Happy Parents' Day!

Yes you read right? Who knew that there was such a thing?

I was just about to write a piece about parenting based on a sermon* and wondered if there was a "Parents Day". And surprise!! surprise!!! - there's one. Funny and interesting if you ask me. Parents' commitment towards their children cannot be overemphasized or over-celebrated. And as you might have guessed, finding this out inspired me more to write up and publish this piece sooner than later.

Communication tips

Let me start by wishing you a "Happy World Communications Day"
(Guess what: I just found by chance - reiterating the importance of following the Holy Spirit's leading)

A lot has been said about communication and I can't help but wonder if anyone is listening. Personally, I believe we'll be effective communicators if we take Dianna Booher's advice on communication:

"When you listen first then speak your heart with clarity and courtesy, you can lead others to change attitudes, behaviours and situations."

Over time I've written about communication - starting with the Secrets of Success* series.

Indeed it's an open secret that good & effective communication is a key to success.**

Communication is basically the exchange of information...and to be effective you must: 

• Spend time to consider what is being said and what is not being send i.e. listen
• Speak from your core (heart) - be careful that what you feel is real
• Speak with clarity - ensure that you know and mean what you say
• Speak with courtesy - your words should be laced with kindness and "salt"

Better communication is not the same as more communication. We must focus on improving the quality, not necessarily the quantity, of our communication - here are a few tips:

Communication works for those who work at it. ~ John Powell

The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said. ~ Peter Drucker

The two words 'information' and 'communication' are often used interchangeably, 

but they signify quite different things. 

Information is giving out; communication is getting through. ~ Sydney J. Harris

I also enjoyed reading this Message from Pope Francis as part of the celebration of this year's World Communications Day. It has so many nuggets of how we all can and should utilize and maximize this period of lock down - as we communicate through stories. Keep communicating.

References:

*http://sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.ca/2009/10/esther-effect.html

http://sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.ca/2010/03/secret-4-communication.html

http://sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.ca/2010/03/secret-4-communication-speech.html

http://sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.ca/2010/03/secret-4-communication-script.html

http://sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.ca/2010/03/secret-4-communication-signals.html

http://sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.ca/2010/03/secret-4-communication-silence.html

http://sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.ca/2010/03/seven-sayings-on-speech-and-silence.html

http://sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.ca/2010/04/secret-5-character-ace_23.html

http://sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.ca/2010/05/secret-4-communication-addendum.html

**http://www.reliableplant.com/Read/12675/communication-most-important-key-to-leadership-success

Step out - and up

I had the privilege of praying with a couple of my high school mates where one of us, Dr B, shared something that I felt that I needed to share further.

Working from home...

It's been 10 days since the WHO declared COVID19 a global pandemic. 

Some organizations have had to shut down 

while others have their staff now working from home.

Working from home is not the preferred way of working 

- especially when your children are home from school.

So it helps when everyone is helping 😊...

"I could have gotten that for you."

That was the statement I heard from a young lady after an older man had bent down to pick up something that dropped from his hand a few years ago. When I saw that I wondered whether it wasn't better for the lady to have said nothing rather than say she could have helped. 

Spring forward

Yesterday was the first day of Spring and I know that it may not quite feel that way in these days of #SelfIsolation and #SocialDistancing.

However, there are many things you can do to spring forward.

What are some of those hobbies you put off until when you have time? Well guess what? You have the #GiftOfTime now - unwrap it and make something beautiful out of it.

What about those people you have been planning to catch up with? You can have video calls, virtual coffees and even virtual family time (not if you're all in the same home of course).

Talking about family time, how are you spending your time with your family? Board games are one way to ward off boredom and bond as a family. (@adaleke #101 Quips and Quotes)

You can and should be deliberate and spring forward...do not let the environment replace enjoyment of life.

Celebrate yourself!

Today – March 8^th - is International Women’s Day.

On May 12^th 2019, when my family members and I were wishing each other “Happy Mother’s Day” (the second time that year) on our WhatsApp platform, someone asked,

“Haven’t we already said: “’Happy Mother’s Day!’?” Some of us proceeded to explain the difference between Mothering Sunday and Mothers Day.

The bottom line was: Women are celebrated several times a year – besides on their birthdays and at Christmas.

International Women’s Day sets the global “celebration of women” ball rolling. This year, I couldn’t help but wonder how many of us wait to be celebrated rather than take the time to celebrate ourselves. 

I believe that “The way you treat yourself, teaches others how to treat you. Treat yourself with love and respect.”[1]

So do something for yourself... celebrate yourself - you are worth it. 

Happy Women's Day!!!

---

[1] 101 Quips and Quotes that will charge and change your life by Ada Adeleke-Kelani; autographed copies can be ordered at: https://discoveryourbrilliance.blogspot.com/