Beverly D. Flaxington's Blog, page 9
October 30, 2012
Taking Time to Help
Life is busy. There is always too much to do and not enough time to do it in. We plan for the things we want, but often life intervenes and we don’t end up doing things we’d like to do. One of the things that I see missing too often is the time we are willing to take to help another person out. We spend our time on things we feel we have to do, but taking time for others can fall by the wayside.
October 24, 2012
Knowledge IS Power
As a college professor, and a high Theoretical (from a values perspective), I admit that I am biased toward knowledge and learning. But, even this notwithstanding, I have been in so many conversations lately where the problem people raise is that it’s “ignorance” or “lack of education” or “lack of knowledge” about something. We often tell people that to improve their lot in life, they need to become educated or go back to school.
October 11, 2012
Who is My Problem? Is it You or is it Me?
I was fortunate to spend the weekend celebrating my in-laws’ 60-year wedding anniversary. The whole family was able to get together in one place and toast them and their years together. In one conversation with my mother-in-law, we were talking about habits that certain people have that in some cases we may find annoying. It was interesting – as it always is – to hear that what irritates her, is not noticed by me. By contrast, things I find off-putting were not bothersome to her at all.
October 3, 2012
There IS Time for Everything
In the time and personal management workshops that I run, I often use this quote by Thomas Edison: “There is time for everything.” It doesn’t seem possible, does it? Doesn’t every day seem to end long before we need it to? I have friends who are down to 4 or 5 hours of sleep every night because that seems to be the only way to get everything done that needs to be done. People work longer hours, and have so many more personal commitments.
September 26, 2012
Frenetically Happy
As I look around at people who are retired or taking it easy, I realize – I don’t envy them. I don’t want to be one of them. I thrive on my frenetic, crazy life. I love everything I get to do. I love making a contribution, and I love using many of the talents God has given me to try and make a difference every day.
September 18, 2012
The Thankful List
Being thankful. It seems like such an easy concept. And, yet how often during any given day do we stop and take the time to feel thankful for what we have? We can get so focused on what’s missing – what’s wrong with our lives. We lose sight of the fact that in every moment there are things going on that we can say a silent “thanks” for.
September 11, 2012
Starting Over
This week marked back to school time for my children, and also for me. I teach two sections of an undergraduate leadership course and will teach a new course on careers in finance at my own alma mater in Boston. This year, as in many past years, when I look out at the students in my class, I am struck by how long ago I sat in those same seats. I watch the students and can instantly transport in my mind to being their age, having their worries and concerns, and enjoying many of the same things they do now.
September 5, 2012
I Don’t Need Any More Friends!
I volunteer for a few organizations and spend time helping out wherever I can. At a recent event, one of my fellow volunteers was talking about one of the other people working with us. She was relaying a story about how hurt she felt when she was trying to make small talk with this other person and the person turned around and said, in an aggravated tone, “Please stop talking to me. I don’t need any more friends.”
August 27, 2012
“Right” and “Wrong”
I am doing a presentation for a large client that offers a series of “career talks” for their employees. My topic will be Values – our attitudes and beliefs. What motivates us? As I prepare the presentation, I am again reminded how easy it is for us to fall into the trap of right versus wrong depending on what we believe and care about.
