I have fantasized for quite some time about participating in a silent retreat. My ideal vision involved going to a monastery in north Georgia (or somewhere else far enough away from Tallahassee to feel “gone”) and spending two days or so in contemplative silence. As it turns out, life is harshly disinclined to release me […]
Who Inspires You to #sharetheSPARK?
“When I was little, I decided I would always do the things that scared me.” This is what my daughter said to me after describing her recent experience going down the Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach, a slide with an almost perpendicular 120-foot slope. Here’s a picture: And here’s a YouTube video of someone much […]
Two Minutes on the Table
I know why “Table Topics” are called “Table Topics” in Toastmasters. According to the Toastmasters website, these two-minute impromptu speaking exercises, which typically occur at the table (rather than the lectern/podium) “improve confidence and impromptu public speaking skills.” When you participate in a Table Topics competition, however, the “table” part goes out the window as you speak on […]
Making a Difference Among Friends
Phew! I returned from the 5th Annual Shot at Life Champion Summit (this was my 3rd), with plans for a blog post overflowing with reflections, facts, and experiences. BUT, it didn’t take long before it became apparent that maybe I should have spent about half an hour at some point in the prior months and […]
Jumping for Joy!
I have so many ideas for posts, but the more pressing issue is the 5:30 am flight I have tomorrow morning for the annual Shot at Life Champions summit! While at the summit, I will be the advocate behind the @Vaccines Twitter account. Keep me busy — send me questions and encouragement! I also hope […]
Starting IS Believing, but FINISHING is Achieving
Place this one in the “you had one job” files … Wayne asked me to pick up several items for dinner, and sent this list: I dutifully picked up the items I saw on the list, rechecking it several times, before picking my son up from an event and returning home. Several hours later, Wayne, who had […]