When I was a kid I wished I wasn't gay. Now I am an adult, out and proud, and married to a woman, the love of my life. My path to acceptance was a winding path. I am grateful to LGBTQIA people who celebrate who they are. Your self-love changes people. You have changed me. Shining your light makes my heart burst with joy and love. Thank you! 

(this episode includes profanity and description of violence) 

As we say goodbye to one of the dog members of my extended family, I reflect on my love for her, the dogs in my life and the power of those relationships. Thank you for the unconditional love, connection, play, and empathy. Our pets are our family. Let's honor our grief. 

After a day in the woods and by the ocean, I am reflecting on my appreciation for the power of being connected to nature. Remember we are interconnected, part of team Earth. 

Resources: 

The Four Sacred Gifts: Indigenous Wisdom for Modern Times, by Anita Sanchez

The Social Life of Forests, The New York Times

Repairing the Past: Returning Native Land, Be Antiracist with Ibram X. Kendi Podcast

On Friday when your boss says, "I put some time for us to meet on your calendar on Monday, there's something I want to talk to you about" ... cue the anxiety! Instead of just looking for and bringing up what is wrong or broken, let's also celebrate, honor and validate one another, for being here, for doing the work, for showing up, and for who we are.  You are amazing.

When you feel good why not enjoy it instead of trying to figure it out? Bask in it and follow it. I believe it will help you meet your future yearning to emerge. This is a story of the one test I enjoyed taking, and wow did I love it. Feel the joy for the joy, not for the result, because even with a "bad" result it still may take you somewhere magical. 

How do we approach a life/career without a map? What gifts emerge when we experiment? What is made possible when you follow your gut/intuition? How can you slow down and listen to what is yearning to emerge? 

When we honor and listen to our feelings as a natural part of our human experience, we create space to learn about ourselves, to process our feelings, and to begin to hear what we need. #ifs #richardschwartz #nobadparts

In the midst of the Great Resignation, when 48% of people (Gallup) are looking to leave their jobs, many managers and leaders are talking about "Work-life balance" as one of the problems. What is true for you? What are the factors that influence your work-life balance? Are you sharing responsibility for these factors? What do you yearn for in your work and life? 

Can you show yourself encouragement and compassion while learning something new? Learning something new can be scary and vulnerable. If you can, ask for help. We all can use as much positivity and encouragement as we can get. You've got this. Keep going. 

Thoughts today: Can we slow down for a beat and listen to our hearts and hold the pain? Breathe. Be gentle. The way out is through.