 What type of leader are you for your own life? __________ In the book Leadership in Turbulent Times, author Doris Kearns Goodwin talks about transactional and transformational leadership. The book brings to light the lows and highs of 4 iconic U.S. presidents: Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Johnson. What's the difference in these 2 leadership styles? Easy:
While these definitions are most often applied to organizations or companies, it can be helpful to bring these ideas to yourself. As you're going about your day-to-day stuff, often with a big "to do" list, have you paused long enough to reflect on the overall vision you have for your own life or your family life apart from the nuts-and-bolts of Your List? Is your style:
Why does it matter? Keeping your eye on the birdie of your greater vision not only influences at home leadership (even if that means you alone or you and your dog or cat), but helps you reframe when you're feeling bogged down with the nuts-and-bolts. ________ Many Unexpected Blessings and Cheers to you!  Photo Credit (sign): Jens Johnsson Composite with blue birdie of happiness: Catherine
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 Have you ever experienced something unusual as you go about your everyday life that lets you know there's something much bigger going on than you're usually aware of? __________ I've been working on the audio portion of my SOS Need it Now Emotional Feel Better Toolkit for a long time. Delays have been rampant from tweaking the recording software settings, losing my voice, and finding somewhere quiet enough to do the work. Despite best efforts, it's been an extremely slow process. I finally resorted to working in a closet. Not a convenient closet, like my own (too much street noise), but that of a friend, which meant becoming very mobile with setting up and breaking down a "recording studio" to work among her carefully folded blankets and pillows. Having a relatively good voice day, I was rolling along with recording. Suddenly (through ear buds), I heard the faint clank and spin of something that hit the ground. Huh? I looked down. It was a penny. Now, I hadn't moved myself or anything in that closet for fear of disrupting anything that could affect recording. It just "dropped," did a spin, and landed next to me. When family members suddenly passed about ten years ago, every once in a while, pennies would appear in the most obvious and ridiculous of places. Being tuned in that this is a known phenomena sometimes experienced by those who have lost loved ones, it became a source of wonder and comfort. So, there it was again. In the least likely of places. Reminding, that despite the illusion – you and me – we're never really alone. I stopped what I was doing to have a good laugh.  Note: This post happened to be published on November 1. The day after Halloween is known as All Souls Day in Christianity. It's a day of remembering loved ones who have passed on.  You're Invited: Bring your cup of coffee, grab a chair, and join me on October 6th for an informal group chat about Suicide Prevention Awareness + Emotional Well-Being. You just might save a life.   People who take their lives don't want to die– World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is globally observed on September 10th each year in order to provide worldwide awareness, commitment, and action to prevent suicides. Here are some facts:
In the United States, National Suicide Prevention Week (NSPW) is an annual week-long campaign (September 9 - 15) in the United States to inform and engage health professionals and the general public about suicide prevention and the warning signs of suicide. It's purpose is also to reduce the stigma and encourage seeking mental health help. According to Major David Reynolds, chief of Clinical Health Psychology at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, "The vast majority of people don't commit suicide because they want to kill themselves, but as a way to end the torment of not being able to cope with their problem." While your world can feel temporarily black and like it will never change, remember, your viewpoint can change, and there are those who want to, and will help you, get through it. You're not alone. What to do if you're feeling suicidal or need help for someone you care about? Call Now (it's free): 1-800-273-TALK (8255) US NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE More Help: http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org International: http://iasp.info/resources Also, a comprehensive article for what to do for yourself or someone you know. Pass it on . . .  Photo Credit: dmgreen44 pixabay  "Expanding your perspective can help you reframe your life." One of the ways you can empower yourself toward life change is by expanding (changing) your viewpoint. I recently had the opportunity to expand my viewpoint (photo). Some simple ways we can all do this are through: • Reading a book or watching a YouTube video on a subject that's new for you • Taking a different route when doing your errands • Asking someone you don't know how their day's going and really listen When you work at s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g your boundaries, it not only helps you look at yourself from a different perspective, but makes room for all kinds of wonderful new possibilities to emerge. What's your stretch today? Go for it!   "It's faith when we believe in things with absolutely no evidence [yet] of their existence. That is one of the great gifts of life – to sustain that faith against all odds, against critics and skeptics, against our own self-doubt." Kimberly Clark Sharp  Photo Credit: Simon Migaj
 As a new positive phase of life is gradually unfolding, some familiar not-so-great thoughts came up that masked underlying fears related to moving forward. Because I've been there and understand the process of getting beyond this when it rears up, empowering others to do the same is part of my passion. I've been reading the book Educated by Tara Westover. It's about a young woman who has the courage to walk away from her dysfunctional extremist family. I'm including the following passage from the book because it provides interesting thoughts about fear. She's talking about the roof of Cambridge University's cavernous Gothic chapel: "Finally the staircase opened onto the roof, which was heavily slanted, an inverted 'V' enclosed by stone parapets [a low protective wall along a roofline]. The wind was gusting, rolling clouds across the sky; the view was spectacular, the city miniaturized, utterly dwarfed by the chapel. I forgot myself and climbed the slope, then walked along the [roof] ridge, letting the wind take me as I stared out at the expanse of crooked trees and stone courtyards. 'You're not afraid of falling?' a voice said . . . I turned. It was Dr. Kerry. He had followed me, but he seemed unsteady on his feet, nearly pitching with every gust of wind . . . . . . I had to think before I could answer. 'I can stand in this wind, because I'm not trying to stand in it,' I said. 'The wind is just wind. You could withstand these gusts on the ground, so you can withstand them in the air. There is no difference. Except the difference you make in your head.' He stared at me blankly. He hadn't understood. 'I'm just standing,' I said . . . 'If you could just control your panic, this wind would be nothing.' " T A K E A W A Y Your fears can hide behind difficult emotions that can stop you in your tracks. It's possible to manage the fears that are holding you back so you can get on with your life. And all the wonderful experiences that are waiting for you on the other side of those fears. Developing the awareness that (as Ms. Westover said above), "knowing the difference you make in your head" is an important factor that can be a simple place to start. ______ My fears are holding me back. What Can I Do? I can help you help yourself through a wonderful retreat day workshop that will empower you to move beyond your fears, whatever they may be. Fears swallowed up a lot of my time and life energy. You can learn from my experiences so you can free yourself. Learn more.  Photo Credit: Curry Popeck Mountain
 Reading a somewhat technical book by the Dalai Lama about the nature of the universe as related to science and spirituality sparked an interest to learn more about him. A google search yielded a very relatable article by Douglas Preston that described a visit by the Dalai Lama to the Santa Fe, New Mexico ski basin in the days when he traveled with only a handful of wing-tip-shoe-and-suit-clad monks. A young server who brought him cookies and hot chocolate after a chairlift tour of the area asked him about the meaning of life. While this article is an entertaining read, if you're short on time, you can scroll down to its last few paragraphs to get the Dalai Lama's surprisingly simple response. Enjoy!  Photo: Bob Shaw  While watching golf's U.S. Open last weekend, the words of a commentator roused my attention from the pleasantly relaxed narration of the event. It was in reference to the final rounds of a leading player. The commentator said, "Dream small." An interesting statement considering the achievement of someone who's persevered to make it (again) into one of golf's leading championships. Referring to a critical juncture for this player, the commentator continued . . . "collect yourself, go step-by-step, hole by hole." Brooks Koepka is one of a handful of players ever to win the U.S. Open two successive years in a row. Not exactly the fruits of "Dream Small." Any Big Dream intention is made up of a million steps to usher it into fruition. Takeaway: "Keep your eye on the birdie," but whatever your dream, walk your course step-by-step with deliberately focused thought and action.  Photo: Tyler Hendy; pexels
 I went to a business event this week where one of the speakers was talking about er uhm, hospital food – wait, this is a good thing. Outside the (cereal) Box Because the hospital that was discussed is an anchor point in its city for services and jobs, visionary hospital leaders decided they wanted to buy as many local provisions as possible. They started small, with locally roasted coffee and bread. Their efforts grew to eventually replacing a global source for oatmeal, Quaker, with a local source. Oats at that time had never been grown in their state (Michigan). It began through simply talking with local growers and businesses. Open dialogue. What if? And went from there to create exponential growth for those suppliers, new jobs for the community, quality foods and meals, shared prosperity, and happy faces. What This Has to do with You and World Peace Ask anyone if they want a peaceful world and most would say yes. What many don't realize is that the biggest thing you can do to change the world can be the most intimidating. Start in your own backyard.
Like the wonderful growing ripple effect of the hospital replacing global suppliers with local sources that began with a simple conversation, you can do your part for world peace with an added benefit: Having the intention and openness to create harmony within yourself and those around you can come back to benefit you and others in many, many unforeseen ways.  Photo credit: Chepko/istockphoto.com  What do you usually think about during your day? I recently came across a quote from a great spiritual teacher from India. Short and sweet, casually paraphrased he says, "Life is like sand and sugar. Be like the ant and look for the sugar." If things are going upside down and sideways in your life, it can be difficult to look for the good. But it's very important. And even if it's something small, from a coffee pot that works in the morning to a soft pillow that comforts you at night, if you can just pick your head up a little bit, and look for the good, you'll find that it starts to make a difference in your life. The reason I want you to know this is because this is a universal truth: What you focus on expands. So if your head is down and you're absorbed in everything that isn't going right . . . begin to just lift up and look for the good. You'll be amazed at the way your life can begin to change. So again, be like the ant and look for your sugar! Here's the actual quote: "Everything on earth is of mixed character Like a mingling of sand and sugar. Be like the wise ant That seizes only the sugar And leaves the sand untouched." B A B A J I  Cupcake photo by Vojtech Okenka from Pexels
Cartoon created by Freepik; composite created by Catherine  "Oh, she said, but I'm getting so far behind." There was the self-imposed deadline, several months back, supposed to have been a slam dunk. Preparations for an unforeseen opportunity. Information gleaned, internally filed. Tech changes and glitches that despite best efforts, dragged to a workaround halt. Perseverance. Hours. Weeks gone by. Check up, somehow remembered despite not being written down. Surgery. Family. Then the words: "Life is like a wild tiger. You can either lie down and let it Lay its paw on your head – Or sit on its back and ride it." R I D E T H E W I L D T I G E R You're right where you're supposed to be. Take this one day. Look for the joy. And Ride It.  Photo Credit: CC0 License pexels
 Hello Fellow Journeyer, Need hope, perspective, & a simple formula to help ease your way through stressful life changes? On Thursday, May 17, I'll be giving my Free Life Empowerment Telephone Seminar. • When you sign up, you'll get my Self-Discovery Map to help you gain perspective on your life • In the Telephone Seminar, you'll learn a simple formula to help you through stressful changes that you can use now and throughout your life I'll also share a little about my story (we all learn from each other's experiences) and briefly extend an invitation for how you can continue empowering yourself in moving through stress-related fears that often go with change. • Thursday, May 17, 8PM EST • Sign up: http://lifeempowermentfasttracks.com Because feeling better is a welcome breather, I invite you to give yourself this gift of increased perspective and clarity. With Warm and Kindest Thoughts,   Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams die, Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go, Life is a barren field Frozen with snow. L A N G S T O N H U G H E S In this Easter, Passover, and Spring Season, wishing you peace of mind, joy, and abundant blessings,  Photo Credit: Matheus Bartelli  Resistance. Acceptance. Renewal. How many times do you go through this cycle in your own life? As winter is followed by spring in the northern hemisphere, challenges in our lives are followed by renewal. Wherever you are or whatever you may be going through, stop for a moment. Take notice of the emergence of life that's taking place all around you. In the spirit of the season, may you steadily rise above what tethers you. So you can fully express the beauty, productivity, and creativity of your true Self.  Photo credit: pixabay and pexels.com  I first heard the phrase, "Ready, fire, aim" in a seminar. It was about taking action and not being stopped by "analysis paralysis." Often fear can take the guise of over-analyzing and thinking you have to have every exact duck-in-a-row before you can make a decision to move forward. I recently read an article that emphasized making decisions and choices even if you don't yet have all the facts (as if you possibly could). In the long run, having to alter courses is more productive that remaining stuck and not moving at all. It's definitely a balancing act, but a good reminder not to let indecision rob your energy, especially when you have momentum and enthusiasm about making changes in your personal or work life.   We all have our ups and downs in varying degrees. When (what we describe as) bad things happen, there's a resounding "why?" While that question may never be answered, times of trial and challenge can bring out the best in us – vulnerability that leads to more emotional openness, compassion, kindness, gentleness, support, unity, and sometimes action that propels change. When inner landscapes are irrevocably altered by difficult times in your own life or in the world around you, a choice can be made to broaden your capacity for all of the above. T A K E A W A Y Can you think of how someone helped you through a difficult time?   Hearing the backstories of some of the 2018 Olympians has been amazingly heartwarming. To be reminded of the "thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" that many have experienced along the way brings a dose of reality to the triumph of the medalist podium. We all have our day-to-day challenges. Sometimes merely getting out of bed and facing the day requires heroic courage and perseverance. This Valentine's Day, don't wait for someone else to acknowledge you. What really matters is that you acknowledge yourself. Remembering to give yourself a symbolic gold medal and bouquet of flowers for what you have and are accomplishing in your life can make all the difference in how you feel about you. From the heart,  Enjoy this post? Get the latest in your FB feed when you Like this page.
Photo credit: Kartik Gupta  Like tens of thousands of others, and maybe you, this month I was slammed with the flu. In the spirit of empowering yourself to stay well (or make the best of what is), it brought to mind the following: 1. Sometimes an enforced time-out chair is good, even if it's not fun. 2. Don't try to work on anything important when you're feeling lousy; chances are you'll mess up. 3. Your world can and will survive without you while you take care of yourself. 4. Viruses can live on hard surfaces for 48 hours. 5. They're transported by moisture droplets that come from a sick person through talking, coughing, sneezing. 6. Those viruses can travel up to six feet (yikes!). 7. Wiping down frequently touched items like phones, doorknobs, microwave and refrigerator handles, keyboards, remote controls, etc. with alcohol wipes or disinfectant can help stop viruses from spreading. 8. If you don't already know this one, cough into your sleeve, not your hand. Think about it; you cough into your hand and then touch people, pets, and things, spreading viruses and germs. 9. Avoid touching public keypads in ATMs, checkout lines and gas stations. If you have to, make sure you wash your hands immediately. 10. Note to self: next year, get a flu shot. This Public Service Announcement has been brought to you by(!) Be Well,  Info Source: U.S. CDC (Center for Disease Control) The person who created GM, the gargantuan auto-maker General Motors, was abandoned by his father as a boy and dropped out of high school.  He was ousted by the company he founded twice, and later in life started his own auto-manufacturing company under his own name. He unofficially controlled the stock market for several high-flying years and warned the U.S. President of an impending market collapse. Rather than protect his personal interests by pulling out as his peers did, he kept multi-millions in the stock market to try to soften the impact of the impending crash on the American public. At age 80, he was serving hamburgers to customers in his bowling alley restaurant in Flint, Michigan. Revered in his day, and nearly forgotten in history, he was known throughout his life as being kind, gentle, and a soft-spoken genius supersalesperson. His story brought to mind the following words I've seen on a sign:  From a human perspective, life isn't going to be perfect. It has its ups and downs. Wine aside (as he was known not to drink in his later years), William C., W.C., or Billy Durant as he was most commonly known, rode his life to the fullest. Takeaway: Are you "skidding in" and using your own genius, the gifts you came into this world with? (Yes, you have them.) Info source: Billy Durant, Creator of General Motors, by Lawrence R. Gustin Your comments are welcome!   Einstein is one of the greatest minds of all time. He walked his talk by living simply and humbly. One of his foremost traits was his perseverance that led to his astounding formulas for explaining the nature of the physical universe. Einstein's 3 Rules of Work: 1. Out of clutter find simplicity 2. From discord find harmony 3. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity Where can you apply these rules in your life? ___ Need some help sorting out your life? Check out this wonderful opportunity you can have that will empower you to change your life for the better.   While there are many variations on the definition of self-awareness, this excerpt from an article by Chopra Center's Leo Carver gives a valuable viewpoint on the difference between self-awareness and self-consciousness: "The concept of self-awareness is often talked about as if you’re already aware of what awareness is. While the actual definition of the term may be easy to understand intellectually, you have to live it to make it work. Self-awareness is more than just being self-conscious. These are not interchangeable terms. • Self-awareness is being aware of your own presence, inside and out. • Self-consciousness tends to lend itself toward self-judgment and assessment, all too often based on someone else’s perceptions . . . Self-awareness leads to acceptance as well as a deeper understanding of yourself. • While self-consciousness is analyzing, • self-awareness is witnessing. Higher self-awareness is possible once you cultivate an attitude of love, acceptance, and appreciation for yourself. This is not easy to do, but well worth the effort." ___ Want to change your life? Self-awareness is key. Why? Because becoming aware of what you're feeling and doing is a baseline for life change.  Need some help changing your life?
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Inspiration from an empire built with a mouse. Enjoy and be uplifted!
With Warmest Wishes for a Happy, Healthy, and Abundant New Year!
 Whether you find yourself missing someone special, feeling separate or alone in a crowd, this message is for you. After my brother, Mark, suddenly passed, I unexpectedly found the letter he'd written and given to me as a Christmas present years before. While appreciated for its elegance at the time, I'd long forgotten his gift. Discovering the letter again in the aftermath of coming to terms with his physical absence held greater meaning and poignancy than when initially read. As my perspective dramatically changed during that painful process, I gained an increased ability to understand what he said, recognizing his words were coming from the timeless space beyond the challenges of day-to-day concerns. No matter where you are, this simple message transcends cultural boundaries. While the reference point is the Christmas holiday, the thoughts expressed speak of the level of oneness we all share, regardless of beliefs. It follows exactly as it was written: "Dear Catherine, There is a special moment during the holiday season when all of the activity, hype, and busyness — stop. A moment when you are rooted to the ground and stare into space. A moment when all circumstance and thought cease — and fall away. A moment when something stirs at the depth of your being and a knowing smile, genuine, comes to your face. A moment when all is right with the world and a sense of well-being expands within you and radiates outward. At Christmas, if only for a moment, we are reminded of what is within whenever we choose to stop — and let ourselves be filled. Let this moment be yours, always. Love, Mark" ___ My brother was a highly intelligent man with a dry wit. In the hours preceding his unexpected leaving, he quipped "have you seen any lights lately?" and made sure the friend who was with him knew she was loved. Rediscovering his letter, I realize there are parallels to the sense of well-being he was speaking of with the final insights he shared. "If only for a moment," may your differences fall away and your heart be filled with the Light and Love that silently and steadily unites us all.   Copyright © Mark D. Lenard and Catherine Lenard. All rights reserved.  That'll happen when pigs fly! Having recently read books about both Henry Ford of Model T fame and Sam Walton of Walmart, perhaps the two most influential business geniuses of the twentieth century, I was taken by the differences in which they reportedly treated their employees. Sam Walton said, "In so many businesses, most managers lead by fear and intimidation. They think that being tough is being a leader. Nothing is further from the truth. Good leaders will treat people 'good' and add the human factor to all aspects of their business." A Kind Outlook I admit I've had the perception of Walmart being, well . . . Walmart. It wasn't until I delved into the history of the company and its people that I came to appreciate their philosophy of treating employees and customers as family (uhm, the best parts of family). "Mr. Sam," as he was known to his associates [employees], also said, "Another very important principle for us is to live and stay with our people through the good times and the bad times . . . Life is a business of momentum; sometimes you are up, sometimes you are down. In 'down times' your associates need your love and support more than at any other time." Universal Law Connection Whether deliberate or not, these words demonstrate an alignment with universal law and principles. Giving always comes before and predetermines receiving whether you're giving your thought, word, service, or conscious action including appreciation for a job well done and compassion and understanding when needed. This is contrasted with an attitude of getting, which is an attitude of limitation. Yowza! Pressed Down and Running Over In a spectacular display of outcome, Walmart has become the world's largest brick and mortar retailer. In 2016 Forbes listed the multi-billionaire Walton family as the richest in America. As of recent news, Walmart is giving Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, a run for its money. In a fun bit of irony, Walmart and Lord & Taylor, the oldest luxury department store in the United States, will soon be partnering to offer Lord & Taylor's upscale merchandise through Walmart's online store. Keeping it Real So as not to get too lofty from the viewpoint of the flying pig, here's taking it back to Sam: "We are all just people with our varying strengths and weaknesses. So true commitment, plus a generous portion of understanding and communication, will certainly help us win. Remember, leaders must always put their people before themselves. If you are able to do that, your business will take care of itself." _____ For help with employee retention, get in touch.
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Welcome, We all have life challenges. Some you see, some you don't. Your Divine Riches was created to make it easier for you to not only get through existing changes, but to also discover how to deliberately create changes you want in your life. You're invited to check out the rest of my website to Learn More. :-) Catherine ___ View Catherine's LinkedIn Profile:
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