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Random acts of authenticity
“Authenticity is not needing external approval to feel good about your actions.” ~Jess Lively, The Lively Show Once in a while, it’s healthy to question our own motives. How often do we take a photo that we don’t intend to publish or show anyone else? How often do we create a work of art, write a story, redecorate a room, or buy a “no-reason” gift for someone — just because it makes us happy? How often do we give generously of our time or resources without expecting acknowledgement, praise, approval, or something else in return? Today, try doing something for yourself. (Don’t explain it or show it to anyone else.)…
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Stone-cold silence.
“You gotta be careful: Don’t say a word to nobody about nothing anytime ever.” ~ Johnny Depp
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Social media is breaking us. What can we do about it?
“It amazes me that we are all on X and Facebook. By “we” I mean adults. We’re adults, right? But emotionally we’re a culture of seven-year-olds. Have you ever had that moment when are you updating your status and you realize that every status update is just a variation on a single request: “Would someone please acknowledge me?” ~Marc Mason, Attempting Normal Last week’s tragic events — including several shootings that didn’t get much news coverage — are finally sparking serious dialogue about social media abuse and how it’s tearing us apart. This conversation is long overdue. Social media has changed our lives, and not always for the better. Over…
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Active listening
“Active listening and communication will aid you in the ability to understand and relate to others’ feelings and circumstances.” ~Shannen Zitz, Prevention magazine Some folks can barely wait for others to stop talking so that they can start reciting their own monologues. That’s not “active listening.” What does it mean to be an active listener? Always curious, active listeners have a sincere interest in other people. They hush their egos and pay attention when other people speak; they’re not preoccupied with their own stories. They want to learn from others. Active listening requires that we focus on what the other person is saying — and retain the information long enough…
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You be you
“Forget popularity; focus on sincerity. Do what you do, not for applause, but because it is what is right for you. Practice respecting yourself and becoming a reliable part of your own support system.” ~Angel Chernoff, Marc and Angel Hack Life The word “popularity” still sends me back down Memory Lane to junior high school. And today’s quote from Marc and Angel got me thinking about the difference between sincerity and popularity. When we focus on being popular, we value the number of friends we have rather than the quality of their character, or their compatibility. Likewise, when we try to stay “on trend” with our creative projects, we risk lowering the quality…
