If human beings are perceived as potentials rather than problems, as possessing strengths instead of weaknesses, as unlimited rather that dull and unresponsive, then they thrive and grow to their capabilities. -- Barbara Bursh

I was never good at math.

In fact, I kind of hate numbers. Of all sorts. Whether they are used to calculate, to grade someone, to make a priority list...

In May I went on a trip with my friends and it is only now that I have overcome my procrastination of doing the accounts on who owes what amount to whom.

I am allergic against spreadsheets :-)

This is definitely my weakness.
And it got a lot of attention and focus when I was in school (that, and physics and chemistry - I am really not a science type).

I was really good at languages. That was definitely my strength.
I passed all language subjects every year without any problems (and in Luxembourg school that means at least 3: German, French, English). I was good at writing, telling stories, setting up, coordinating things.

Noone ever said anything about those subjects. I passed them, so no need to comment. Commenting was for subjects you failed or sucked at.

And I wonder why that is.

Marcus Buckingham is wondering the same:



and Sir Ken Robinson also thinks the education system needs to change because it's killing creativity.

And I wonder how my life would have changed if school, my parents and teachers had focused on my strengths...

What are your strengths? Are others putting them aside to focus on your weaknesses? Are you?

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I believe she's amazing

Below flash mob was organised by Kim Mac Gregor for her grassroots movement I believe she's amazing in honor of her friend Erika who lost her battle against cancer.





I dedicate this post to my best friend Sabine whom I've known for a long time. And I think she's amazing because:

• She is a true and great friend who knows what to say when and when to shut up and just hug me.
• She has moved mountains and chosen the road less travelled to live life HER way.
• She is an amazing painter who dreams her paintings.
• She went from city life to running a little farm together with her partner.
• She knows how to talk to dogs - and people.
• She takes in lost animals, lots of them...
• She conquers blows and comes out stronger.
• She finds a reason in things that happen.
• She stayed my friend even when we had a crush on the same boy.
• She is beautiful.
• She easily found her way in a foreign country.
• She stood up to her parents.
• She was such a great support to her brother in the midst of family drama.
• She comes back to the real world from time to time to see me.
• She lets me visit for a few days and all we do is walk and talk.
• She appreciates small things.
• She is not materialistic.
• She is a free soul and he world is a better place because she's in it.

I am grateful that she is my friend.


Bine, ech hun dech ganz vill gaer.
M


If you know an amazing woman too, visit this site.

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“Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with Vision is making a positive difference.” -- Joel Barker

Have you ever made a Vision Board? (if you don't know what that is, click here)

When I was younger, I made collages in my diary. But they were not visionary. They were focused on the present and on how I was feeling. So the messages were about the status quo and venting more than imagining a better future.

I did my first real Vision Board when I was at a retreat with Christine Kane (November last year) and it was standing in my office/art room for a while after that until it had to make room for something 'more important'.

I just came across it today and it blew me away...

Of course not all of the things have materialized: we don't have a pool yet... but here are a few things I glued on there that have:

• Running:
  I am now running 3 times a week and have signed up for a semi-marathon
  
• Massage:
  I have regular massages and chiropractor visits scheduled to take care of my bodily well-being.
  
• Mac Book:
  I bought one a few weeks ago :-)
  
• Great hair:
  I did a personal image consulting which resulted in better colors and styles for me and a new hairdo :-)
  
• Art:
  I have started many art projects and the secret is to just get something started and see what happens :-)
  
• Charity:
  I have successfully started teambuilding activities at work together with local charities. The project is slowly growing and resulted in a passionate interest in Corporate Social Responsibility.
  
• Outdoors:
  I spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in our garden.
  
• Family:
  I have my work organised in such a way that I can spend time with my kids and often feel like an incredible mom :-)
  
• Happy: yes I am!
  
• Live, laugh, learn: every day!

And the guitar playing, the big wad of money, the perfect smile, trekking and always healthy food are going to come soon - I just know it.

So I suggest you make a Vision Board for yourself and hang it in your office, or bedroom ceiling, or wherever. So that your mind, your subconscious, your eyes, your heart, your dreaming... can concentrate on it and let the universe do the rest.

It works.

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Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. ~Sam Keen

SUMMER

Soft feel of a hot breeze
Seasoned smell of barbecued food
Gentle touch of naked feet in the grass

Summer is here.

Flower prints of girl's dresses
Colorful crowds lingering on terraces
Daily activities transferred to the outdoors

Summer is here.

Juicy fruit and cool drinks
Green lawn slowly turning yellow
Thunderclouds building at the horizon

Summer is here.

Delightful splashing in the pool
Endless lingering in a hammock
Lazy reading books and dozing off

Summer is here.


Thanks to Weekend Wordsmith for the Summer prompt.

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How to stop shame from stopping you

Excellent tips from my wonderful coach Christine Kane. I love that she throws out all this good advice for free. It's fully in line with what Seth Godin writes on the hidden power of gifts.
Enjoy!

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