Grey Twilight or Glorious Triumph: It's Your Choice

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the grey twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."

Theodore Roosevelt

While I’m not a fan of Teddy’s politics, I so admire his zest for life and he said it so well in this quote.

I feel so blessed to work with clients committed to “dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs.” Their clarity, courage and commitment inspire me and bring me hope for the future of our planet.
Please share the “mighty things” that you are committed to by commenting below.

With love and respect,

Robert

Conflict: Do You Run or Hide?

“Only in the center of the storm is it calm. But it takes courage to go there.”

Tom Crum from “Journey to Center”


I organize my quotes by subject and I just realized that almost all of my selections on the important subject of conflict are from master teacher and author Tom Crum.

This is one of those quotes that deserves re-reading, some reflection and reading it again. Tom’s metaphors for much of his work come from his dedicated practice of Aikido, the Japanese martial art that is often translated as “the way of harmonious spirit.” He’s like a ten thousandth degree black belt or something like that.

It is counter-intuitive and just plain scary to go to “the center of the storm.” Yet truly that’s where lasting solutions to conflict lie.

What’s your latest conflict … or are you avoiding one? Let us know by commenting below.

With love and respect,

Robert

Can You Sit Quietly?

"All man's miseries derive from not being able to sit quietly in a room alone."

Blaise Pascal

This is one of my personal favorite quotes. And, as always, it attracts me because I so clearly need to follow its wise counsel.

Whether through prayer or meditation or a walk in the woods or along the beach, it is so important to regularly make time for listening to God or our inner voice.

What’s your practice? Living an extraordinary life requires one.

With love and respect,

Robert

Should Leaving a Relationship Require Severance Pay?

"Relationships are hard. It's like a full-time job, and we should treat it like one. If your boyfriend or girlfriend wants to leave you, they should give you two weeks notice. There should be severance pay, and before they leave you, they should have to find you a temp."

Bob Ettinger

It felt like a good day to “lighten up” and I’m appreciative of Bob Ettinger’s wit and wisdom about intimate relationships.

One of my young adult children “got dumped” by a first love earlier this year – I’m definitely not naming names here. The pain was obvious and though I felt privileged to be included in some honest sharing, I also was frustrated that I couldn’t offer much more than “time heals.”

The aspect of Buddhism that is most interesting to me is the emphasis on compassion. Whether it is ending a relationship, firing an employee or dealing with an overstressed waitperson or flight attendant, let’s all work to be more compassionate. It’s one of the ways we can all contribute to a world that works for all. Your stories are welcomed by commenting below.

With love and respect,

Robert