I watched the taping of Oprah Winfrey’s final show after writing my most recent newsletter. This article focused on my belief that humans strive for significance, for a sense of worth that can be accomplished in both positive and negative ways. I wonder if from Oprah’s words of closure to her 25 year talk show, we heard what it is we needed and appreciated to hear. What was particularly meaningful for me was Oprah’s comments describing a common theme with the thousands of people she interviewed. The human need to feel worthy – worthiness as the quality that everyone yearns for – these words touched me deeply. She emphasized the desire for people to be heard, even those who were using their voices in obstructive ways. What are the constructive ways for people to “find voice” and thus validate their worthiness? How, as well, do people gain a sense of … Continue reading →

My purpose, my mission, is to inspire courage, compassion, and sense of significance, of worth, for the freedom to belong, to connect, as authentic and creative. How do you strive for significance, for that sense of feeling good enough, worthy, valuable? Might I suggest, more creatively than you probably realize. For example, you set a specific goal, reach that goal, and then determine that this accomplishment still falls short of what defines you as successful. You might even call yourself a failure. Certainly not a useful way to enhance your feelings of worth, would you agree? Feelings of inferiority are evident with the physical difference between the small child and the larger adults in the child’s life. Adults are then known to use words or actions that have the child believe that she or he is not seen, heard, or felt as a respected human being. These thoughts and feelings … Continue reading →

Having just been away for about a month, traveling to Australia, I am slowly adapting back. My visit started with family about an hour drive north of Brisbane, then on to the capital, Canberra, and finally to the beautiful city of Sydney. Although the vegetation and climate varied at each location, some common themes were evident to me. So often I heard the term “no drama, no drama”. Hearing that, I realized that in my rapid pace of moving in the world, with a tendency at times to become easily anxious, I create dramatic scenes that can have a negative effect on both me and those who are in contact with my energy. When I stated to a family member who has lived in Australia for 30 years that I was going to do something, take an action, what I heard was “knock yourself out”, as if to say “you … Continue reading →