As leaders, every action, every gesture, and every word we choose has an impact on those around us, whether we are aware of it or not. And if you ask a leader if they are self-aware, the answer is almost always, “Yes.” However, the research shows that we are far less self-aware than we think we are.
Rain makes me feel less alone. All rain is, is a cloud-falling apart, and pouring its shattered pieces down on top of you. It makes me feel good to know I’m not the only thing that falls apart. – Lone Alaskan Gypsy. Image Credit: After the Rain by Mandy Budan abstractlandscapepainting.com
As I watched the athletes march into the stadium in Beijing, my eyes welled up with tears. I am a proud Canadian and when I see the flag, my heart overflows with gratitude for this magnificent country we call home. But the tears were about something more than that.
Nature is so powerful, so strong. Capturing its essence is not easy – your work becomes a dance with light and the weather. It takes you to a place within yourself. – Annie Leibovitz. Image Credit: Between Abstract and Reality by Elena Dinissuk elenadinissuk.ca
Over the past couple of years, Fridays have lost their lustre. One day seems to blend into the next in an endless feeling of Groundhog Day. Somewhere in the fourth wave, I realized I needed to define my weekends more clearly.
Every walk in the forest is like taking a shower in oxygen. Peter Wohlleben, The Hidden Life of Trees. Image Credit: Through the Trees by Silvija Hord silvijahord.com
Like most Canadians, I am obsessed with the weather. It’s not surprising, since it shapes our days, how we get around, what we wear and what activities we engage in. The weather moves us, inspires us, amazes us and sometimes angers us.
December Book of the month: The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself, Image Credit: Winter in the Woods by Chris McQuarrie @myinnerwild on Instagram
As you may know, every year I design and create a calendar to send to my clients. It has beautiful images of Muskoka, quotes about leadership, and a message from me.
December Book of the month: The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself, Image Credit: Winter in the Woods by Chris McQuarrie @myinnerwild on Instagram
One of my favourite moments of the year is Thanksgiving. Specifically, it’s our family tradition where each person around the dinner table takes a turn sharing what they are most grateful for. It’s a simple tradition, but it goes very deep.
November Book of the month: Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by: Brené Brown, Image Credit: Misty Woods by Hanne Lore Koehler www.koehlerart.com
As the door sealed shut, the walls of the airplane seemed to collapse inward. My heart was racing and blood rushed to my head. I heard myself say, “I might need a minute to catch my breath,” but there was no turning back. My fear of being in a confined space had officially been triggered and I needed to pull it together.
October Book of the month: Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by: Cal Newport, Image Credit: Evening Paddle by Kenneth Kirsch, www.kenkirsch.com
It was a gorgeous weekend afternoon and I was out on the Humber River with Justin and our friend Mandie. I leaned back in my kayak as a monarch butterfly gracefully flew overhead. The sun reflected off its wings with a flash of orange and I became mesmerized by its beauty.
September Book of the month: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by: Patrick Lencioni, Image Credit: Mystic Forest by Christopher Keene www.christopherkeene.com
The late summer sun had already dipped below the horizon as I pulled up the driveway of the home I share with my partner, Justin. What a fulfilling day! I opened the car door and the warm, humid air served as a gentle reminder that I had gotten used to air conditioning.
August Book of the month: Rest. Why you get more done when you work less by: Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, Image Credit: Hamick by Doug Dunford
Back in March of 2020, when COVID-19 was spreading like wildfire across Canada, I made a big decision. If I had to work remotely, I would do it from our home in Muskoka.
July Book of the month: High Performance Habits by: Brendon Burchard, Image Credit: Trail of Green by Jake Vandenbrink
Do you ever have the feeling that you’re letting the team down? If you answered “yes”, you’re not alone.
June Book of the month: Big Magic by: Elizabeth Gilbert, Image Credit: Hummingbird Slows for a Sip by Michelle Vyn
If we listen to the natural flow of the seasons, we learn that it’s okay to hunker down and to hit the pause button.
May Book of the month: Good to Great by: Jim Collins, Image Credit: Moonlight Canoe by: Andy Zeltkalns
April Book of the month: Start with Why by Simon Sinek, Image Credit: Tulips in Bloom by: Debbie Whatling.
If we listen to the natural flow of the seasons, we learn that it’s okay to hunker down and to hit the pause button.
March Book of the month: Grit by Angela Duckworth, Image Credit: Big Blue by: Cindy Kelly.
Dashing out the door with cross country skis under one arm and a briefcase over the other, I must have looked a little odd as I loaded up the car.
February Book of the month: Atomic Habits by James Clear, Image Credit: Early Riser by: Mandy Budan.
I have spent years figuring out how to get more done in a day. But in 2020, I discovered there is room for both peace and productivity, even in the same day.