Ryan Holiday says ‘We all need a little motivation from time to time. A swift kick when we’re feeling a bit uninspired.’
Love vs Values
How to make the right choice for your future when values don’t match. Source: Love vs Values
What is nonviolent communication?
Nonviolent Communication (NVC), also known as compassionate communication, is a communication approach developed by psychologist Marshall B. Rosenberg. It is a method based on principles of empathy, honesty, and mutual respect, with the goal of fostering understanding and harmony in relationships.
NVC encourages individuals to express themselves honestly while empathetically listening to others. It focuses on identifying and communicating feelings and needs as a way to resolve conflicts peacefully. The four key components of nonviolent communication are:
- Observation: Describing the situation or behavior without judgment or evaluation.
- Feelings: Identifying and expressing emotions experienced in response to the situation.
- Needs: Recognizing the underlying human needs or values that are driving one’s feelings.
- Requests: Making clear and concrete requests to address those needs.
By using this approach, individuals can cultivate deeper connections, resolve conflicts, and find mutually satisfying solutions. Nonviolent communication can be applied in various settings, including personal relationships, workplaces, and communities as a means of promoting understanding and fostering compassion.
Walker Hayes’ Journey To Country Music Fame
I gotta love this guy! I can’t find the clip but he actually went to work at Costco to continue to pursue his dream of fame as a county music star…
“Walker Hayes is a talented American country singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Hayes discovered his passion for music at a young age. Influenced by various genres, including country, pop, and hip-hop, he developed a unique sound that captivates audiences.
Hayes, a determined individual, pursued his dream of becoming a musician while working in real estate. He released his debut album, “Reason to Rhyme,” in 2010, showcasing his exceptional songwriting skills. Despite initial challenges, Hayes persevered and gained a devoted following with his heartfelt music.
Hayes gained significant recognition with his breakthrough single, “You Broke Up with Me,” which reached the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart. The song’s infectious melody and catchy lyrics helped establish him as a rising star in the country music scene. Since then, he has released several other successful singles, including “90’s Country” and “Craig.”
Known for his compelling storytelling and honest lyrics, Hayes brings a fresh and contemporary approach to country music. His music reflects his own life experiences, and he often draws inspiration from his family and personal struggles. Hayes’ ability to connect with his audience through his heartfelt songs has endeared him to fans worldwide.”
In addition to his musical talents, Hayes is also a devoted family man. He often credits his wife and their six children as his biggest inspirations in both life and music. This dedication to his family is evident in his emotional and introspective songwriting.
As Walker Hayes continues to evolve as an artist and create music that pushes boundaries, he remains an influential figure in the country music industry. With his distinctive sound, relatable lyrics, and infectious energy, Hayes has established himself as one of the brightest stars in the genre. His passion for music and genuine connection with his fans make him an artist to watch as he continues to make his mark on the world of country music.”
Effin’ love this guy!
Love
Kahlil Gibran, a Lebanese-born American poet, writer, and artist, is widely recognized as one of the most influential literary figures of the early 20th century. He is known for his profound wisdom and lyrical prose, with his most famous work being the timeless book “The Prophet.” Gibran’s writings explore themes of love, spirituality, and the human experience, resonating with readers worldwide. His unique blend of Eastern and Western influences continues to inspire and touch hearts, reminding us of the enduring power of love and beauty.
“When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions
may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams
as the north wind lays waste the garden.
For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you.
Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to your height and
caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and
shake them in their clinging to the earth.
Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.
He threshes you to make you naked.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred
fire, that you may become sacred bread for
God’s sacred feast.
But if in your fear you would seek only
love’s peace and love’s pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover
your nakedness and pass out of love’s
threshing-floor,
Into the seasonless world where you
shall laugh, but not all of your laughter,
and weep, but not all of your tears.
Love gives naught but itself and takes
naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love.
When you love you should not say,
“God is in my heart,” but rather,
“I am in the heart of God.”
And think not you can direct the course
of love, for love, if it finds you worthy,
directs your course.”
Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself.
But if you love and must needs have
desires, let these be your desires:
To melt and be like a running brook
that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart
and give thanks for another day of loving;
To rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And then to sleep with a prayer for the
beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.
A Loving Inner Witness
Richard Rohr writes “we each carry a certain amount of pain from our very birth. If that pain is not healed and transformed, it actually increases as we grow older, and we transmit it to people around us. We can become violent in our attitudes, gestures, words, and actions.” Source: A Loving Inner Witness
How to Get Off to a Great Start at a New Job
I start a new job tomorrow for what I hope will be the last time. I asked AI to synthesize some thoughts on how to get off to a great start and this is what I got:
“Starting a new job can be both exciting and daunting. Here are some tips to help you get off to a great start:
- Prepare ahead of time: Familiarize yourself with the company culture, mission, and values. Research your new role and the responsibilities it entails. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and help you hit the ground running.
- Dress professionally: Dress appropriately for your new workplace. If in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Maintaining a professional appearance will make a positive impression on your colleagues.
- Be punctual: Arrive on time or a few minutes early. Punctuality shows respect for your new job and colleagues. It also helps you avoid unnecessary stress on your first day.
- Listen and observe: Pay close attention to your colleagues, managers, and the office dynamics. Listening and observing will help you understand how things work and how you can contribute effectively.
- Build relationships: Take the initiative to introduce yourself to your colleagues. Be friendly, approachable, and show an interest in getting to know them. Building positive relationships will make your transition smoother and create a supportive work environment.
- Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions when you’re unsure about something. It’s better to seek clarification than to make assumptions. Asking questions also demonstrates your eagerness to learn and contribute effectively.
- Set goals: Discuss your goals and expectations with your manager. By setting clear objectives, you can ensure you’re aligned with the company’s vision and work toward achieving success in your new role.
- Take initiative: Be proactive and take on additional responsibilities when appropriate. Show your enthusiasm and willingness to contribute beyond your assigned tasks. This will help you stand out and make a positive impression.
- Stay organized: Establish good organizational habits from the start. Keep track of deadlines, important information, and tasks. This will help you stay on top of your workload and ensure you’re productive.
- Stay positive: Adaptability and a positive attitude are key when starting a new job. Embrace the challenges, learn from your experiences, and maintain a positive mindset. This will help you thrive in your new environment.
Remember, starting a new job is a learning process. Embrace the journey, be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek…”
Why Are We so Fascinated by Ourselves?
Personality tests and horoscopes promise a deeper understanding of who we are. But do these categorizations serve—or just limit—us? Source: Why Are We so Fascinated by Ourselves?
Me personally? These tests can be useful as a tool for understanding but we have to remember what M. Scott Peck said about ‘the map is not the territory’. Please comment!
The Ownership Matrix (What to Do When You’re Overwhelmed)
Shawn Blanc of The Sweet Setup has an interesting perspective on matrixed approach to getting back on track: “If you’re feeling overwhelmed, then perhaps you feel as though you have been given too much. In fact, you’ve been given so much that you’re to the point of feeling buried and drowning beneath a huge mass of stuff — from urgent issues, undone tasks, incoming requests of your time and energy, and more. As a result, you feel overpowered and defeated.” Go to the Source: The Ownership Matrix (What to Do When You’re Overwhelmed) – The Sweet Setup
How to Stop Obsessing Over Someone
Stop thinking about the person who hurt you. Learn how to stop obsessing over someone today so you can finally let go and move on. Source: How to Stop Obsessing Over Someone
Fearful-Avoidant Attachment and Romantic Relationships
Here’s what disorganized attachment can look like in your romantic relationship. Source: Fearful-Avoidant Attachment and Romantic Relationships
Overcoming Codependency: Breaking the Cycle of Unhealthy Relationships
Couples who struggle with codependency often try to control each other, and the result is a highly unhealthy relationship. Source: Overcoming Codependency: Breaking the Cycle of Unhealthy Relationships – Tiny Buddha
The Porcupine Dilemma: Schopenhauer’s Parable about Negotiating the Optimal Distance in Love
This is the supreme challenge of intimacy — how to reconcile the aching yearning for closeness with the painful pressures of actually being close, how to forge a bond tight enough to feel the warmth of connection but spacious enough to feel free. Source: The Porcupine Dilemma: Schopenhauer’s Parable about Negotiating the Optimal Distance in Love
Megan Rapinoe scores Olympic ‘Olimpico’ on corner kick
The current status of the USWNT is making me nostalgic for days gone by…
What Stands in Our Way of Being Happy?
Teacher and writer Tal Ben-Shahar on the routes and hurdles to happiness. Source: What Stands in Our Way of Being Happy?
Expectations: Why and How to Let Them Go

The Problem with Expectations
Expectations – we all have them. Whether it’s about our personal relationships, careers, or even daily routines, expectations shape the way we perceive and navigate the world. They can provide us with direction and motivation, but they can also have a dark side. In this blog post, we will explore the dangers of expectations and how they can hold us back from reaching our full potential.
Continue reading “Expectations: Why and How to Let Them Go”How Gratitude May Mitigate Loneliness
Finding ways to overcome loneliness can improve health. Source: How Gratitude May Mitigate Loneliness
AI ethics teams lack ‘support, resources, and authority’
Because tech industry ethics teams lack resources and authority, their effectiveness is spotty at best, according to a new study. Source: AI ethics teams lack ‘support, resources, and authority’
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