm not moving far but I figure I owe it to myself if noone else to go do this. Now, this leads to the ~40 of us being led into the Chapel and this would be where I'd claim the 2nd box of Kleenex for me to start going through as I am just ridiculously emotional on this night. Quite intense and yet I tell my story as calmly as I can and get a new Bible and think, "Eeeek, where do I go from here?" I kind of felt like I had outed myself as someone that needed some help that kind of made more broken than someone should be at church.
If there is one great challenge I have with these kinds of services, it is figuring out the hugging ettiquette. Within my comfort zone I'd imagine most people know that I really like hugs though as I get outside of that it becomes more of a paradox where what is appropriate is the big question. I see all these other people hugging and part of me wants to yell, "I WANT THAT! GOD YOU KNOW I WANT THAT!" and I suspect in my inner voice that call does go out but I don't really get a response and so a little more heartache follows. What will I do about this? Well, that is what I'm still trying to strategize over...
Monday, March 5, 2012
Empire Avenue
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Empire Avenue is this site I found where it is kind of interesting to buy shares in people and build up an empire by holding shares in others. I've only been on it a few days but it does appear kind of interesting. The start of this post was a verification code they requested and thus this quasi-useless post.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Listening vs Paying Attention
Not long ago, I had to explain the difference between these two ideas as to my mind there is a world of difference between them. Listening is merely my ear's recording something that happens and nothing more. There is no extra effort spent to process or analyze what was heard. This is where if I spare some mental processing power to analyze and sift through something to have some new result then I did pay attention and got somewhere with it.
There are times where I enjoy playing semantics and toying with words. Which words to use in what circumstances and how can I put them together for various effects. Alliteration can be quite cool to have the repetition of a sound over and over again. Other times it can be fun to just pull from movie lines and see what happens.
There are times where I enjoy playing semantics and toying with words. Which words to use in what circumstances and how can I put them together for various effects. Alliteration can be quite cool to have the repetition of a sound over and over again. Other times it can be fun to just pull from movie lines and see what happens.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
New year, new assessment
This past Christmas I took Marcus Buckingham's "Standout" assessment which out of 9 roles:
You bet on talent. You are adventurous with people. "Throw them in the deep end," you think to yourself. Not that you are callous. It's more that you believe in action-learning. "Try it and see what you figure out." And if people fail, you give them another chance. You're the kind of person whose faith in others does not erode if they struggle. Rather, your faith in them persists, even grows, in the face of failure--the more they've failed, you think to yourself, the more experience they have, and so, since experience is the best teacher, the more valuable they are. Therefore, you will excel in any sort of training role, so long as you are out of the classroom--on-the-job training is what you will specialize in. If you are actually in the classroom teaching children, make sure you are in a school system that allows you to challenge your students with concepts, subjects and projects that are, technically, above their grade level; and one that allows you to tailor your style to the unique needs of each student. In medicine, you will be the specialist who teaches other specialists about new techniques. In research, you are the scientist who will want to share the import of new discoveries with your peers. Wherever you are, you will excel in a role where sharing knowledge is power.
I'm still digesting some of the other notes in my results but it is its own interesting lens to view myself. At the same time, I would like to be more precise about my genius.
- Advisor - You are a practical, concrete thinker who is at your most powerful when reacting to and solving other people's problems.
- Connector - You are a catalyst. Your power lies in your craving to put two things together to make something bigger than it is now.
- Creator - You make sense of the world, pulling it apart, seeing a better configuration, and creating it.
- Equalizer - You are a level-headed person whose power comes from keeping the world in balance, ethically and practically.
- Influencer - You engage people directly and convince them to act. Your power is your persuasion.
- Pioneer - You see the world as a friendly place where, around every corner, good things will happen. Your distinctive power starts with your optimism in the face of uncertainty.
- Provider - You sense other people's feelings and you feel compelled to recognize these feelings, give them a voice and act on them.
- Stimulator - You are the host of other people's emotions. You feel responsible for them, for turning them around, for elevating them.
- Teacher - You are thrilled by the potential you see in each person. Your
power comes from learning how to unleash it.
My order of results:
PIONEER
TEACHER
CREATOR
ADVISOR
PROVIDER
INFLUENCER
EQUALIZER
CONNECTOR
STIMULATOR
You bet on talent. You are adventurous with people. "Throw them in the deep end," you think to yourself. Not that you are callous. It's more that you believe in action-learning. "Try it and see what you figure out." And if people fail, you give them another chance. You're the kind of person whose faith in others does not erode if they struggle. Rather, your faith in them persists, even grows, in the face of failure--the more they've failed, you think to yourself, the more experience they have, and so, since experience is the best teacher, the more valuable they are. Therefore, you will excel in any sort of training role, so long as you are out of the classroom--on-the-job training is what you will specialize in. If you are actually in the classroom teaching children, make sure you are in a school system that allows you to challenge your students with concepts, subjects and projects that are, technically, above their grade level; and one that allows you to tailor your style to the unique needs of each student. In medicine, you will be the specialist who teaches other specialists about new techniques. In research, you are the scientist who will want to share the import of new discoveries with your peers. Wherever you are, you will excel in a role where sharing knowledge is power.
I'm still digesting some of the other notes in my results but it is its own interesting lens to view myself. At the same time, I would like to be more precise about my genius.
Friday, October 14, 2011
The saga continues...
I was recently challenged to write for 7 minutes every day and this is that exercise. I could wind up writing about almost anything really. I nearly cried at saying good-bye to a co-worker that is leaving to go work somewhere else. I cried at watching "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" on Cosmopolitan TV. I'm starting to recognize that at times being honest about where I am can make me really vulnerable though at the same time provide a great deal of strength. Just showing up can do so much. I prayed for some people and blessed some other people. Who knows where this will all lead or what will come of doing this little exercise each day and seeing what kind of brain dump I can have.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Twists and turns in my life...
Tonight I had a few odd episodes that I feel worth jotting down somewhere out here:
First, there was the disc I was to pick up from the wellness center where I'm having an assessment done. As I'm about to get in the elevator to go up to their floor, out comes someone I know and tells me that the disc is being mailed to me. I had called last week to have them hold onto it but somehow I just managed to miss that. On the bright side, I did get to know when the next one would be which is of course a scheduling conflict with my Remarkable Man group but ah well laugh has these moments. I just roll with the punches and try to see humor where I can.
Second, there was an orientation tonight for the Calgary Homeless Foundation I thought according to my church at the McDougall Center but apparently that wasn't so. I talked to the security guard for a good 10 minutes before figuring, "Ok, maybe God has something better for me planned tonight."
Third would be the mastery about writing a book and getting it published. Very worthwhile exercises and suggestions found. At the end though I noticed a habit of mine. I helped clean up the room, stacking chairs and putting away tables. This just sort of reinforced for me how I like to be helpful and get things done. In the process of the exercises I now have 32 topics to write posts about which I plan to do over the next 32 days and see what happens. I also want to connect this blog with my Facebook, Twitter, all that good stuff.
First, there was the disc I was to pick up from the wellness center where I'm having an assessment done. As I'm about to get in the elevator to go up to their floor, out comes someone I know and tells me that the disc is being mailed to me. I had called last week to have them hold onto it but somehow I just managed to miss that. On the bright side, I did get to know when the next one would be which is of course a scheduling conflict with my Remarkable Man group but ah well laugh has these moments. I just roll with the punches and try to see humor where I can.
Second, there was an orientation tonight for the Calgary Homeless Foundation I thought according to my church at the McDougall Center but apparently that wasn't so. I talked to the security guard for a good 10 minutes before figuring, "Ok, maybe God has something better for me planned tonight."
Third would be the mastery about writing a book and getting it published. Very worthwhile exercises and suggestions found. At the end though I noticed a habit of mine. I helped clean up the room, stacking chairs and putting away tables. This just sort of reinforced for me how I like to be helpful and get things done. In the process of the exercises I now have 32 topics to write posts about which I plan to do over the next 32 days and see what happens. I also want to connect this blog with my Facebook, Twitter, all that good stuff.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Synchronization part I
Iamsynchronized.com has a motivational profile tool that has been quite useful to me. Granted I have been using it in various forms for at least the past year, possibly a little more than that. For those familiar with the profiles my primary is Knowledgeable Wisdom Responsibility and my secondary is Merciful Compassionate & Fulfillment. This can make for an interesting combination as in a way I am like this giant sponge that just soaks up everything around me on an intellectual and emotional level. I also tend to know a lot on a lot of things which can range from having hundreds of thoughts that I could share on something to having just the right line that seems to be almost magical in terms of what happens after I say it just the way it came to me.
Where this gets interesting in my life now is to try to see how leadership can blend with this in my life. Possessing tons of knowledge isn't worthwhile if it isn't articulated accurately so someone else can see the wisdom of the picture being painted for them to see things from another angle. Similarly, having lots of compassion for others can lead one into some traps that aren't always the easiest to see. While I do lead my life, I'm not sure how well leading others fits well with these profiles but I suppose that could be a question for the group that showed me these profiles in the first place.
Where this gets interesting in my life now is to try to see how leadership can blend with this in my life. Possessing tons of knowledge isn't worthwhile if it isn't articulated accurately so someone else can see the wisdom of the picture being painted for them to see things from another angle. Similarly, having lots of compassion for others can lead one into some traps that aren't always the easiest to see. While I do lead my life, I'm not sure how well leading others fits well with these profiles but I suppose that could be a question for the group that showed me these profiles in the first place.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Time for some new stuff...
Last Thursday night I attended a seminar about social styles that was rather interesting. The idea was to have these 4 general classifications of social styles:
My primary style is Supporting. My emotions tend to be shown in a variety of forms so I see myself scoring high on that line while I don't really have a tendency to direct though that may change if I get more confidence in myself. I see myself now as someone I don't trust and thus I hold back that way. My secondary style is Analyzing which is where I used to be back when my heart was more closed.
- Promoting - These are the people that have a tendency to direct and show a range of emotions. These are the people after fun in the world, save effort in doing things, enjoy being the center of attention and can be easily distracted.
- Controlling - These are the people that have a tendency to direct but have a narrow emotional range that they show. These are the people where respect and results are highly praised and considered important. While they may not be as animated as the promoter, if there is something wrong there may still be that confrontation along with a parental tone in contrast to a temper tantrum. If you want to discuss something with someone of this style, book an appointment and you'll be fine.
- Analyzing - These would be the ones that rarely direct and rarely show an emotional range. These are the thinkers and observers of the world. Security and facts are the big motivators here. Workaholics can fall here as they just have their work that is what they do all the time. These people are great listeners but not the best using body language to communicate.
- Supporting - These would be those who rarely direct and do show an emotional range. This style is motivated by acceptance and intimacy within relationships. These are likely great listeners as long as you are ok in seeing how whatever is said impacts the other person.
My primary style is Supporting. My emotions tend to be shown in a variety of forms so I see myself scoring high on that line while I don't really have a tendency to direct though that may change if I get more confidence in myself. I see myself now as someone I don't trust and thus I hold back that way. My secondary style is Analyzing which is where I used to be back when my heart was more closed.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
My big idea...
Finding a think-tank where I can spend all day getting paid to answer questions. That is my current dream. In some ways this fits well with a KWR motivational profile yet at the same time this is my take on how to apply all the information I know and can process. Strategic thinking could play a big role in this but so could networking. While at first I thought I had to build the tank, the reality is that I could possibly just find a collective to join. While not easy to find, it could be really worthwhile.
There is still some work to do to figure out how would such a group work and exist in the modern world. This is the next few steps for me I suspect as I do need to flesh out a few more details in this story that will continue to unfold.
There is still some work to do to figure out how would such a group work and exist in the modern world. This is the next few steps for me I suspect as I do need to flesh out a few more details in this story that will continue to unfold.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Time for a new start
Over the past 2 days, I went through the I am Synchronized process, at least the start of it anyway. In terms of motivational profiles, I'm a KWR/MCF. KWR is that studious side of me, that smart and bright side that people notice quickly. Being a master of processing information can be a very useful skill especially in a technical field. The MCF puts its own spin on this as I do have a big heart that shines through at times.
The workshop was a lot of fun, though I did notice how I can lose myself in a group. That I don't think so much about what I want or how to get to my dreams. While it may be rather sad, it is the truth that I have to work on finding my dreams and seeing what is it that I really want. I know I want to shine my light upon the world though I don't know how that will look exactly.
Maybe this time the blog will stick or so I hope.
The workshop was a lot of fun, though I did notice how I can lose myself in a group. That I don't think so much about what I want or how to get to my dreams. While it may be rather sad, it is the truth that I have to work on finding my dreams and seeing what is it that I really want. I know I want to shine my light upon the world though I don't know how that will look exactly.
Maybe this time the blog will stick or so I hope.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Strengths thoughts
Now for a few words on a couple of things from yesterday:
First there was this conversation that went for nearly 2 hours with someone where the time just flew. It was quite cool to have those moments where I'm relating well to this person in many ways. I share some of my problems, she shares some of hers, and there is this awesome dance I witness and play a role in making become real. There never seemed to be a lull or awkward pause over the time and I really am looking forward to the next one. An observation was made about how I light up when I said someone's name. That name is the person that is like my guardian angel for all the great things she brought into my life. I'm just noticing now how there was such rhythm there. Ah, what a sight.
Second, was some card playing I did. I brought my father out to this as I know he loves playing cards and figured this would be a cool thing to do. What happened was rather awesome though as my dad had a great time, I had a great time and there are a few stories to share from that night. Again, time flew, I was in my element and life rocked! It was epic and legendary all at once.
First there was this conversation that went for nearly 2 hours with someone where the time just flew. It was quite cool to have those moments where I'm relating well to this person in many ways. I share some of my problems, she shares some of hers, and there is this awesome dance I witness and play a role in making become real. There never seemed to be a lull or awkward pause over the time and I really am looking forward to the next one. An observation was made about how I light up when I said someone's name. That name is the person that is like my guardian angel for all the great things she brought into my life. I'm just noticing now how there was such rhythm there. Ah, what a sight.
Second, was some card playing I did. I brought my father out to this as I know he loves playing cards and figured this would be a cool thing to do. What happened was rather awesome though as my dad had a great time, I had a great time and there are a few stories to share from that night. Again, time flew, I was in my element and life rocked! It was epic and legendary all at once.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Navigating the world
Last weekend's Personal Best Seminar was quite the experience. There were a few big things I learned during it and the first week afterward:
1. What I've buried and didn't recognize when I first took it out were my dreams. When I was younger I put away what I wanted to ensure I got the basics of my life resolved. This meant that things like school and paying bills were done so that the grand joys of life would have to come later. Well it is now later and I want to find those joys.
2. Being hyper-emotional is my new normal. This means that little things can send me into a tear-y episode like discussing how to take a compliment. At the same time, I don't seem to be able to force myself into that state. If I try to force myself there is an odd resistance that I wish I understood. There is likely some great lesson to come from riding the highs and lows of emotions yet I don't know it at the moment.
3. The knowledge of my strengths is getting yet another revision. I do understand how I like absorbing knowledge, processing it, analyzing it and transforming it for various purposes. This can be quite the ability at times. At the same time, my tendency to throw myself heavily into things is another interesting note as my dancing adventure last night reminded me of how I may take some time to get comfortable but then I stay in for the long haul.
4. Some of my limitations have been cut down rather substantially though that emotional stuff throws me for a loop at times. Growth is a wonderful thing. What kinds of other changes await me further in the year? I wish I knew.
Now to look forward to a night of cards after I check out some places.
1. What I've buried and didn't recognize when I first took it out were my dreams. When I was younger I put away what I wanted to ensure I got the basics of my life resolved. This meant that things like school and paying bills were done so that the grand joys of life would have to come later. Well it is now later and I want to find those joys.
2. Being hyper-emotional is my new normal. This means that little things can send me into a tear-y episode like discussing how to take a compliment. At the same time, I don't seem to be able to force myself into that state. If I try to force myself there is an odd resistance that I wish I understood. There is likely some great lesson to come from riding the highs and lows of emotions yet I don't know it at the moment.
3. The knowledge of my strengths is getting yet another revision. I do understand how I like absorbing knowledge, processing it, analyzing it and transforming it for various purposes. This can be quite the ability at times. At the same time, my tendency to throw myself heavily into things is another interesting note as my dancing adventure last night reminded me of how I may take some time to get comfortable but then I stay in for the long haul.
4. Some of my limitations have been cut down rather substantially though that emotional stuff throws me for a loop at times. Growth is a wonderful thing. What kinds of other changes await me further in the year? I wish I knew.
Now to look forward to a night of cards after I check out some places.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Let's try this again....
Yet again, I'll try to see if I can get something up and running where I spew forth various musings and thoughts on stuff. Earlier tonight I started on an exercise that I believe is meant to open some new doors for me. Part of it is about finding pleasure and another part is growth and maturity.
Part of this exercise involved my imagining of a place of power. I envisioned a grand throne that faced to the South which oversaw this lush forest below of a valley while to the West was a big rock wall that stood strong and tough. To the East was open space in contrast to the wall the other way. The North was a big airy arid land of almost nothing. Each direction seemed to have aspects to it that were rather interesting to me. To the South I felt a calling of maturity, to the North, a calling of knowledge, to the West a calling of strength and to the East a calling of fulfillment. In the center was joy which could well be the most interesting to see how that develops.
Over the next couple of weeks my other big challenge will be finding a heart gift to give. My current train of thought is to write out a series of blessings like I did last May that was a rather cool thing to pour my heart out onto some pieces of paper that I think I'll do again. Maybe something else will come to me.
Part of this exercise involved my imagining of a place of power. I envisioned a grand throne that faced to the South which oversaw this lush forest below of a valley while to the West was a big rock wall that stood strong and tough. To the East was open space in contrast to the wall the other way. The North was a big airy arid land of almost nothing. Each direction seemed to have aspects to it that were rather interesting to me. To the South I felt a calling of maturity, to the North, a calling of knowledge, to the West a calling of strength and to the East a calling of fulfillment. In the center was joy which could well be the most interesting to see how that develops.
Over the next couple of weeks my other big challenge will be finding a heart gift to give. My current train of thought is to write out a series of blessings like I did last May that was a rather cool thing to pour my heart out onto some pieces of paper that I think I'll do again. Maybe something else will come to me.
Monday, October 18, 2010
The power of Dominion in my life...
I've had a recent shift in my life. Granted that it could be the meds that I've been on for a couple of months now, but I'd like to think there could be another reason behind this. In my church group, there has been this teaching about walking with God in dominion over the world. This idea has taken a little while for me to finally get but now I do. This afternoon, I had an appointment where I've been going for the past few years to see someone about my foot. Just before this appointment I checked my blood sugars and they were rather low, a 4.1 mmol/L which is almost hypoglycemic, so I grabbed a snack at the Good Earth where my appointment was. At my appointment, there was a comment that I was "vibrating" which I'm sure was meant as a major compliment. Another way to say this is that I seem to be beaming now, shining my light onto the world. There is a bit of a warm fuzzy feeling to this that is very nice. Another adjective to describe me now is fantastic which is quite true, at least to my mind. This was the kind of appointment one dreams of having and I did have it! An awesome appointment, oh yeah.
Praying to God for guidance and then following through in partnering with God is a great gift I seem to be using these days. Stepping up and taking responsibility for what I can do to make and things better. Some may find this surprising or shocking, but somehow I think God sees this as normal. After all, why shouldn't I tap the great resources that have been given to me in this life? Yes there is some personal responsibility in doing some work on my end, but I'd like to think it is more than just luck that I hav ethe opportunities that I do. Getting a call from a friend I haven't had a conversation in years would be another one of those gifts that can just come when you least expect them.
While I would never force my views onto another person, I would offer the suggestion to anyone to give this a try and see what happens. I don't know if it'll work every time, but it may just do some surprising things if one asks for something good. I believe God has some great plans for the world that I am to play a part in changing the world. I don't know where I'll go with this blog, but for now I'm bringing this back as a place where I'll spout what I think is worth sharing with the world as I never know who will read this or when.
Praying to God for guidance and then following through in partnering with God is a great gift I seem to be using these days. Stepping up and taking responsibility for what I can do to make and things better. Some may find this surprising or shocking, but somehow I think God sees this as normal. After all, why shouldn't I tap the great resources that have been given to me in this life? Yes there is some personal responsibility in doing some work on my end, but I'd like to think it is more than just luck that I hav ethe opportunities that I do. Getting a call from a friend I haven't had a conversation in years would be another one of those gifts that can just come when you least expect them.
While I would never force my views onto another person, I would offer the suggestion to anyone to give this a try and see what happens. I don't know if it'll work every time, but it may just do some surprising things if one asks for something good. I believe God has some great plans for the world that I am to play a part in changing the world. I don't know where I'll go with this blog, but for now I'm bringing this back as a place where I'll spout what I think is worth sharing with the world as I never know who will read this or when.
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