How often do you find yourself “stung” by criticism?  I found myself fearing the possible sting of criticism in writing this blog post.  It’s a fact; putting my thoughts out on the internet is an opening for criticism. Thanks to some recent reading and program work (Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine and Playing Big by......

Is it changing so subtly you don’t notice?  This question came up as I was getting a massage.  I wondered out loud, “Is this non-bending arm my new normal?”  It’s made me reflect on how easy it is to let life’s circumstances lead us to a new normal.  I have since asked myself, “Is a......

Many of you know me as a “skinny” person, whatever that is.  The reality is, I am not a naturally skinny person and I struggle with food every day.  When I was about 9-years old, I was so embarrassed when I fell in a mud puddle while playing at a friend’s house.  The embarrassment came......

The recent “me too” campaign provided the opportunity to reflect on my own experiences with sexual harassment. Initially, my memory went to the many times in my career when I was harassed. From the blatant comments about my “long legs” by a Senior Senator on Capitol Hill to the seemingly benign expectation I would bring......

Have you ever stopped to notice what you say you want or what you say you need?  Sure, we need water and food. . . and for some the first cup of coffee in the morning is indeed a perceived “need.”  As I’ve been noticing my own language, I realize I might say, I “need”......

I recently had an experience where I was disappointed and my feelings were hurt.  I haven’t felt this way in quite a long time.  And honestly, I haven’t felt this way because I’ve been keeping myself safe:  safe by holding back in personal interactions, safe by not allowing myself to really feel my feelings, and......

Anybody that’s ridden with me will tell you I talk to myself a lot. Last week, I committed to a long mountain bike ride including two hill climbs and technical descents. During the ride my self-talk ranged from encouraging to questioning my speed and ability. Here’s the thing I noticed, when my self-talk was negative,......

Yesterday I was riding my mountain bike at Annadel State Park in Sonoma Ccounty. Anyone who’s ridden here knows there are many rocks to get around or over. In mountain biking, we talk about taking the best “line.” As I was riding, I realized that often the most traveled line, and often the line we......

Recently I was having a discussion with a friend about a difficult situation. As we chatted, I realized our inclination is to look for all the things that are wrong with a situation or the things that could go wrong in the future. I wondered, “What if we started by asking, ‘What’s the best thing......

Usually on Monday mornings, I post interesting articles from others on my page. Today, I’m going to go out on a limb and post my own “blog.” I’ve hesitated to do this as I wonder if I really have anything of interest to share and I worry about being judged. Today, I’ve decided to jump......