Politics
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Does character matter?
“We live in a culture that teaches us to promote and advertise ourselves and to master the skills required for success, but that gives little encouragement to humility, sympathy, and honest self-confrontation, which are necessary for building character.” ~ David Brooks, The Road to Character Like others who grew up without social media, I wasn’t comfortable promoting myself — especially early in my career. Broadcasting my achievements in public felt awkward, even rude, and I still struggle with this issue. But today’s quote pushes beyond self-promotion and digs deeper. Author David Brooks writes a lot about the importance of character. And I can’t help but wonder, given our country’s savage political…
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What is integrity?
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” ~C.S. Lewis Lately I’ve been thinking about the word integrity. Growing up, I was taught to believe that integrity was a non-negotiable quality to expect in our leaders, whether we were talking about business, education, community groups, or government. Integrity was essential to consider when choosing my friends and life partner. It still matters to me today, more than ever. So what does integrity mean? Here’s how Merriam-Webster defines it: 1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility. 2 : an unimpaired condition : soundness. 3 : the quality or state of being…
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What is real … and what isn’t?
“As you follow your own way of integrity, the effect on everyone and everything around you may be greater than you imagine.” ~Martha Beck, The Way of Integrity What’s the difference between fact and fiction? Does anyone care anymore? Today’s photo is a still life showing real fruit mixed with ceramic fruit. If you viewed it quickly on your cell phone, maybe you didn’t notice the difference between the fake and the real. Here’s the sad reality: Whether you’re talking about politics, medical topics, or Hollywood gossip, some people misinterpret fake news or rumors as the absolute truth. Remember those old grocery store tabloids that featured absurd cover stories about celebrities…
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Speak up, make a difference
“Let your life be a counter-friction to stop the machine. What I have to do is to see, at any rate, that I do not lend myself to the wrong which I condemn.” ~Henry David Thoreau, Civil Disobedience and Other Essays American author Henry David Thoreau wasn’t afraid to speak out. Staying silent in the face of injustice was an act of compliance, he believed. Thoreau campaigned against slavery and also served as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a venture that put him at personal risk. A born naturalist, he paved the way for American environmentalists to protect our natural resources. Thoreau’s courage has motivated me since my college years.…
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When it’s all too much
“If you feel too much, there’s still a place for you. If you feel too much, don’t go. If this world is too painful, stop and rest. It’s OK to stop and rest. If you need a break, it’s OK to say you need a break.” ~Jamie Tworkowski While I’m on a break, I invite you to explore the “Life Lines” site on your browser, which shows many additional features and articles that aren’t included in your email subscription. Meanwhile, I hope that you, too, will find ways to nourish your soul if you’re feeling “too much” and you need time off. ~CL UPDATE (2/25/25): Thank you for your encouraging…
