Category Archives: Appreciation

(#304) Random Thoughts On Overload, Gratitude And Connectedness


But wouldn’t it be a shame if we create such unforgiving filters that the positive, the joy and the connections never make it through? Overload.  We hear a lot about information overload. People bemoan social media as a culprit of … Continue reading

Posted in Appreciation, assumptions, authenticity, awareness, Connection-Disconnection, Gratitude, information overload, Life lessons, mindset, Motivation, resilience, Social responsibility, technology, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

(#303) Give Your All Stars the Spotlight


Find a way to let your colleagues share what they are proud of and how they do it. At times, the execution of appropriate recognition can move from the sublime to the ridiculous.  I remember years ago sitting in a … Continue reading

Posted in Appreciation, awareness, Being REMARKABLE, branding, Gratitude, Life lessons, Passion, Personal growth, Personal Wellbeing, Reflective practice, retrospective, teamwork, Values and virtues, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

(#299) The First Forty Years


If you held me down to provide the “secret sauce,” I’d say it is simply giving each other space. This week’s blog posting has a more personal indulgence than past posts. Hopefully, in keeping with the theme of this blog, you … Continue reading

Posted in Appreciation, assumptions, awareness, Being REMARKABLE, curiosity, Discipline, Dreams | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

(#291) Befriending Ourselves


Think of your favorite novels.  More than likely the protagonists did not follow a straight line from the beginning to the end of the story. Your life journey is the same. You are the hero of your story. This past … Continue reading

Posted in Appreciation, awareness, Balance, Choice, Critical Thinking, curiosity, Discipline, fitness, listening, Mindfulness, mindset, Reflection, self-efficacy, self-regulatory behavior, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

(#276) Mistakes, Disappointments, Curiosity and Growth


When we choose not to dare because we might “risk feeling disappointed” we end up “choosing to live disappointed.” Nearly thirty years ago I made a huge professional mistake.  At that time I decided to make a career move from … Continue reading

Posted in Appreciation, awareness, Being REMARKABLE, change, Choice, confidence, courage, curiosity, Energy Vampires, Grit, growth, inspiration, leadership, mentoring, Reflection, resilience, Success, vulnerability | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

(#274) Igniting Passion: Seven Superlative Student Stars


They spoke directly to the power of teaching and the importance of relationships in life.  This past Thursday I had the honor to deliver the keynote address for the annual faculty convocation at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). The organizers … Continue reading

Posted in Appreciation, Being REMARKABLE, Gratitude, Grit, Living a remarkable life, Making a Difference, Passion, Teaching, teaching and learning, tenacity | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

(#258) The Power of Guy Fieri: Five Life Lessons


In our do-everything-a-little-bit-faster-each-day world, how often do we take time to be curious, to learn, to listen, to laugh and be positive? I don’t watch a lot of television.  When I do, though, one program my wife and I enjoy … Continue reading

Posted in Appreciation, awareness, Find Your Happy Place, Gratitude, Integrity, Mindfulness, Motivation, Passion, Purpose | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

(#257) Sunsets and Sunrises


“You are where I was. And I am where you will be.” This week represents a major life demarcation for me.  After 33 years of classroom teaching, I will be retiring from my college. I am not retiring, however, from my … Continue reading

Posted in Appreciation, assumptions, awareness, Balance, Being REMARKABLE, change, collegiality, effective teaching, Goals, Gratitude, happiness, Integrity, Life's purpose, Mindfulness, Reflection, resilience, retrospective, Success, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

(#236) Hometown Appreciation: A Different Perspective


Sometimes we can be overwhelmed by daily events. Still, there are people, businesses, locations, and memories in our hometown that add immeasurably to our lives. Take a look at your list of people, things, and conditions for which you are … Continue reading

Posted in Appreciation, Gratitude, Life lessons | Tagged , | 4 Comments

(#222) Thirty-Three Years of Dreams


I never lose sight of the fact that I have an obligation to each and every person in the seats in that room. This coming Monday, I will have the opportunity to begin my 33rd year in the classroom.  I … Continue reading

Posted in Appreciation, Dreams, effective teaching, Goals, Impact, Integrity, Passion, Purpose | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments