Intentional Acts of Kindness
The phrase “random acts of kindness” is often used to describe things that catch us off guard. After my husband was diagnosed with a serious illness, we received many acts of kindness, but they didn’t feel very random. That got me to thinking–what if acts of kindness are not random, but intentional? What if we’re just not fully paying attention to the kindness of others? Let’s start with the premise that kindness is being friendly, generous, or considerate. The word random suggests something done without conscious decision, while intention implies purpose or deliberation. Given those...
Read MoreMaking Connections in a Disconnected World
“Technology lets us connect and interact with ease, increasing our points of contact and giving us access to a wide world of information. This is a good thing. But one downside of our highly technical world is that we may miss out on fully experiencing the world around us. Engrossed in gadgets and information, we become reactive, responding only to what is in front of us… What is lost is full, three-dimensional conversation…the time to really hear a message and comprehend the emotion behind it; the patience to reflect on how to respond so the other person understands you; the thoughtfulness...
Read MoreSeize the Day!
My mother used to say “Bad things come in 3’s.” When something bad would happen, we’d prepare for two more things to come and then we would relax. Not so this month! In the last two weeks, my community of friends and family has experienced a lot of loss – seven deaths, plus our dear Pastor leaving for another church. In the midst of all this loss, I’ve discovered a great deal of love and caring: people reaching out to others with kindness and appreciation; words of remembrance and encouragement on social media; lots of hugs, tears and laughter. With so...
Read MoreDo you see me? Do I matter?
One of my favorite hobbies is people watching–at airports, in restaurants, in meetings, in stores, at parties–wherever people tend to gather. I watch to see how people interact with each other and the rest of the world. I watch them scurry about their over-scheduled lives. I watch which social media posts get the most attention-usually pictures and stories of children or pets or family celebrations. I watch people move through grief and joy, through beginnings and endings. As I’ve observed and listened, I’ve come to two conclusions: In a world full of increasing...
Read MoreControl What you Can
How many times have you been hit with a curveball–a company re-org, merger or downsizing, unexpected health diagnosis, or a problem with your car or home? Life happens, and despite your well-laid plans, you can’t control other people or events. The only person you can manage is yourself. A few years ago, I checked in with a friend whose company was going through bankruptcy. I asked him how he was coping, and his response was, “I control what I can–my results, my relationships and my reactions.” He had no idea what was going to happen, so he chose to create value...
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Deb Hornell is a visionary whose personal brand of “Cultivating Environments for Growth” extends into her consulting practice, her family and friendships, and her book: "Good Things for a Full Life."
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