Back in the 90s in my corporate days, my boss always talked about our “emotional intelligence.” He droned on and on about how our “EQ” was more important than our IQ. It sounded like corporate training mumbo jumbo back then, mostly because there was no direction to help us … [Read more...] about Aspen Institute’s Commission on Social , Emotional, Academic Development Has the Answers
Dirt and Noise
Listen Up
I have a lot to say. This makes me a poor listener. But I'm trying to improve. We dishonor others when we don't listen. Most of the time, people chime in about themselves rather than taking a moment to pause, reflect, and ask a question or offer an … [Read more...] about Listen Up
How Will My Sons Remember Me?
I’m afraid my sons won’t remember me as a good mom. Or a happy mom. Their sharp memories, the kind that stick around through therapy into adulthood, are being cemented now. They’ll remember me as a stressed out yeller. My fuse is commensurate to my height...short. I am admittedly … [Read more...] about How Will My Sons Remember Me?
The Value of Creativity
"We've always done it this way." The utterance of this sentence makes my skin prickle. It tells me everything I need to know about the person who says it and the people who nod in agreement. An adherence to this mindset demonstrates an utter lack of creativity and vision. To … [Read more...] about The Value of Creativity
Musings and Observations
In no particular order... Ladies of all ages, stop doing the sorority squat in photos. Stand up tall and own your badass self. Shuffle tall people to back and stand up straight. No. More. Hands. On. Bent. Knees. Stop it. Non-profit boards need diversity. It’s awful to see … [Read more...] about Musings and Observations
Grateful for You
Every night before we eat dinner, we hold hands and share something we are thankful for from our day. There are no rules, except we can't be grateful for material things. Mostly the boys are thankful for doing well on a test or having a day off from school. Mac Daddy and I work a … [Read more...] about Grateful for You
Me, Trombone Shorty
Before you read any further, watch that clip up there. You'll thank me later. It was some time in the late 70s or early 80s. I was about four feet tall and meek as hell. I had just joined the band in middle school, not because I had musical talent or aspirations, but because … [Read more...] about Me, Trombone Shorty