She understands about overcoming obstacles and she knows about hard work. She is a healthy contrast to the “I Quit” culture of today. She refuses to become a victim and is determined to lead by example. I’m talking about Dr. Yvette Rice.

A member of our military was walking down a hall in the Pentagon where she worked, away from her office and towards a different wing. That's when it happened.

I was at Home Depot recently getting provisions for the lengthy “honey do” list that my wife had prepared for me. That’s when I met Rocky.

Political agendas… misinformation… the greed of meeting shareholder expectations at all cost… the travesty and horror of leading a needless war that continues to kill innocent people… It isn’t hard to see the selfish ambitions and agendas that leaders use to gain power, money and control.

If I just pause, I may struggle to find purpose in the moment. But if I ponder while I’m pausing, then I’m actually slowing down to learn.

With the recent shortage of labor and the “great resignation,” I was very skeptical about the level of service that we would experience. It didn’t take long for that skepticism to turn into amazement.

There is a lot of talk these days about the job market. Scores of people who are choosing to leave or not return to their jobs.

Dr. Yvette Rice has walked the kind of tough times that I will never fully understand. Her life’s journey gives her the right to comment and lead in unique ways. She has experiences that have molded her into the powerful leader that she is today.

The truth is, change has always been a part of our lives. No one is exempt from having to deal with loss, pain, or frustration related to change.

One thing I have learned is not to listen to everyone. Trying to listen to those who seek to misinform and manipulate brings frustration and confusion.

He could have been fired. There were those who wanted to fire him. But Jeff, the employee’s manager, said no. 

Plan an intentional block of time away from everything (including our technology addiction). Use the time to settle your mind, your heart and soul. Don’t have any expectations of the time, just be in the moment.

As 2022 begins, there are new hopes, dreams and opportunities. The new year also brings change. It is true that change is inevitable, but how we navigate change is our choice.

He said that every morning his wife looks at him and tells him, “Thank you for a wonderful life”. She is beginning the difficult journey of the “long good bye” caused by Dementia.

I’m a believer in second chances and even third sometimes. With the new year beginning, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of a second chance.

I hope this week finds you in the chill zone. It’s the perfect down time between the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022 to slow down and renew your mind and body.

Let’s choose to focus on those around us this Christmas, no matter how we feel.