My friend, Karin Prinsen, sent me a link to a video about one of the world’s most studied innovation design firms called Ideo, noting their cultural emphasis on strengths. As always, Karin was right! You don’t want to miss this one.
It’s snowing, AGAIN. Temps will be below zero, AGAIN. Snowiest January on record in my town. I’m finding it a bit hard to remain motivated when every time I leave the house, I am met with an attack on my life. I was “shifting” snow today and saw that my little garden butterfly (given to me as a birthday present by my nephew, Nelson) was completely snow covered! What’s a butterfly to do in times like these? Ask for help, of course!
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” – Maya Angelou
How true is that? Well – I have an idea. I’ve been noodling on some things since the new year, looking for ways to add more WONDER to my LAND (see last week’s blog). The fermentation of that noodling is a project I want to launch called Project Butterfly, and I invite you to join me. Interested?
The reason angels can fly is because they take themselves lightly. – G.K. Chesterton
Those of you who know me well can vouch for the fact that I’m not up for the Angel of the Year award! Sure, I’ve photographed kids with autism, cystic fibrosis, and Down’s syndrome to help raise money for a good cause. None of this was hard for me to do because when I have my camera in hand, I’m working. The camera is a safety net, a guard rail. Real angelic behavior doesn’t come easily for me, and that’s both a strengths statement and a self-leadership statement. So what’s an aspiring angel to do?
Last week we marveled over the perils of an Uncle Jerry in your world – those people, harsh words, or circumstances that pull us away from our center. They throw us into a tailspin from which it is difficult to emerge. There was some great dialogue in the comments about your own experiences. Talking in superhero terms, Uncle Jerry is our kryptonite. Luckily, we are blessed with Superman / Superwoman powers – OUR AWESOME, ROCKSTAR STRENGTHS!
