December 20, 2017
Clear Confident Leader Weekly Observer, Issue #59
From the Greenbelt of Boise, Idaho, First snowfall
I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.
– Martha Washington
Under any circumstance, simply do you best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
– Don Miguel Ruiz
Two weeks ago, electricity went out at my parents’ house and ranch as power poles and equipment were damaged and destroyed by the Santa Paula Thomas fire. It changed the circumstances for fighting the fire. Without power, running pumps for water was no longer possible.
As the second day of the fire came to a close, the wind died down and my parents took a break to consider plans for dinner. Leaving to go to town for a hot meal, a fire truck passed going down the hill. Stopping, they shared that the wind had picked up above my parents’ place and jumped their fire line, they were repositioning themselves at the bottom of the hill.
My parents returned to their home to evacuate what they could. Not sure if they would have a home or the avocado and lemon trees that provide for their livelihood, they spent the night in a friend’s house.
The next morning they awoke to discover the winds had shifted again, and they still had an opportunity to save the ranch my grandparents built. They returned and continued to fight the fire encroaching on the edges. They were fortunate with people working together across neighboring orchards along with the firefighters, the fire threatening them was halted.
Over the past two weeks, life has been filled with rapidly changing circumstances, and is only now beginning to return to “normal” with the restoration of electricity. In the meantime, putting out hotspots from burning embers, setting up temporary generators to begin irrigating again to save the trees and remaining fruit, and living without heat, hot water, and everyday appliances has been their way of life.
Life is filled with circumstances that arise without notice. How we adapt and respond makes all the difference. Choosing to face our current circumstances with a positive disposition and a commitment to do our best has turned many difficult situations into positive outcomes. Developing strong relationships with the people we work with and our neighbors, pays off when significant adversity arises and we’re dependent upon each other to survive. Consider,
I work with teams and leaders to create better results through the conscious practice of leadership cultivating resilient effectiveness and compassionate action. Let’s create a better future today!
Clear Confident Leader Weekly Observer, Issue #59
From the Greenbelt of Boise, Idaho, First snowfall
I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.
– Martha Washington
Under any circumstance, simply do you best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
– Don Miguel Ruiz
Two weeks ago, electricity went out at my parents’ house and ranch as power poles and equipment were damaged and destroyed by the Santa Paula Thomas fire. It changed the circumstances for fighting the fire. Without power, running pumps for water was no longer possible.
As the second day of the fire came to a close, the wind died down and my parents took a break to consider plans for dinner. Leaving to go to town for a hot meal, a fire truck passed going down the hill. Stopping, they shared that the wind had picked up above my parents’ place and jumped their fire line, they were repositioning themselves at the bottom of the hill.
My parents returned to their home to evacuate what they could. Not sure if they would have a home or the avocado and lemon trees that provide for their livelihood, they spent the night in a friend’s house.
The next morning they awoke to discover the winds had shifted again, and they still had an opportunity to save the ranch my grandparents built. They returned and continued to fight the fire encroaching on the edges. They were fortunate with people working together across neighboring orchards along with the firefighters, the fire threatening them was halted.
Over the past two weeks, life has been filled with rapidly changing circumstances, and is only now beginning to return to “normal” with the restoration of electricity. In the meantime, putting out hotspots from burning embers, setting up temporary generators to begin irrigating again to save the trees and remaining fruit, and living without heat, hot water, and everyday appliances has been their way of life.
Life is filled with circumstances that arise without notice. How we adapt and respond makes all the difference. Choosing to face our current circumstances with a positive disposition and a commitment to do our best has turned many difficult situations into positive outcomes. Developing strong relationships with the people we work with and our neighbors, pays off when significant adversity arises and we’re dependent upon each other to survive. Consider,
- How do I face a significant change in circumstances?
- How do I commit to doing my best when surprises arise?
- How am I building strong relationships with people I depend upon?
I work with teams and leaders to create better results through the conscious practice of leadership cultivating resilient effectiveness and compassionate action. Let’s create a better future today!