Margaret’s Persuasion Coach Blog
Bridges Across Politics I: TAKE ONE TORTOISE STEP
In Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Yoda said “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” Many Americans have come to fear those who hold political or religious views different from their own…Our mutual fear has already led to anger, hate and suffering.
Mid-Course Corrections
Sometimes you think you know where you’re going with your work, or your personal growth, then, suddenly, life spins you around in a different direction. But if you make a mid-course correction and carry on, things can turn out better than you ever imagined.
Perfectionism–Help or Hindrance?
“They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you that practice makes perfect. I wish they’d make up their minds.” – Wilt Chamberlain, All-star basketball player
A Holiday Wish for You
I’m reflecting on the fact that (at least in the northern hemisphere) our warmest, brightest holidays and traditions occur at the coldest time of year, the time when the days are shortest. Lately, I have started saying a new bedtime prayer. I vary it, but it’s more or...
Seasonal Music, Fun Facts and Harmony
And speaking of “Jingle Bells,” the lyrics are not “Bells on bobtails” (plural) but rather, “Bells on bobtail” (singular). It’s a one horse sleigh, and the one horse only has one tail….Here’s hoping these fun facts inspire you to sing or listen to whatever music lifts your spirits, thus creating harmony (of the non-musical variety) among your family and friends.
Easy, Feel-Good Seasonal Giving
Whether you need gift ideas for friends and family, or you want to give back to those less fortunate, here are four timely ideas… A number of commercial vendors have teamed up with charities in “Give Back Box” programs…
Why and What I Hope
I’m moving forward with hope that our country can come through what Ken Burns considers the biggest challenge since the Cuban Missile Crisis, come through stronger and better… May you also find hope in these ideas.
Two More Tips from The Book of Joy
In “Service, Support and Giving Lead to Joy,” I wrote about a first practice from The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Tutu and Douglas Abrams. At the time, I had read about second and third practices from that book, but they didn’t click with me. The...
Thanksgiving and Giving Thanks
So, for goodness sake, while driving this weekend, please compensate for the extra distraction by eliminating all other sources… [n]urture your physical, mental and emotional health. There’s no better way to do that than by expressing thanks and resting in the warm glow of gratitude.
From My Heart
Immediately after learning of the election results, I plunged into a deep grief, like after death of a loved one or a romantic break up. People find me exceptionally calm, but that night, I cratered. This grief triggered some equally deep self-assessment.