Daily Conversations Appreciated
April 24, 2009
I’ve had some interesting conversations with a coworker this last week.
* “We are each special – just like everyone else. . . no, really. . .it’s a good thing.”
* Loss and grieving and how it affects each of us differently, as she talked about a child who just lost his father to suicide.
* The little things in life that bring us joy, like a parking spot close to the office after a year of having to walk from a block away.
* How the loss of a parent early in life can affect a person’s personality, outlook and expectations throughout their life.
* Similarities and differences in growing up in a Mexican, Black or White blue collar family – - Who’s happier the blue collar family or the CEO of a corporation? Then there were rememberings of our blue collar families, the closeness we felt, the memories of childhood get-togethers and the warmth.
* Who wears yellow to a memorial service?
There are cultural differences that require understanding.
We’ve annoyed each other, laughed with each other, shared intimate details of loss and sorrow and joy, and learned from each other. It was a good week.
And I received a Chinese fortune cookie note “A good position and a comfortable salary will be yours” It’s now taped on my computer. . .
Gail Brokaw
http://www.embracethepossibility.org
Peace
December 31, 2008
Here are some wonderful ways to celebrate and encourage peace in our lives.
May 2009 bring more Peace, Joy, and Understanding into all our lives.
Peace symbol created by Gerald Holtom 1958
iPeace Day – 31 December 2008
Sharing Peace – Making A Difference
http://www.ipeace.me
Think in the positive = create peacefulness
Dedicate yourself to sharing your peace – ‘infect’ peace around you.
Write a poem for peace
Make a video. Post a video
Organize a concert for peace
Surprise others with random acts of kindness
Play music in the streets for peace
Plant a tree
Blog or write an article
Speak softly, breathe deeply, observe everything
Organize a gathering
Light a candle
Teach peace
Organize iPeace Day events in your campus
Meditate
Run for Peace. Walk for peace.
Slow down and appreciate little moments.
Organize a game or a match for peace (any sport)
Have peace dinner with friends (or with strangers)
Do anything that will express peace – for you.
Live without fear
Get kids involved
Donate to an organization dedicated to creating equality, peace, knowledge, understanding, and sharing.
What can you think of doing?
- Expand Peace
Gail Brokaw, MA, CC
Sacred Life Sunday
July 13, 2008
Scarlet Ribbons, Norwich Terrier, 2 years old
3:53 a.m. Sunday, July 13, 2008 A wet kiss wakes me. I stagger to the alarm system, turn it off and open the back door for Scarlet to go potty. Good girl! (Better than the alternative of finding a wet spot on the carpet in the morning.) She seems so energized! What’s up? OK, OK, good girl, now back to bed. . . She tries to settle down but acts likes it 6 p.m. and she’s ready for a walk! We can hear her getting into things on the floor of the bedroom and in the closet. Maybe she needs a snack. . .there you go. . .no, that didn’t do it. Finally after a few minutes we gave up and decided to join the Joy Club. Let’s just not fight it anymore. So we threw back our covers, ran around the house a few times, roughed Scarlet up and played for a few minutes to tire her out. Usually I would not be up for this at 3 something in the morning, but today was different and I decided I’d let the present moment happen, have a burst of fun and then head back to bed. That was all it took for Scarlet. After a few minutes of play and a snack she was ready to settle in again. This is mildly reminiscent of my daughters and grandchildren as babies with night feedings and “talking” to each other until sleep won us over. Precious moments. There is something special about the middle of the night. It’s quiet and the night air has a special quality. We could even see the stars which have been hard to see lately due to the smoke from all the fires in California. So, thank you Scarlet for a taste of night air and stars, and a little middle-of-the-night joy. Sleep tight!
“The dog was created specially for children. He is the god of frolic.” ~Henry Ward Beecher
Gail Brokaw You CAN create the change you want in your life!
Certified Life Coach
http://www.embracethepossibility.org
