Let’s imagine a world where the only possible first impressions are showing love.  Where one meets someone and the only thing that comes to one’s mind is kindness.  Walking down the street one acknowledges people they see with a warm gesture and are mentally thinking good thoughts about them.  Someone who is visibly different is then welcomed into the circle of friends.  As the conversation starts, it all builds on being happy with people’s accomplishments and learning from each other’s strengths.  These first impressions could also be labeled judgments.  I am guilty of making…

I had never swum 100 yards in less than a minute in my entire high school career.  One might say that was impossible for Laura Damiano.  I was not a freestyle swimmer.  I only swam freestyle when competing in the individual medley, which includes all 4 strokes.   In college, I went to apply for a job as a lifeguard.  One of the requirements was swimming a hundred yards in less than a minute.  I knew I had never swum that fast of a time.  I distinctly remember praying as I dove into the pool, “Please Lord, provide me the speed…

I recently was sent a newspaper article from my mentor.  The article was by Joe Rexrode, Nashville TN, entitled, “Pat Summitt’s remedy for Kara Lawson:  uncomfortable situations”.  The article highlights Kara Lawson and how her college basketball coach and mentor, Pat Summitt, provided her with opportunities to work through her discomfort with public speaking.  Summit recognized Lawson’s potential but knew she needed to become comfortable speaking in public.  Summitt continually exposed Lawson to public speaking opportunities.  Currently, Lawson coaches and is an analyst on television for the NBA.  Lawson credits Summitt for pushing her past her comfort…

More often than I would like to admit, I find myself needing a shift in attitude. A more positive, productive, and kind redirection of my thoughts.   Every morning I am purposeful about starting my day with a grateful heart.  However, I find that it doesn’t take much to get me off track, particularly when I am physically or mentally tired.  I am disappointed with myself when I respond to someone using the same harsh voice tone or actions as they used with me.  Most of the time I am able to recognize the need for a shift in my…