A popular radio morning show made a comment today about, “once people loved each other”, then proceeded to sarcastically joke with realism about it being “hard to believe” and or "we use to do that”. It made me think about the following list of ideologies that guide our stories and show up in our work.  Are they dead or alive?

Golden Rule – “Treat others as you would like to be treated”, not seeking opportunities to find fault or speak against
Common Good – The best of ideas for the greatest amount of positive benefit, embrace humility
Honesty  - Truth and facts, not a filtered narrative to support an agenda
Respect  - Appreciation, acknowledgement of a deserved human dignity. Not defaming, discrediting or denouncing.
Loyalty – Show honor. More achieved through support, aligned to values.
10 Commandments (Rules of Law) – (Honor, Shall not…Steal, Kill, Bear False Witness, Covet) Keep IT simple.
Common Sense – Basic logic of what is reasonable, feasible and believable. Not extremism.
Kindness – Genuine acceptance, demonstration of caring and empathy. Desire everyone’s betterment.
Integrity – Words and actions mirroring talk and walk. Not transference upon another.

Like the noise of the radio in the background so are those abandoning these principles, to the many more voices staying true to keeping these beliefs alive.  I am grateful to and for you, professionally and personally. 

It’s a hot summer day. What better way other than being on or in the water, then to be alongside the river on a patio. Enjoying a beverage and snack with good friends.  Being the weekend before Independence Day, not that surprising when a large pop is heard. Until we notice what generated it. We are all familiar with the phrase “snap, crackle, pop”. But witnessing a powerline split in two, it Pops, Crackles and Snaps. 

The scene bizarre. One end of the line dangling in the air above the parking lot, another on the ground dangerously close to the row of cars it used to hang over. A bustling establishment prepared for a big day now pitch black. Emergency vehicles arriving almost instantly. Both responders and staff wandering around in disbelief. Wondering what to do next. Patrons going with the flow. Intrigued by what was seen and how things will evolve.   

I share this quick story as a loose tie into a post series I plan to introduce, “Possibility of Perception”. 

​The Firemen, we expect to perceive the situation through bravery, rather than fear. The Restaurant Manager, it’s assumed, a perception of being in control not panicked. And customers, instinctively perceive patience is needed. ​But what if fear, panic or impatient showed up? The scene now totally different.

Perception influences our thoughts. Perception with purposeful reflection can bring change. Perception is a key tool in our ability to self-discover and self-improve, personally and professionally. My post series, a Reimagining of what may be Possible when you consider the perception you have.
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May any Pop, Crackle and Snap you hear and or witness over the next few days be in celebration of our country! Happy freedom, good food, fun times, with family and friends. Enjoy the fireworks!!