substantive

more and more
I step away from
small talk

I am eager to engage
in substantive conversations
that fuel curiosity
strengthen connections
and lead to expansions

What's your proportion
of meaningful conversations?

Small talk shrinks happiness

bravery

Do you have
Someone who believes in you?
Someone who cheers you on and propels you forward?
Someone who takes you by the hand and lowers your anxiety?
Someone who encourages you to dream and take risks?
Someone who makes you feel brave?

seeds of belief, encouragement and bravery
sprout long after the person is physically gone

interrupting

listening for an opportunity
to hear your own voice
instead of listening
to the other person's ideas

listen fully
contribute
in a cyclical, responsive way

stop the eruptions
promote connections

process

participation and collaboration
are central

ongoing, cyclical
planning, learning, reflecting
toward a goal

foggy, murky
disequilibrium
signify entering
into new learning

be patient with the process

hush

sunset canvas
rosy pastel streaks
across the blue sky

we peer upwards
we pause
there is a

hush

completion

I was disciplined and focused
and completed the work tonight.

It's done. I feel lighter.

I'm conscious to with hold
my complaints about the work load
since I'm hoping
to have these positions next year.

moments can be difficult but the experience is worthwhile

The weekend is here
and I'm sticking to my New Year's Resolution
to hike more.

anxiety

anxiety increases with the
uncertainties at work

I tell myself and others to
stay focused on the work
add value
be positive

training my brain to
visualize the dream
not the nightmare

vibrant

she comes in

a thrust of positive energy

generous
reflective
glowing

sparking a revitalization
of manifesting dreams

forward

I recount my frustrations
to a friend
and I realize
that I have forgotten
the very details that angered me.

I move on.

Are our brains
wired for forgiveness?

attention

In any moment
I have choices.

lack or abundance?
rigidity or flexibility?
want or gratitude?

sun

The sun's
warmth on my back
soothes

beliefs

are what we become

What do you believe
the future holds for you?

What fresh vision
is emerging?

validation

contribution to a conversation
by validating how she feels

she called
feeling like a crappy mom
her son broke his wrist

I listened
and echoed back
her feelings

being heard and understood
was just enough
to move the conversation forward

instead

work and school
begin again tomorrow

I'm visualizing

smooth transitions
patience
and abundant humor

When I feel
tense
irritated
rushed

my sharped tongue
and furrowed brow
emerge

instead

I'm going to
breathe deep
and try and make 'em smile

comfort

we walked a few miles together today
and she reached for my hand
again and again
a perfect fit
in the jigsaw puzzle
comfort

reality

reality hit hard today
my first day back to work

fast pace
fast talking
fast movements
fast meeting
fast eating

slow breathing
helps

nature

hiking at mission trails

we are in awe with the water

the river is high
giving the waterfalls force
the river hums
a soothing feeling
drowning out the chatter in our heads

caterpillars amble across the dirt path
this fuzzy migration
fascinates us all

Oak trees' tangled canopies
have us look upward
in appreciation

unplug and get out for a hike

plunge

geared up and ready to go
they gather
and take the plunge
in the cold 56 degree ocean

polar bears

an invigorating day
full of play, promise
and positive energy