Finding your voice is a phrase often used to encourage others to stand up for themselves, say what they believe, and/or for being authentic. All of those things are good things.
Today ‘finding my voice’ has a different meaning. I have been fighting the flu bug (no, not H1N1, just the regular old flu), and as part of that ‘bug’, I have lost my voice. Now, I know that for some this means I am every man’s ideal woman, but, trust me, it won’t last (and neither would the ‘ideal woman’ label). Yet, it has given me a chance to pause and consider what it is I actually want to say, especially since even whispering is a chore.
In taking the time to think before I (try to) speak, I realized that I don’t actually do that very often – think before I speak. In a positive way, I am spontaneous; a more negative perspective might say I’m sarcastic – both are true, depending on the situation. Both will will probably always be true, as I doubt that I’ll be making any major changes in my communication process at this stage of my life, and I believe I’m honest enough to admit that. But perhaps I will stop more often and think about what I am saying and why I am saying it, in that moment, with that specific person or group, for that specific reason.
What if we all did that? What if we, as thought leaders in our businesses, communities, families, stopped every once in a while and thought about what we really want/need to say? What if the leaders of our respective countries did that more often than not? What if . . . . ?
I like to think that when my voice is fully recovered, I will have found the discipline to think about what I’m saying a bit more often, more consistently, more thoughtfully? How would you like to ‘find your voice’?
Susan Luke
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Posted on October 22nd, 2009 in Stories From Everyday Life | 22 Comments »
What a difference a day makes!
After returning home on the red-eye, we were eagerly looking forward to seeing the results of having the wallpaper removed and fresh, neutral colors on the walls of our home. Alas it was not to be.
The wallpaper was gone and the walls were painted – but the repair work necessary before painting had been sporadic at best, the clean-up was non-existent, our disappointment was huge.
After eight hours of combining our efforts to clear a path, we were able to unpack and take a good look at what had and had not been accomplished – sadly it was mostly had not. The amazing thing was, there were some things done extremely well, and others not at all. We wondered at the thought process that allowed for excellent work at one point and total lack of attention at others.
The more we looked, the more we saw and the more disappointed we became.
Early the next morning the call was made to the general contractor, who came as soon as possible to view the results. Fortunately, we had the presence of mind to take pictures before we cleaned things up. The contractor was horrified. The sad part – he is truly a nice guy; not new to the business, but new to his own business. This was not the kind of unhappy customers he wanted.
To his credit, he went away making all the appropriate noises about rectifying things. Within an hour or so, he called back, said a different crew would be here this morning at 8 am to fix things.
What a difference a day makes. Someone who cares about what he does, has an amazing work ethic and the professional integrity to complement that ethic. The house already feels different, not to mention that it’s going to look terrific!
It is good to know that there are those in every industry who care about what they do, who are expert at what they do, who care about their customers and their results.
I don’t know if the contractor will actually make any money on this project or not. I do know that his ability to make it right in a short time frame has been amazing. Through it all, lessons have been learned on both sides of the contract. For me, it’s always about the people side – how I’m treated makes the difference. How those I work with, or for, think about doing a job well, makes the difference.
How are you making a difference with your clients or customers, family or friends? Are you doing only what it takes to get by, or do you care about what you do and who you do it for? What kind of difference do you make?
It;s great to know what a difference a day makes!
Susan Luke
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Posted on September 22nd, 2009 in Stories From Everyday Life | 12 Comments »
Thirty-nine years ago Martin Luther King made his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, and the world has never been the same! It is one of the significant events in US history that everyone remembers – where you were, who you were with, what you were doing, how you felt.
Since that time, ‘the dream’ has been referred to by many; inspired many more. It has become part of the tapestry of our culture, a story of significance.
What is your dream? What is the story you share that inspires? Today, more than ever, we need to share our stories – to encourage, to inspire, to add to our personal and professional legacies.
So where is the childrens TV program host Mr. Rogers when you need him? I know, I know – he’s in the ‘heavenly neighborhood’ (hopefully with a new sweater, but his thoughts & lyrics stay with us, or with me, at any rate).
However, I can’t help thinking of his little ditty (“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood . . . “) when I look up from my desk and out the window to see wonderful sunshine, a sparkling pool, lush gardens, and think – what am I thinking being inside??? Yet, there’s work to be done and so here I am sandwiching in a blog post between emails, reports, phone calls, etc.
But my heart is outside, soaking up the sun and letting the universe speak to me through the warmth and beauty of the day. So, why not listen vicariously to what I know is true?
Tomorrow this same environment will be filled with family and friends enjoying the day, sharing stories, creating memories, and contributing to yet another ‘beautiful day in the neighborhood.’
It will be fun, it will be surprising, it will be valuable in ways I can’t even imagine today. And today’s ‘dreaming’ about tomorrow is time well spent because anticipation always contributes to memory-making opportunities.
What are you anticipating for this weekend? What memories will you make? With whom will you share stories and benefit from the exchange?
Have a great weekend!
Susan Luke
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Posted on August 21st, 2009 in Stories From Everyday Life | 18 Comments »
Everything old is new again, and that includes writing an ezine and recompiling the database after switching servers – and it seemed like such a good idea at the time.
After several false starts and a variety of promises, both to myself and the database, I’m just going to ‘bite the bullet’ and write the ‘next edition’ and send it out. A combination of my procrastination, people being on holiday, misunderstandings about re-opting in, etc, and having no idea how many people will actually get the ezine over the next few editions, have all conspired to lead to this current situation.
The kicker is, the actual writing of the ezine is the easy part – getting my office and the database sorted is a whole ‘nother conversation:-) However, today is ‘the day’ . . . for me, at least.
Have you had days (weeks, months, etc) like this? Remember the oft repeated adage of, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way”? Well, I guess I’ve reached that point – how about you? What have you been putting off until everything is in its place; until everything is perfect? Perhaps it’s time to just move forward.
Have a great time with your delayed project – I’m sure mine will continue to unfold as yet another ‘adventure’!
Susan Luke
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Posted on August 19th, 2009 in Stories From Everyday Life | 2 Comments »
Marineland and grandchildren are an amazing combination – throw in a few whales, dolphins, sea lions, and walruses and it makes a fun day for all. Such was our weekend and what memories were created!
After we returned we wrote a book about it and inserted all the pictures that grandpa had taken during the day (great thing computers). After writing, printing, veloxing, etc, ‘the book’ traveled home with Jacob & Jessica to be shared with mom & dad.
Have you shared your stories with those in your life?
Susan Luke
admin
Posted on August 18th, 2009 in Stories From Everyday Life | 6 Comments »
She arrived last night & got to ‘keep her nuts’.
Ms June Cline, friend and colleague for more years than we care to admit, arrived in Toronto last night and was thrilled they let her keep her nuts as she came through immigration/customs. Apparently there are some who have not:-)
When a dear friend comes to hang out with you a few days before a conference, it is always time for catching up, for laughter, and, of course for creating more memorable stories.
The getting-up gig got a late start, as the catch-up gig began immediately over wine & cheese, lasting until the wee hours. So coffee was necessary and moving forward an option – what a wonderful way to start the day with a friend. Getting the handouts printed, answering email, doing necessary administrivia is all part of the equation – lasting only until late afternoon when more friends will join us for more catching up, comparing notes, and creating more memorable stories.
Your day may not be the same as mine, and certainly your stories will not be mine. How cool is that! For by sharing our differences, vulnerabilities, laughter, wonderment, challenges, and even the smallest successes we grow – as both friends and individuals.
Are you growing today because of the people who touch your life, your organization, your family, your friends?
Your comments touch my life and for that I am grateful because they allow me to continue to grow and learn.
Let’s continue to share.
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I just returned from a great trip to Barcelona where I spoke at the 2009 World Credit Union Conference. There were 1100 registrants from 62 countries and it was a wonderful conference. I was privileged to speak about ‘Corporate Culture and Mythology’, a subject I’m passionate about and which is always intriguing for the participants. Many of them shared stories with me about their experiences and how using story has helped them with their staff, the members, clients, friends, and families – it was awesome! For more about that topic check out the rest of my website, www.SusanLuke.com and subscribe to my newsletter, Myths R Us.
While in Barcelona, I also participated as a founding member of the Women’s Global Forum, jointly launched by the World Council of Credit Unions and the Canadian Cooperative Association. It was an amazing day with a diverse group of equally amazing women from around the world. As we continue to share across ocean and earth, we will all grow and enhance our respective journeys – thank goodness for Skype!
The work was more like play because of all the fantastic people, friends old and new, and because it was so much fun – also enjoyed the Picasso Museum and a guitar concert at the Music Palace, which is a phenomenal building – awesome acoustics!
Barcelona is definitely on my list of places I want to return, to explore, and enjoy: the beach, the weather, the historical sites, and as always the stories that will emerge through the people I meet.
Susan Luke
admin
Posted on August 6th, 2009 in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
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I will be the first to admit that I have been remiss in NOT blogging! In fact, there has never been an article posted to this blog since it was set up in March of this year (that would be 2009). My wonderful webmaster wrote a brief note that said I would soon be posting things – that was then (March); this is now (August).
Yet, there have been over 20 comments by various folks saying what a great article I have written etc. Now, I’ll be the first to accept a compliment, and I love getting them, but this seems a bit bizarre to me. Perhaps I just don’t have a full understanding/appreciation for blogging, as yet – maybe I just don’t ‘get it’!
So, at least after this posting, should there be folks who want to comment or connect, I’ll now it has a bit more to do with ME and what I have to say than an announcement of what is to come.
Susan Luke
admin
Posted on August 6th, 2009 in Uncategorized | 4 Comments »
Starting the new blog. Â Susan Luke is now starting her new blog with a vision to providing you with stories from her travels, information on new products, events, showcases and much more. Â Please subscribe or come back regularly to get the most from Susan Luke.
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Susan Luke
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Posted on March 19th, 2009 in Uncategorized | 10 Comments »
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