Hi Reader,Here is this week's newsletter. It's a reminder that doing what matters most in life doesn't happen automatically. Thanks for reading. You Can’t Do Everything (But What You Do Matters) Photo: moodboard Read on the Blog This a follow-up to a blog post I wrote on time management. A colleague noted that time management is important, but creating space in your life for the things that matter most is a challenge. She asked if I could share what I’ve learned about this. Here goes. You...
11 days ago • 5 min read
Hi Reader,Another week, another Tuesday. This week's post is a reminder that meeting the demands of others isn't usually the best approach. I hope you find it helpful. Thanks for reading. Addition by Subtraction Photo: Moreidea Read on the Blog I am told that in 1996, when the district superintendent met with the church staff parish relations committee to tell them that I would be their new pastor, she told them that the new pastor had an earring. Apparently one of the members of the...
18 days ago • 4 min read
Hi Reader,Registration for the Understanding Emotional Triangles workshop is now open. Scroll down for all the details. This week's post is one I wrote a few years ago. I believe it's still relevant. Let me know what you think. Thanks for reading! Fear, Chaos and the Non-Anxious Leader Photo: RedDaxLuma Read on the Blog A colleague once approached me and asked if I had any worship resources that address the feeling that the world is in chaos. He noted that multiple congregants have expressed...
25 days ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader,This week's post is a reminder that we often don't know what's going on in others. I hope you find it helpful. Perspective Is Everything Photo: iqoncept Read on the Blog We once went dress shopping at the mall. Two of our nieces had upcoming weddings, so there was pressure to find another dress (first world problem). This also raises the issue that a man can wear the same suit (maybe change the shirt or tie), but a woman wouldn’t dare wear the same dress to two weddings a month...
about 1 month ago • 4 min read
Hi Reader,Happy Tuesday! This week's post is a reminder that families don't have to remain stuck forever. I hope you find it helpful. Life’s Important Moments Open Opportunities for Change Photo: iStock Photos Read on the Blog A friend and colleague once shared that he had been estranged from his brother for nearly two decades. They had been very close growing up. He doesn’t know what precipitated the cut off. As he said, “I must have done something to offend him.” Then their stepfather and...
about 1 month ago • 5 min read
Hi Reader,This week's post is my take on some of President Donald Trump's recent actions. It's not political. It's applying a family systems lens to his leadership style. Also, I've had to postpone the next Pod of Positive Intelligence due to scheduling issues. You can see the new dates below. Thanks! Should You Love Your Enemies or Punish Them? Photo: eric1513 Read on the Blog In his book, David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell notes how British oppression in Northern Ireland backfired. He...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
Hi Reader,This week's post is on creativity. Also, scroll down to check my latest podcast episode, which unpacks Martha Beck's concept of the Anxiety Spiral vs. Creativity Spiral from a family systems perspective. I hope you find it helpful. Creativity: Are You a Seeker or a Finder? Photo: kbuntu Read on the Blog I was introduced to this concept in a Freakonomics podcast series on creativity. It was a small part of the overall broadcast, but it stuck with me. David Galenson is an economics...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader,I hope this Tuesday finds you well. This week's post unpacks the meaning of a non-anxious presence. I hope you find it helpful. Also, registration is now open for my May 6 workshop, The Idea of Family (see below for more details). The Power of Presence Photo by Robert Kneschke AdobeStock Read on the Blog When we think about trying to change things for the better, whether in our family, congregation or organization, we often think about strategy and tactics. Where should we head? How...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
Hi Reader,Happy Tuesday! This week I've added a new section, "Upcoming Offerings," to this newsletter (scroll down to check it out). That way you can know when I'm offering workshops and group coaching opportunities without having to wait for me to send out a separate email. I hope you find it helpful. Tight vs. Loose: Navigating Surrounding Togetherness Pressure While Staying True to Yourself Photo: yayimages Read on the Blog All cultures have social norms. Whether it’s a family,...
2 months ago • 4 min read