Pure Sunshine~

Do you know anyone who is pure sunshine?  You know, a person who enters a room and has the power to change the atmosphere for good; you just feel better when they are around? I have a person like that in my life.  I always tease her that I want to be more like her “when I grow up!”

Throughout the many seasons of my life she has impressed me with her joy, faith, kindness, and willingness to forgive.  She is incredibly approachable; making friends with strangers and showing kindness to so many in need. Even as she raised a very large family this incredible woman managed to be mindful of extended family, friends and neighbors.

This past year she experienced Covid and the passing of her husband whom she loved so dearly.  She could have chosen sadness, question the “why”, and even withdraw or become bitter.

She has chosen the complete opposite response.

Three weeks ago I had the joy to spend time with my Aunt Barbara while attending a family gathering.  As we sat together she began to express the thoughts in her heart.  Here are a few profound statements she made that day that have kept me thinking ever since….” Every day gives you a chance to be thankful; even though there are things that concern us we can look for something to be grateful for”, I live every day looking forward to the opportunities to have a good day; I don’t want to waste a day”, “I trust that God is in control and that keeps my heart peaceful even though there are true sadnesses in the world.”

My aunt Barbara is 89 years young; with a laugh that makes everyone around her smile. 

We are surrounded by concerns and it would be easy to fall into sadness, fear, and despair and yet how does that serve us or those we love?  How about we all take the challenge to be more like my Aunt Barbara?  We won’t always hit the mark but let’s be “sunshine” to those around us.

#barbarapilling

But God…..

I sit taking in the silence around my home; and yet I ache for the bombastic noise around precious people I do not know.  I think about my grandchildren and how much I adore them, how much I would commit for their safety….I then I think about those who feel as I do in other unsafe parts of the world and I ache; I ache.

I always knew peace: I never knew if my father experienced financial challenges…he never said anything about it–I felt safe.   I never knew divorce, death by cancer or sickness with my parents–I felt safe.  I never saw my parents struggle with addictions– I felt safe.  And now I realize I was richly spoiled.

Now I see the world as dangerous and precarious; I have children and grandchildren who own my heart. And I cannot fix the perilous nature of our world.

But God……

Today face-down on the floor I re-gave all those I love to Him in the knowledge of a world gone mad.  He knew they would be children in this season and He will see them through…. I will hide my anxious thoughts, place them firmly on His lap and trust Him to care for all of them when and where I cannot.

I pray Lord give me faith where I am weak; give me hope when I am beaten down; love those I love and keep them close to your heart. In this…I can rest.

There was so much they didn’t know!

What They Didn’t Know~My precious mother miscarried a couple times before I was conceived. At the time there was an experimental ( not tested over time) drug called Diethylstilbestrol (DES) that women were given to help them carry their babies to full term, my mother took that medicine and I am grateful for my life.

Imagine our surprise when, at 12 years of age, we were notified along with thousands of other young girls that there was now an enormous rash of uterine and cervix cancer cases in those “DES Daughters”. “Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was marketed to prevent miscarriage, premature labor and other pregnancy-related complications from 1940 to 1971.

However, this synthetic form of estrogen caused significant birth defects, notably leaving children born to the mother who had taken DES with structural abnormalities in the genital tract and at an increased risk of related cancers.Close to 10 million mothers and daughters were exposed.”I immediately began having twice a year female check ups and lived under the fear of cancer leading me to my getting a full hysterectomy after I was fortunate enough to give birth to my two sons. Many women have not been as fortunate as I am and have suffered terribly with the effects of this untested drug; many, many have died. Look it up yourself.

This is what they didn’t know……..the immediate result seemed miraculous but years later the real challenge of this untested drug showed up in spades.

THIS is what people are concerned about even now when considering how to best care for their own bodies, for their own children, in this challenging time. It’s not a time for anger, hurtful words or accusations towards those who might be making a different choice than you.

To be truthful, down the road we just don’t know what we don’t know. I followed the medical mandates, but others may or may not; it is everyone’s choice and I support whatever anyone feels is right for them!

I’ve lived it. Let’s be kind. Let people walk out their own journey, their own choices.

How are You…….Really?

How are you?  How are you really? 

Though these questions may seem simple enough they are actually a bit more complicated in the season we are experiencing in our Nation.  However, I believe that it is really important to take the time to ask those questions of our friends, family and colleagues.  

Here’s my thinking:  A great deal has changed over the past 18 months, so many of us have experienced enormous relational, physical, and financial changes and challenges; many have not yet found their equilibrium even now.

The infighting over politics, vaccines, masks, and simple social connections has created great sadness in many families and friendship groups – both sides claiming to be the most “right”, the most “socially sensitive”, and the most “informed”.  The cost of these differences has been trust, respect, and even the ability to agree to disagree.  To be honest, I’ve had many conversations with family, friends, and clients; so many are grieving the loss of joy and simple laughter which was once a large part of all of their social and family gatherings.

This is why I think, especially with the beginning of the holiday season, that we care enough to check in with each other and care about how we/they are doing “really”.  How is their hope, mental health, and connectedness with others? What is needed for greater support?  

Isolation is a dangerous thing, especially during the holidays.  Reaching out to care for others and checking in is probably still very needed even now. A text, coffee, a walk, a call, or even a card are all soft touches of care; we are all capable of taking the time.

I challenge us all to be mindful of those we love and care for; let’s be ever so thoughtful to look outside of our own schedules and busyness. There are people around our lives who could really use our encouragement; you could probably use some encouragement too.  It’s amazing that when we give love and care it tends to comes back to us as well.

Courageous Conversations~

” The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” George Bernard Shaw

I have heard this quote numerous times, I find it incredibly profound every time.  It is never easy to have a difficult conversation.   No one ever wakes up in the morning eager to jump into a discussion that could have an uncertain outcome. No one naturally wants to feel uncomfortable or to create possible conflict. If they do, frankly, then may have other personal issues that need to be dealt with. No~ no one really enjoys a “Crucial Conversation”.

In the Book “Crucial Conversations” the term in the title of the book would be defined as a discussion between two or more people where the stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong.

In order to navigate relationships in your family, workplace, community, or place of worship there will be times when the need to have a direct conversation will be clearly evident, left unaddressed gaps in relationships, teamwork, or productivity will be the result.

Have you ever gotten a phone call or email that you simply ignored because in order to move forward there would need to be a conversation? Have you ever walked “around” a teammates office so that you could avoid a tough conversation? Have you ever abandoned a friendship because having a hard conversation seemed too challenging?

I have to say YES to all of these situations. In trying to asses “WHY” I would have avoided challenging conversations I would have to discern that it was because I assumed I wouldn’t fare well; that I would cause more trouble.  But often these types of conversations can bring fresh understanding, resolve conflict, and relational rebuilding.

 In considering a crucial conversation we have 3 possibilities:

1.  We can simply avoid them.

2.  We can face them and handle them poorly.

3. We can face them and handle them well.

I feel that most of us would choose either #1 or #3.  Assuming  you have picked #3, I would l like to offer a few suggestions that I have learned in my years of being a Leadership Coach. (I am not an authority by any means; I continue to be a learner!)

Prepare yourself for  the conversation.  What is the end result you desire?  What is the temperament of the individual you need to address? Are you angry? Have you already indited this person?  Can you see your part in the challenge? What words will you use to clearly communicate? Are you prepared to listen?

Set a quality time/place for the conversation. Timing is key when addressing a challenging topic.  I always tell young brides that it is NEVER wise to address challenging topic with their spouse after 8:30-9:00!! Two tired people addressing conflict will rarely provide a positive result!  Does this conversation need to be in private? Do you need a 3rd party present for accountability?

Follow up within 24 hours. It is important be sure that your crucial conversation truly created the clarity needed between every individual involved. Do an understanding check as well as a relational check. Your conversation may not result in complete agreement but see if it has cleared away the intensity of emotion or misunderstanding.

Difficult conversations are necessary as we grow in every area of our lives and the results of having them successfully will empower us to be brave enough, kind enough, and wise enough to address them well.

Are there conversations you’ve been avoiding? Situations that need to be addressed? Relationships that need reconciling? Gaps on your team at work?  Instead of focusing on how negative a crucial conversation could be, consider how much fruitfulness is to be gained. 🙂

Find a Quiet Place~

A few weeks ago Greg and I took advantage of the many beautiful places within the area that we live. We got up extra early on a Saturday morning to beat the crowd.   As we drove into the “launching area” we were thrilled to only see 3 cars. 

I looked out at the serene view in front of me as the mist lightly lifted off the water; such a peaceful and beautiful sight…..I could feel my heart rush with an emotion I often long for……peace.   After pulling my famous yellow kayak out of the truck, I pushed into the water and began to paddle.   

I saw two mama ducks with 9 babies each and I slowly snuck towards them as to enjoy them and not to cause them fear.  Once I paddled close by I just sat still……very still.   I felt such needed peace. I observed the way the mama loved and protected her littles and God whispered “this is how I love you.” 

As Greg and I meandered further out to a big open area behind beautiful Mt Bachelor we just sat in silence, taking in the beauty surrounding us.  We are both talkers but in this place silence was needed; and we heeded the call.  We felt God whisper; “ I bring you this peace.” 

I was again reminded of the need within us all to “turn off the noise”.  I know I am fortunate to live where others vacation yet I believe for all of us we need to get away, to be quiet, to breathe, to hear God. 

The past two years have been interesting—lots of noise, conflict, and confusing rhetoric.   So many voices. So many opinions.  I beg you…….find your place to breathe…to rest…..to hear God speak peace to you…to recalibrate.  God has not lost sight of you in all the noise and He wants to bring you peace. 

Sitting here this morning, I am thinking of the many people I love and the challenges many have faced.  Certainly, I don’t have all the answers for your challenges and yet, I know, that in nature, in a quite space He will speak.  He always does.  Find your place and breathe……….. 

Abundantly Grateful~

Today when I awoke from my soft, comfy bed I made my way to the kitchen for a cup of good, warm coffee.  I sat down in a quiet space and picked up my Bible, which I am free to leave sitting on my coffee table~ I read and prayed freely.

Later in the day I drove on safe roads while I made my way to a grocery store with an incredible assortment of groceries; never once did I have to fight anyone for the “last” of any item.  So many choices, so many options!

Today I didn’t wake up in a worn-torn area where bedding and warmth are impossible to find.  I did not have to drink dirty water out of an old plastic container because there is nothing else available.

Today I didn’t have to rummage for a few pages I had found from an old bible; hiding away in a dark corner just to read their words of life; praying not to get caught.

Today I did not have to walk to the old dump to rummage for bits and pieces of edible food along with many others without viable ways to feed their families.

This is why I am thankful to be an American,  even with our problems and strife.

We are not a perfect nation and we are continually challenged with ongoing issues; yet we are still enjoying so many freedoms that others around the world would never dare to dream for!

This 4th of July~ I am abundantly grateful for those who fought tirelessly for my freedom.

Aw Spring~ I love you!

Today was epic.  Today was 68 degrees after a long winter season, But it was more than that …it has been an inside season, a mask season, a non-gathering season.  Today…the warm sun, the blooming flowers lifted my spirits to a fresh place…..a place of hope!

My tulips and daffodils have cheered me up more than ever before.  I even broke the cardinal flower rule in Bend and potted strawberries and blackberries with the belief that we are actually more in Summer than Spring!  Everyone says “wait until June”.  I could not.

I have noticed my need for hope more than ever before in my life; to see the future with vision, dreams, and creativity.  To be honest, even as a seasoned Life Coach I have been challenged by my own sense of loss and hopelessness.  

I have been hearing the whispers of the Spirit calling me to dream again; you too?  I have been hearing a call to hope, joy, and trust in a fresh way! You too??

I think God in His goodness is up to something fresh, something good, something new and I want to partner with Him.  You  too??

How about we enter this Spring season with renewed joy, strength, vision and resilience!  Just like that crazy bulb that pushes through the volcanic rock to show it’s glorious face even so we should fight to shine Joy and Hope in a fresh and new way. You too?

Galatians 5:22-23 – Joy Is A Fruit Of The Spirit. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Lessons from Yosemite.

We can achieve our goals one step at a time!

Dianna Salciccioli

We had the  joy of going to Yosemite years ago and used that time to do some quality hiking! Some hikes were easier than others and some had views you just didn’t want to miss!

One trail promised a view to die for so we got to the trail early in the morning.  When we starting out, we walked on a paved surface, on that path we passed people of all ages and languages. We enjoyed views of the valley below as we meandered along at a leisurely pace. Eventually the pavement ended and the surface became a little more rocky, and a little steeper. By the time we had reached this point we were growing in our excitement to see the falls; we were committed to going all the way!!

Within a quarter mile the hike changed dramatically as the path led us up a path that caused us…

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Ugly Oranges~

I still learn more every single day!!

Dianna Salciccioli

My local grocery story was bought out and within 3 days had been unveiled as a new, more “northwest” store. I actually approve of the changes but when I re-entered the store for the first time after the grand unveiling my eyes were drawn to the front display case with piles of shrivelled up oranges. These oranges were really ugly; I remember thinking ” what are those things, they do not look appetizing!!”

As I made my way to the store register I overheard a conversation between the Checker and the woman in front of me. ” Checker~ “Wow, you are getting a big bag of Oranges today but have you tried those ugly oranges in the front of the store?” “No” said the shopper “those oranges look really awful!” The Checker replied ” OH!! I will never eat another normal orange again!! Those ugly oranges are the best things…

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