Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability
You’re imperfect, and you’re wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” (Brené Brown)
Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability
You’re imperfect, and you’re wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” (Brené Brown)
The three trends driving tech today —- Sheryl Sandberg
How will you step up in 2012?
In his new book “Stepping Up”, Dr. John Izzo asserts that almost every problem, from global warming to personal issues to business challenges can be solved if we take action instead of relying on others for solutions or blaming others and feeling like a victim. Taking responsibility and action empowers you and when you step up and initiate change, others follow. And you don’t have be in a position of power to make a difference. Leadership is posture and attitude, not a title.
This is a powerful message and one that deeply resonated with me. Stepping up means different things to different people. Here are some examples of ways you can step up:
Go to http://steppingupforchange.com to read stories of people that have stepped up. Join the step up challenge by making a commitment for 30 days. Inspire and support others to step up. Hold yourself accountable and share with your community.
Here’s my Stepping Up list:
What’s your story?
Making Tea
These are pictures from my visit to a tea estate in Assam (north eastern India).
The state of Assam is the world’s largest tea-growing region. Assam teas are often sold as “breakfast” teas (English Breakfast tea, Irish Breakfast tea). This tea, most of which is grown at or near sea level, is known for its body, briskness, malty flavor, and strong, bright color.
Much like vineyards, tea estates are beautiful destinations with lush landscape, aromatic scents and romantic views. If you’re up for a trip to explore a whole new world, check out this tea estate in Darjeeling: http://www.glenburnteaestate.com/.
Storytelling
Faces tell stories without saying a word. Leave lasting impressions in an instant. There is much to read in the eyes of another. And in their laughter and their smiles. Some happy, some sad, some hopeful. But always with a story to tell.
Desert Sky
Jaisalmer is a sleepy little town set amidst the golden expanse of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. The desolate landscape evidences a stark, austere beauty. The scorching heat interlaced with a cool flowing breeze fills you with a certain warmth that touches your soul. Vivid colors, haunting melodies, impregnable forts, intricate architecture, delectable cuisines —- all come together to delight your senses.
Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in the world and was built in 1156 AD. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert.
Watching the sun set against the desert sky is an ethereal experience. The vast expanse makes you feel insignificant in comparison and is rather humbling. This mystical land disappears into the horizon as the sun goes down, filling the space with enchanting silhouettes.
Nights in the desert are chilly but the aromatic bonfire and the melodious folk music warm your body and calm your mind. As you fall asleep in your tent to the sound of nothingness, you slip away to a blissful state with a smile on your face from an unforgettable day.
When time stands still …
Shillong - known as the Scotland of the East - is a hill town in the north eastern part of India. It is the capital of Meghalaya and is situated at an altitude of 1496 meters above sea level.
Not easily accessible, the winding roads and potholes make the journey rather challenging. But the physical challenges are worth enduring to experience the serenity once you arrive.
Most buildings are a heritage of the British Raj. Beautifully constructed and still retaining its old world charm, you are instantly transported to a bygone era. Slow moving, peaceful, misty and quiet, this is where time stands still. A place where commercial interests and technology have yet to overshadow nature and culture. Strolling through the town reveals its hidden pathways and majestic views. Conversations are intentional and slow. No interruptions. Rapt attention. Full engagement. It’s a far cry from the ADD-riddled interruption-driven existence most of us live in!
Add Shillong to your bucket list and experience what it’s like to go back in time.
Refreshed, Renewed, Rejuvenated
After chasing the American Dream for many years, I realized that the only way to achieve meaningful success was to “unshackle” myself. I felt trapped in the rat race, chasing an elusive rainbow that never appeared. It dawned on me that what I was aching for was Freedom … to imagine, to create, to connect, to experience. And the only way to get there was to stop running, to stop chasing.
I made some big decisions that allowed me to follow my heart. I’ve been traveling across India for well over a month now. I’ve learned new things, met fascinating people, heard new sounds and seen new sights. It’s been refreshing to wake up every day and see things with a fresh perspective and look forward to the experiences of that day.
Admittedly, learning not to be a slave to my task list, my calendar and my email inbox took some getting used to. But disconnecting entirely gave me a precious gift - inner stillness. And with that stillness came the imagination and creativity to paint a bold vision and the fearlessness to bring that vision to life. Now that’s freedom!
Our lives are filled with such immense possibilities. All we need to do is see them.
A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
My favorite line … “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”
13 Rules of Leadership - Colin Powell
Embracing Otherness - Thandie Newton
TED: Sheryl Sandberg - COO of Facebook
