The Happiness Project: Making New Year's Resolutions? Ask Yourself 6 Questions.

The Happiness Project: Making New Year's Resolutions? Ask Yourself 6 Questions.

Beautiful Quote

I have never experienced this quote before and I believe finding it today is important. Here we have the end of the year where I did not know peace within myself and I begin 2012 at a peace that is much more desirable. This will be my mantra for 2012:

"Peace in oneself, peace in the world." - Thich Nhat Hanh

Advice for the New Year:

40 Goals for the New Year

By: Carletta Skinner

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is

manufactured in plants.

4. Live with the three E's – Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.

5. Make time to pray (or meditate).

6. Play more games.

7. Read more books than you did in 2011.

8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

9. Sleep for no less than seven hours per day.

10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12. Don't have negative thoughts over things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positives of the present moment.

13. Don't over do it. Know your personal limits.

14. Don't take yourself so seriously. Life is too short to not enjoy more.

15. Don't waste your precious time on gossip.

16. Dream more while you are awake.

17. Wanting is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18. Let go of issues of the past. Don't remind your partner about their mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21. Guess who is in charge of your happiness? You!

22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more.

24. You don't have to win every argument. Politely agree to disagree.

Society:

25. Call your family often.

26. Each day give something good to others.

27. Forgive others for everything.

28. Spend some quality time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of six.

29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30. What other people think of you is none of your business.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32. Always do the right thing, even when it’s not the most popular thing!

33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34. Remember GOD heals everything.

35. However good or bad a situation is, it will always change.

36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37. Remind yourself often that the best is yet to come.

38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

39. If you believe you are happy, you will project happiness. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:

40. Encourage and help others everyday!

Beautiful Leadership Lesson

Stefon Harris' beautiful leadership lesson!

http://www.ted.com/talks/stefon_harris_there_are_no_mistakes_on_the_bandstand.html

Recent Surgery

Last Sunday: I began the clear liquid diet and the "colon prep" for my surgery scheduled for Monday morning at 6:00 a.m.

Monday: I didn't go to bed Sunday night, I was too nervous. I stayed up all night. I had to get up at 3:00 a.m. anyway to get dressed and be ready to head to Dallas by 4:00 a.m. We made it to the hospital right on time (even though the fog was bad) and I was able to sleep a bit on the way to the hospital.

I got the call to go back to the Pre-Op area where they weighed me and gave me my hospital gown, little sockies, and my hair hat thingy. Once I was undressed and into the proper hospital attire, the action really began. They took my vital signs and of course my blood pressure was high but that's to be expected. The nurse put an IV in and took some blood samples. After a few minutes, the nurse came in and said that my blood sugar was low; it was 55 so they had to re-test it. Upon retesting it, they discovered it had fallen even further to 23. They kind of freaked out and gave me this huge IV push of dextrose/glucose, which hurt me and also sent my blood sugar through the roof. All this blood testing and such took about an hour I guess. Finally they got my blood sugar up to 101.

They finally let Ray into the Pre-Op room with me so he got to witness the IV push of dextrose and the ensuing flutter of activity around my blood sugar issue.

FINALLY the surgeon came in to talk to me and let me know that while he was in taking the Lap Band out, he was also going to take my gallbladder out as well. I'm fine with that because I was actually worried about it. Then he’d also perform the gastric bypass. So, THREE surgeries at one time….yikes.

I remember being rolled into the surgery room but that only lasted about a minute and the next thing I remember I was waking up in the recovery. They had me under this wonderful blanket and had this hose of warm air blowing in on me! I immediately knew I'd had surgery because I was sore and knew so much was happening around me, a flurry of activity. Somehow I ended up in my room. I don't remember that at all. I just know that Ray appeared and we were in the room. He told me the surgery was an hour longer than anyone had expected so I was in surgery for 3 hours!

The rest of Monday was really me fading in and out. But, about mid-afternoon, maybe a little later, they asked me to begin walking. They asked that I walk the full hospital hallway length every 1.5 hours. I also had to breath into this little plastic thing to keep my lungs clear. I wasn't allowed to have anything by mouth and my mouth felt really gross so I asked if I were allowed to brush my teeth and they said yes. Thank goodness!

I had to get several insulin shots because now my blood sugar was too high!

Also, my blood pressure was high but they were not too concerned with that.

Finally my heart rate was high, around 130 but it is always high.

So, I dosed off into sleep for Monday but of course got alot of interruptions for them to take my vital signs, test my blood sugar, and give me various IV updates such as the antibiotic, more fluids, and such.

Tuesday

ROUGH day. I woke up feeling like a truck had run over me. I was not interested in any phone, ipad, TV or anything, I was simply miserable. I hurt, I ached, and I could barely walk up and down the hall. It was simply a rough day. Finally around 2 in the afternoon I told my nurse that I felt SO bad. She told me I wasn't using my pain medication enough. Literally one nurse had come back to read the machine 3 times because it indicated a reading of 6 when the potential reading was closer to 24 and she thought something must be wrong with the machine. Finally she asked me if I was using my pain medication and I told her no. The nurse told me if I'd use the morphine drip more, I'd feel better. She said I was eligible to give myself a dose every 15 minutes. So, I gave myself a dose and about an hour of 15-minute doses, I felt alot better. I decided that a good pace for myself was to give myself a dose on the hour and on the 1/2 hour. After that, I was fine.

They took my catheter out on Tuesday too-which meant I now had to get out of bed to go. They were pumping a TON of IV fluids into me so I had to go alot! It was such a big deal because I had to get out of bed, Ray literally having to pull me up a couple of times, unplug my IV pole, and roll into the bathroom. Then I'd have to wait for Ray to put this little thing I had to go into, into the potty. Then the sitting down process and the getting up process.

I fell asleep after getting up and walking around 6:00 a.m. and the respitory guy woke me up to do some breathing around 8:30. I felt this odd drip off my arm and looked down, something had gone wrong with my IV and blood was puddled on my arm, was dripping down my elbow and had a huge spot in my bed. He ran and got my nurse. Turns out my IV had popped out and I'd been sitting there bleeding while I was asleep! They had to come change my bed and give me new linens; I had to wipe all the blood off my arms and back. It was pretty gross. They then moved my IV from my arm to a central line in my neck. That allowed them to pull blood whenever they needed plus have the IV still going in.

I kept walking though and that has been the best thing I could have done.

On Tuesday I was approved to have ice chips. So Tuesday afternoon they brought me a cup of ice chips. Those were THE BEST ice chips I've ever had. I was so thirsty and wanted to gulp them all down, but had to slowly eat one and let it melt, eat another.

Was able to sleep really well Tuesday night so that went nicely.

Wednesday: Sip Test Day! I was told I'd be going for an Upper GI where I was drink something that had a dye in it so that I could be seen in the x-ray. So around 7:50 the nurse gathered me and 2 other ladies up and we went down for the sip test. There were about 10 people there total doing the sip test, but I was 2nd to go and got to return to my room pretty quickly. I drank this clear stuff that was TERRIBLE. It was so nasty. The Radiologist watched me swallow, pointed some stuff out to the Technician, made me drink some water, watched some more, they discussed something some more and then said I could go.

On the elevator, we asked the nurse if we all passed and she said two (of 3) did. I was thinking "crap, I didn't pass the test" but about an hour later the nurse assistant came bouncing in and said I'd passed and she was there to teach me how to drink! I started sipping on a grape protein drink and was able to drink for eleven straight 15-minute intervals, which was the goal to get discharged.

Now, all morning the nurses and technicians have been taking my blood pressure and my pulse because my pulse is about 130. My blood pressure has finally dropped to about 120/80 so I'm good there, but my pulse (which is ALWAYS high) was being normal and racing. The doctor even came in a second time to listen to my heart.

Around 12:15 the doctor visited me and said that because I've made such great progress he's going to let me go home! Mixed emotions: I'm so ready to be in my own world, be able to shower, be able to have regular clothes/pajamas (instead of the hospital gown) on BUT I was not ready for what the pain might be like without the IV. I was scared about being able to get enough water and protein in each day.

We continued to walk and rest Wednesday. I figured it would be around 2 before they got all the discharge paperwork done and I still had the central IV line so I couldn't get dressed or anything. Finally around 3:30 I sent Ray to the Nurse's station to ask about my discharge because we needed to plan the drive home. Ray was worried about getting caught in traffic with me hurting and he wanted a smooth drive so I wouldn't be uncomfortable.

FINALLY at 4:00 p.m. they discharged me. They have currently taken me off all my diabetic medications, my blood pressure medication, and my cholesterol medication. I have added a medication that slows my heart rate down.

Got home Wednesday night around 7. Mom is here to help me and take care of me. She's been AMAZING. I have been so very fortunate to have her here. She has swept the floor, fed the dogs, cleaned the kitchen, made my bed, and gotten anything I needed for me. It has helped me so much. She's also walked with me as I've walked ALOT.

Thursday: Ray went to work this morning so I took a little walk around 8:00. I didn't want to walk too far so I just walked from my house to the end of the street and back to my house. Mom was up by 9:00 and she and I walked every 1.5 hours steadily increasing the distance or speed. Took my pain medication a couple of times, mainly to deal with the soreness. Got all my water in and got all my protein in for the day also! YAY, I better day.

Friday: Mom and I didn't walk as many times but we walked further today. We walked twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. Joshlyn came in and she and Mom went shopping at Wal-Mart. I napped. It was a better day, getting stronger.

Saturday: Walked completely around the block twice today! Got all my protein in! Got all my water in too! I took the last dose of pain medicine Friday night around 8:00 p.m.; didn't need any at all today. Now that I'm feeling a little better, I try to help out like unloading the dishwasher and having someone else re-load it for me. Bending over is still a little hard. I go back Tuesday to get my staples out. I had thought I’d be back at work on Monday, but this was MAJOR surgery and had some complications.

The Lap Band had grown into my stomach and liver. The surgeon had to cut into my liver and my stomach to get the band out. The gall bladder alone is major surgery. The bypass alone is major surgery. So I had three major things at once and I simply wasn’t prepared for how it was really going to impact my body. Now I realize trying to return to work in a week was simply unrealistic. I think the doctor will probably allow me to return to work on November 7.

I’ll be on clear liquids for 3 weeks because of the extent of damage to my stomach, I have to be on them an extra 3 weeks per the surgeon’s instructions. He said my stomach needs extra time to heal. So, I’m drinking the heck out of some green tea!

Raining, Beautiful Rain

Weather Update from Central Texas:

After having a summer with temperatures reaching 112 degrees and months without rain, I awakened this morning to the sound of a downpour! It lasted about six hours and it was wonderful! The ground got thoroughly soaked and I'm hopeful that the temperatures will not return to the highs hanging around 107-108 degrees. Even 92 would be a welcomed relief from such highs where you feel like you're walking around in an oven.

Maybe, just maybe it will be more moderate.

You know it's been too hot and too dry when friends are sending pictures of puddles to each other!

Dissertation Process:

I have moments of calm and excitement regarding where I am with my dissertation corresponding with moments of terror and fear! While I am "getting it" much better than I was a few weeks ago, I worry about how I will be able to convey "it" from my head to paper! I am thinking about the dissertation funnel and how my work flows from student development, to identity and meaning making to moral development and faith. It it beginning to take shape in my head how things flow from broad to more narrow but I want to be able to write it well......isn't that the challenge of this whole process....being able to synthesize all that's in my head into a sensible and relatively concise document.

Onward To Fowler

I spent a little time this weekend reading Fowler's Stages of Faith Development. The problem with reading entire books is that the authors don't just get to their point! The author has to put in everything including the kitchen sink to make the book. Fowler certainly includes valuable information but much of it I don't need-I just need to get to the stages really! Maybe I'm wanting to cut too much out though just to get to the good stuff!

I went to Starbucks to read yesterday-of course Chatty Cathy and her friend Babbling Brook had to sit right next to me for an hour! And of course the Starbucks in Stephenville is the only Starbucks in the nation that has the music up so loud you can't hear yourself think. Literally I've been in Starbucks from Boston to California and Stephenville is the only Starbucks that is hard to read it because the music is so loud! I can't bring myself to ask them to turn it down though-I just can't be THAT lady! HA!

I just priced the cruise I'm wanting to take in October and it's gone up $200! I'm so sad! That's $400 extra for the two of us :( I should have booked it when I first started dreaming about it! That'll teach me! I actually should take a week off and just work on my literature review. However the quandary is that I need to read, then write so I hate to think of taking time off to simply read!

Hopefully I'll get alot of reading done in the next couple of week/ends and then I can really dig in to the writing. I've gotten a good bit of outlining done on Chickering and have written a brief diddy about Kohlberg. Now I just need to shape it in a way that synthesizes my thoughts related to student spiritual development.

I am excited to actually get writing done. The reading I'm doing is great and worthy and productive but I don't actually feel productive yet. Although I've gotten a number of pages written, I don't feel like I'm actually writing yet.......I know that's silly!

Getting Through Kohlberg

I've spent this past couple of weeks trying to get a grasp on Kohlberg's theory of moral development. I feel like I'm not doing justice to Kohlberg because the review of his material is so short. Unlike Chickering which ended up being about 15 pages, Kohlberg is drastically shorter!

Although Kohlberg liked to use big words, he made his point pretty pointedly and didn't take 15 chapters to do it!

I was exploring getting one of Kohlberg's books but one in "acceptable" condition was $117 and one in "good" condition was $423. So I chose not to get the book! I'll stick with articles and writings by other people about Kohlberg and his theory! I still have one book that will arrive this coming week and will enrich what I've already written, but for the most part, I feel like I've covered Kohlberg.

My next research effort is to turn to James Fowler's stages of faith development. I have Fowler's dense book. Of course the print is tiny and the book is thick. There is just so much to consume for the dissertation. Hopefully I'm breaking it up into bite-sized chunks, but I still feel overwhelmed.

The big scary questions I have looming in my head, which I'll eventually have to address, are: (a) so what? and (b) how does all this tie together in logical sense?

So many of my peers are advancing at a rapid pace, I feel I'm really behind. I feel like I'm not progressing at the same pace my peers are :( It just seems that the reading takes alot of time, then writing about each individual theorists takes time. I'll finally get to the point where I am sewing it all together but right now that seems a good ways off. I wish I knew a way to make things go more quickly! Like maybe I could just skip the reading and writing part and just advance straight to the conferring of the doctorate! HA HA!

Productive Weekend

I spent the 4th of July holiday writing about Chickering. I wrote the Literature Review of Chickering and now I have moved to reading Kohlberg.

Camping, amazingly, forces me to be very productive because there are no other distractions. I wrote and wrote and wrote this past weekend. It was great-the only other option I had was to go outside and hang out......it was 101 degrees outside so I definitely stayed inside alot in the AC and wrote!

This weekend is going to be the same-we're going to go camping and I'm hoping to get alot of reading done about Kohlberg. Good old Kohlbert and his stages of moral development. So far, I prefer Chickering for its readability and practical application. Kolhberg loved his vocabulary and I have to spend time looking up words! It's written from a heavy psychology perspective and since I'm not a psychologist it is a bit harder to read for me.

Education and Identity

I'm currently reading Education & Identity by Chickering & Reisser. It feels sluggish to me and I'm taking longer than I'd like to get through it. I'm about to the half-way point. I"m reading it for two reasons: dissertation of course, and then for documenting the identity model we're using for Mission Centered Conversations. I need to get it documented, published, and out there so others know what we're doing and might benefit from it. I believe it to be cutting edge so I need to hurry and get it documented for sure!

I am hoping to finish reading the book this weekend, then I'll go back and probably type up a summary of the notes and highlights I've made. That always helps me remember what the important points were.

I don't feel like I'm moving quickly enough along with my dissertation. With the other topic, I had 2/3 of it written and was ready to go, with this topic I very much feel like I'm lacking the cultural literacy so I'm just feeling my way through, stumbling at times.

Pre-Proposal Meeting

I just passed my Pre-Proposal Meeting! I had an amazing discussion with Drs. Jun, Louis, and Kim! I have THE BEST COMMITTEE ever! I am so thankful for them-they were so encouraging and are absolutely brilliant. I am so fortunate.

Now I get to begin reading/writing/editing/reading/writing/editing!

Now I Become Myself by May Sarton

Now I Become Myself

Now I become myself. It's taken
Time, many years and places;
I have been dissolved and shaken,
Worn other people's faces,
Run madly, as if Time were there,
Terribly old, crying a warning,
"Hurry, you will be dead before--"
(What? Before you reach the morning?
Or the end of the poem is clear?
Or love safe in the walled city?)
Now to stand still, to be here,
Feel my own weight and density!
The black shadow on the paper
Is my hand; the shadow of a word
As thought shapes the shaper
Falls heavy on the page, is heard.
All fuses now, falls into place
From wish to action, word to silence,
My work, my love, my time, my face
Gathered into one intense
Gesture of growing like a plant.
As slowly as the ripening fruit
Fertile, detached, and always spent,
Falls but does not exhaust the root,
So all the poem is, can give,
Grows in me to become the song,
Made so and rooted by love.
Now there is time and Time is young.
O, in this single hour I live
All of myself and do not move.
I, the pursued, who madly ran,
Stand still, stand still, and stop the sun!

May Sarton

All But Dissertation (ABD)

I am officially ABD! I have nothing left to do except my dissertation! Praise the Lord! I am blessed!

Wally's Reflection

There is a really good post over at Three-Star Leadership

http://blog.threestarleadership.com/2011/03/25/birthday-reflections-at-65.aspx?results=1#SurveyResultsChart

Charlie Sheen- Winning

40 Ideas for Lent

40 Ideas for Lent

5 Foods That Help You Sleep

5 Foods That Help You Sleep

Great post from Frank Sonneberg online

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2011

Seeing the World Through Rose-Colored Glasses

In the world in which we live, we’re bombarded almost daily with media reports riddled with scandals about our “heroes” in sports, government, business, and the arts. No wonder we’ve become jaded.

This unprincipled behavior has tainted our perception of people and colored our view of the world. We’ve become cautious of people’s intent, distrustful of their actions, and worse, suspicious of their motives. These bad actors create cynicism, generate suspicion, and lower the public standard of acceptable behavior.

The consequences of public mistrust are significant. How can we expect our institutions to be effective, our businesses to be competitive, our relationships to blossom, and trust to thrive when we’re forced to take our eye off the ball in order to keep looking over our shoulder?

Seeing the Costs of Mistrust More Clearly

When we live and work in a dog-eat-dog environment, we dilute our energies and lower our standards by playing silly games and stooping to child-like antics. Time is wasted playing politics and turning relationships into chess games in an effort to anticipate an “opponent’s” next move. Many employees waste valuable time covering their behinds and protecting their turf rather than moving their organization forward. Other people withdraw out of fear of being cheated or let down, resorting to a “what’s-in-it-for-me” attitude.

Some “paranoid” institutions set up elaborate bureaucracies that peer over “valued” employees’ shoulders and pass up opportunities because if it seems “too good to be true,” it probably is. Left unchecked, this type of toxic environment leads to stress, anxiety, and incredible waste. It’s like a cancer that attacks and spreads with a vengeance.

But wait. Even though it may seem naïve and possibly unrealistic, the world is full of idealists who work to rise above the fray and “view the glass as half full.” These idealists who view the world through rose-colored glasses believe relationships are built on giving rather than taking. They insist that great companies have as much of an obligation to give back to the world as they do to increase corporate earnings. Included are managers who instill strong values and principles and, consequently, don’t have to worry about micromanaging employee behavior. Included also are employees who do the right thing because they care rather than from fear of getting caught.

People wearing rose-colored glasses give of themselves because they believe it’s in their best interest and because “what goes around comes around.” They believe that win-win relationships are superior to outmaneuvering “adversaries” to gain the upper hand. This includes leaders in both the public and private sectors who do what’s right, rather than basing decisions on a vested interest in the outcome. And it includes heroes who understand that true greatness is achievable only if they also serve as a positive role model while making it to the top of their game.

A Rosier Vision for the Future

When we view the world through rose-colored glasses, barriers that once seemed impenetrable transform into exciting opportunities. For example:

• People strive for the common good rather than seeking individual gain.
• Employees spend their time adding value rather than trying to look busy or promoting themselves to look good.
• People are recognized for valued contributions rather than questioned for their motives.
• Challenges are viewed as opportunities waiting for a solution rather than as barriers to success.
• Business deals once discarded as “too good to be true” now require serious exploration.
• Tough decisions are openly debated as adults, with compromise sought, rather than as children retreating to their corners.
• People feel free to “stick their neck out” without fear of being embarrassed or hurt.
• Constructive feedback is welcomed and defensive attitudes disarmed rather than fingers pointed to score points.
• Relationships are viewed as long-term investments rather than as paths to immediate payoffs. And if we don’t receive an adequate return, we will make it up in karma points. : -)
• Where necessary, colleagues watch your back as well as their own and you are happy to return the favor in kind.

These changes in perspective create an environment that is exciting, fun, and rewarding. Trust, win-win relationships, and a can-do spirit become guiding principles.

Here are additional reasons why it pays to be an idealist:

Everything is achievable. According to the famous W. Clement Stone, “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” A positive outlook, therefore, can have a direct impact on one’s success.

In fact, according to formal psychological research as well as a large amount of casual empiricism by others, there is no doubt that the power of expectation alone can influence the behavior of others. This phenomenon is called the Pygmalion effect. According to Business Horizons, studies have shown that the IQ scores of children, especially on verbal and information subjects, can be raised merely by expecting them to do well. A study showed that worker performance increased markedly when the supervisor of these workers was told that his group showed a special potential for their particular job.

Intangibles –– vital in the Information Age. In the twentieth century, a company measured success by the number of tangible assets (such as property, plant, and equipment) it posted on its balance sheet. In the Information Age, however, intangible assets rule the day. Intangible assets such as trust, creativity, speed, relationships, reputation, loyalty, employee commitment, brand identity, and the ability to adapt to change determine success. Just because intangibles are difficult to measure doesn’t mean they’re less important. Those who have a jaded view of intangible assets will never make the commitment required to reap their full potential.

The “soft” side of business reaches peak importance. In the past, most management theories and approaches espoused a narrow approach to employee motivation –– management’s job is to control employee behavior. Great managers, however, know that it’s much more desirable to engage employee commitment and loyalty through an organization’s beliefs and values. The “soft” side of business –– the beliefs, values, and philosophies espoused by management –– must take on greater importance. This applies equally to parenting. If you don’t pass your values on to your children, someone else will fill the void.

Win-win relationships. Most people are well intentioned and worthy of your trust. When people are trusted, valued, and respected, everyone wins. They will be more motivated to invest their time, effort, and resources.

In business, when win-win relationships are formed, people work toward a common goal and celebrate mutual success. The byproduct is that maneuvering, game-playing, and posturing to gain the upper hand go by the wayside.

The free lunch. There is an old saying that if an opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is. This is another way of saying that every exceptional opportunity should be doubted. The alternative is viewing each opportunity at face value and exploring it in a swift and rigorous fashion. It might just be possible!

Create your own karma. It may sound hokey, but when we view the glass as half full, we are more apt to adopt the golden rule –– what goes around comes around. People want to be associated with givers rather than takers. And, as a bonus, you’ll sleep better each night.

Keeping Your Eyes on the Prize

Being an optimist doesn’t preclude you from being a realist. Keep your eyes wide open. Be smart about the way that you approach opportunities. Have a contingency plan and then jump in with both feet. Sure, there will be times when you’ll get burned. But if you lose your faith in people, change your outlook on life, or compromise your principles, you will have lost a lot more than an opportunity in the process. Some people who have gotten burned get jaded. They will never experience the success that others achieve with a positive outlook.

The mind is very powerful. A positive mental attitude is both invigorating and rewarding. Positive thinking takes practice and patience. It will affect your thinking, strengthen your relationships, and improve your quality of life. It represents hope, happiness, and success.

So pick up your rose-colored glasses and try them on. What do you have to lose (except a negative attitude)?

The UP Experience from Brené Brown on Vimeo.

7 Tricks to Write Faster, Better, And More Insightful Articles … Right Now - by Dumb Little Man

7 Tricks to Write Faster, Better, And More Insightful Articles … Right Now - by Dumb Little Man

Do-ing

I've spent the last two days as a recluse! I actually feel like I've gotten some work done. I wanted to get some reading done on cohesion or group cohesiveness, so I started Friday afternoon. (I took Saturday off because Ray and I went to Waco to pick up some items there from Lowes.) However, all day Sunday was devoted to reading about cohesiveness and then more reading today.

I am beginning to get a grasp on the concept but I read and find a great resource that is older, then read more and find another great resource that is even older. My effort to read chronologically hasn't quite panned out the way I planned it but that's ok too.

I now need to go back and summarize each article that I've read so I can formulate some sort of outline to really get a grasp on things. I have a big stack of articles so it may take awhile! Some of the ruminations or research is like reading Greek. I don't understand Greek!

I was able to talk with Alex today and got some inspiration from that conversation. Things are off and rolling with the dissertation plans. I am working on Committee Person #3 and hope to get a "yes" to my question of "will you be my committee friend" that I'm asking this week!

TEDxKC - Brené Brown - The Price of Invulnerability

Nice Thought from Brene' Brown

Enjoying the Quiet Today

Today the University had to close due to the installation of something electrical. When we left work on Wednesday we were urged to unplug everything due to possible current surges. I took the opportunity of being home, in the quiet, to have writing surges of my own. I committed to beginning putting some thoughts on paper regarding team effectiveness and thus I've been working a little each day on this goal.

I looked at frameworks for analysis today. I highlighted two main ones and am now discussing a summary of general analysis themes. I will finish writing from the material I have this weekend and will begin to look at team cohesion. I have much reading yet to do and then writing must follow.

It is a good time to be studying teams (effectiveness and cohesion), trust, and strengths as I work in a very dynamic environment!

Tipping the Hat to Vulnerability & Qualitative Research

My One Little Word: do

Inspired by Ali Edwards (http://aliedwards.com/2010/12/one-little-word-2011.html) I have chosen the word DO for 2011.

In 2011 I plan to DO the following:

1. Make significant and positive progress on my dissertation

2. Pass my comprehensive exams (in April)

3. Focus on exercise and do another 5k

4. Establish short (after PhD) and long term goals for myself