Go to the Water

I watched an a cappella group perform on the news one day. When I think of a cappella group, I think of it being all male. The man that was speaking for the group said they welcomed female singers, and they were called, "Everyone in Harmony". They were definitely in harmony, and they certainly didn't need musical instruments to make them sound wonderful. I love Motown and my all-time favorite group would be " The Temptations". I watched their movie dozens of times just to watch them perform, and hear them sing. Everyone at that time dressed the same, they sang and danced in perfect harmony. The sounds they could make were incredible and I got such enjoyment watching them. Currently, I doubt there is any bigger act than the Taylor Swift Tour. What a tremendous amount of strength she must have to be able to not only sing like she does, but does it while she dances in heels.  Everyone on her stage is in harmony with the other dancers, singers, and band.  It got me ...

There are three settings in which reading the room is required: social gatherings, business meetings and public speaking engagements.  We have all been in a room listening to the same person talk, often about themselves, oblivious to the fact that they are dominating the conversation. We have also been in conversations about a topic that only the person speaking understands what they are talking about. When a conversation is started and it doesn't include everyone, or everyone is not contributing it is time to read the room.    It seems to happen naturally when genders separate and have their own conversations. Historically, it was men in the living room, women in the kitchen. I have found that I love the conversations that result when both genders are sitting together just talking. I know the way I think will be challenged more, and the topics are more diverse. Being included or including everyone in a conversation is not as easy as it sounds. The line I like to use for ...

I have come to realize; we all have our own "Rules of Life". I had never really put much thought into what my own personal set of rules are, so when I found this quote, it spoke to me in a simple way. I think it describes my "Rules of Life" quite nicely.      1.  Before you Pray - Believe.  I admire people who know their religious path, this rule makes sense to them. As a spiritual person I have a bit of a struggle to understand it's meaning. Prayer doesn't come easy for me, although I do believe in praying.  I believe that all things happen for a reason and that they will turn out the way they are meant to. I also know when I think about others, I am praying for them. There is power in prayer, and I have witnessed so many examples of it. When something bad happens to me, or to people close to me, I look for the lessons that are to be learned. I have another rule about prayer and that is, I can't take advantage of it. I still have to work for solutions o...

What kind of packer are you? Do you feel you are a good packer, an over packer or just a poor packer in general. How long does it take you to get packed and ready to go? Do you always have snacks and water ready to go out the door when you do?   When I pack for a trip, I pack. Many people say, "I have my clothes laid out". Not me, my clothes are locked and loaded. I have become a carry-on person when traveling and I know how to roll things tight to get lots in the bag. Now, unpacking,  I could shove the suitcase into the bedroom and leave it there forever. I literally force myself to empty it in the first hour I am home, or it may never get my attention for days. I was on a flight once where we diverted to Sudbury, Ontario instead of landing in Toronto. The woman behind me asked the attendant for food for her daughter. The little one was maybe 4, her mom hadn't packed a thing for her to eat, drink, or keep her entertained for what was supposed to be a 2-hour flight. We we...

If you watch children play, they are laughing, smiling and always having fun. They seem to be in a perpetual state of being happy. When they become teenagers the look on their faces is not one of happiness. Maybe they just smelt something that was bad, but the smell must be lingering for a very long time. The wave of adult happiness goes like this: people are happiest around age 20, it then drops, reaching the lowest point at 50. It starts a slow incline again and happiness returns around retirement until the age of 70, followed by another drop off.   Happy is defined by three little words; delighted, pleased or glad. Happy people  are described as being warm, considerate, respectful, helpful and pleasant to be around. Their behavior is one of not gossip or wasting their time complaining. Happy people will focus on what has, is, and can work, rather than on what is problematic.  There are three simple things that make people happy: close relationships, a job or past ...

I am instantly attracted to articles that have the word, "communication" in the title. Even though communication is one of my favorite topics, I have been getting this post ready for weeks. I finally decided it was time to proofread, put in the final touches and push the publish button.  The article that prompted this post was written by an oncology nurse. She outlined 7 communication topics that, in her opinion, were what people talked about most. I have summarized her words and I am sure they will be meaningful to you in your own way.                              1. Live in the moment.  "Once people are diagnosed with cancer, a time of reflection will occur. They often spend time thinking/worrying about what has happened in their life. It is hard to focus on the present, rather than the unknown. Some questions that help bring clarity are:  "is it in the past?" or "will worrying about it change an...

I was inspired as I listened to a man share his story since he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. When he got his diagnosis, 10 years ago, he began aggressive long distant biking. In the ten years since his diagnosis, he has managed to control many of the debilitating symptoms. So much so, that a medical team has asked to do further testing to see if this is something that will help people with Parkinson's. They want to know if aggressive exercise will have a different effect on the disease process. During the interview it was evident by some of his movements that the man had Parkinson's, but considering having it for 10 years, it was amazing how good he was. At the end of his interview he said, "I want to inspire others, you are not a victim to your body anymore".  I think of people with neurological diseases such as MS or Parkinson and wonder how they cope. These are long term diseases that slowly take function away from you. The speed at which this happens...

  Some time ago now, a friend recommended I read the book, "The Reason you Walk". It was written by Wab Kinew, the leader of the Manitoba NDP party since 2017. At the last provincial election, Wabanakwut (Wab) Kinew became Manitoba's 25th Premier. He is also the first, First Nations Premier of a Canadian Province. Wab  is described as a prominent Canadian politician, author, musician, broadcaster and host on CBC Radio and Television. Overall, he is a multi-talented individual.   When Wab entered politics he wrote, "The Reason You Walk" to tell his story. His story is one of alcohol and drug abuse, two convictions and how he found his way in the world. He also shares his devotion to his culture, his education and his journey to where he is today. Included in the book is a  tribute to his father. During the last year of his dad's life, he shared the personal story of their reconciliation and reconnection.  Wab's parents, Tobasonakwut and Kathy started dati...