Pausing To Smell The Roses
This morning as I woke and pulled the curtains open in the room that was Douglas Gresham’s during his childhood at The Kilns, I was overtaken by the sheer beauty of the roses outside my window (see featured photo). No, I did not get up late, it just gets light really early here in Oxford England. I took a minute to pause and just enjoy the individual and unique beauty of each rose. This made me think of how people are just like roses in that they have their own unique beauty and characteristics. Just as roses come in different colors, shapes, and sizes, people come in a variety of personalities, backgrounds, and experiences. Since reality doesn’t always allow us to make a full stop for appreciation, I am titling it “Pausing” in this post because that feels more realistic. What I did was more of a pause and is what I do every time I walk through the house and see the roses.
Embracing diversity and recognizing the individuality of each person helps to create a more vibrant and inclusive community. Just like how roses need care and attention to flourish, people also benefit from nurturing relationships and supportive environments to thrive and bloom. Embracing the concept of pausing and smelling the roses can make us better leaders by reminding us to slow down and appreciate the present moment. Just like how taking care of roses requires patience and attention to detail, being a leader involves nurturing and supporting the growth of those around us.
“When is the last time you stopped, and simply enjoyed what you are doing in the moment?”
~ Janelle Bruland
Another important reminder for me was to make sure I stop and enjoy the moment I am in. This is actually one of the leadership attributes I am studying while here at The Kilns – Being Present. When I think of being present as a leadership trait, Florence Nightingale always comes to mind. She would not have been the influence she was on nursing and health care without her first-hand experience and “being there.” We must be present and in the moment to best serve our people. In fact, since I am living in C.S. Lewis’s house I would add that he acknowledged the power of presence in his writing when he, in Mere Christianity told us he would not attempt certain subjects because he had not experienced them.
By being present and adopting a philosophy of pausing and smelling the roses and being present, we can create a positive work culture that values diversity, creativity, and collaboration. It allows us to see the potential in every individual and empower them to reach their full potential. And make no mistake; I believe EVERY person has potential. Let’s inspire and motivate others to bloom and thrive in their own unique way.
Learning, Growing And Reinventing Every Day
As I get my things stowed away and prepare to land in London England I can’t help but begin to get excited about the odyssey that awaits me. I’m about an hour from arrival and now flying over Ireland. It is 5:45am at The Kilns just outside Oxford; my ultimate destination this morning. I will be living where C. S. Lewis lived and wrote incredible books like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Screwtape Letters. As a Visiting Scholar in Residence I will be spending my time studying, writing, and visiting with University of Oxford professors. Make no mistake, I will also be taking in the local flavor as well. Tonight I will walk the path that Jack, as friends called C. S. Lewis, took to The Ampleforth Arms Pub for fish and chips. I am hoping some of the locals I met last fall will be there tonight for rekindling friendships as well as new friends to meet on this pilgrimage. This truly is an odyssey.
This is an odyssey of personal development. For all the areas of self-care that I don’t do a good job of, my personal growth and development is one I have tended very well to. I love learning and even in my seventh decade I want to keep learning and reinventing every day. If you’re not, you owe it to yourself to start – it is never too late. And if you are responsible for the development of others, show your leadership love by making sure you are making personalized growth opportunities available that are unique to each individual’s need. In fact, I was visiting with a client yesterday morning who I have become good friends with and she was sharing that she has been doing a poor job of her own personal development. She was sharing some coursework she is wanting to do. I assured her that she needed to and that I was going to hound her till she did. She shared the information on the program and I really want to take a course or two with her – what fun!
What will your next odyssey be? What odyssey will you help someone else take?
Stories That Wake Us Up
I’m transported by Padraig’s wisdom. With Dunluce Castle rising above us, I start to understand. “Mr. Lewis’s kinds of stories—the fairy tales, the myths, the universes all wrapping themselves around other worlds—are inside ours.” I look to Padraig. “These stories make us remember something we forgot. They make a young boy want to hop out of a bed and see the ruins of a castle. These kinds of stories wake us up.” “Yes!” Padraig takes my face and the rough wool of his mittens scratch. I smile and feel my cheeks lift, cradled in his hands. “The way stories change us can’t be explained,” Padraig says. “It can only be felt. Like love” (p. 242) ~ Once Upon a Wardrobe
Yes! “These kinds of stories wake us up.” Just as Megs described this awakening to Padraig in Once Upon a Wardrobe, I too was woke up by this very story. In the book, George called this being “In the story” (p. 44). As he said, “When I read a story or you tell me one, I can go into them” (p. 44). Once Upon a Wardrobe is a story so well written and told by Patti Callahan Henry that I was transported to Oxford England and The Kilns. In fact, I was so “in the story” that I applied to be a Visiting Scholar in Residence at The Kilns and the University of Oxford. Even though I was a rabid student of the work of C. S. Lewis, without being taken into this story and Patti’s other book, Becoming Mrs. Lewis, I would have not been inspired to want to see and live at The Kilns. In fact, as I write this, I am in the air flying to England for my second Visiting Scholar in residence study trip. Stories really are powerful!
As an avid reader, my point of this post is the power in being transported by stories. Also, we need to remember the power of influence gained in honing our storytelling abilities. Patti Callahan Henry transported me to The Kilns and Oxford to the point that I had to go be a part. Without her stories I would not have had the amazing experience last fall with my first visit, nor the second journey that began today. I’m glad as Padraig called it, I do not have everything “squared away” in my life and because Patti’s inspiration am learning, growing, and having fun with this odyssey.
This all reminded me of how important a skill storytelling is for us as leaders. Storytelling is a skill we need to develop because it allows us to connect with those we serve and our audiences on a deeper level, inspire and motivate others, communicate complex ideas in a clear and engaging way, and create a shared vision. Storytelling also helps to build trust, foster emotional connections, and make information memorable and impactful. Overall, storytelling is a powerful tool for effective leadership and can help leaders influence and inspire others to achieve common goals. In other words, stories transport us.
It’s Time To Get Through This
Today I was asked about my finding inspiration from songs – which I do. Specifically, I was asked if I had had a song that inspired me or that I looked to for inspiration as I was leading the turnaround, as principal, of a failing school back in 2012. I did and I cannot believe I had not blogged about “Alive” by Lo-Pro. Leading turnaround efforts is not for the faint of heart but I consider it some of the most important work I have ever done. I was very fortunate to have great people around me who made it possible for us to take that school off Indiana’s “F” list in just two years.
Now, back to the song. Here are the lyrics to the song (Alive Lyrics as written by Jorge Acosta Francisco Pacheco):
Look around and realize,
Nothing’s left
It’s hard to remember
And easy to forget
Seems like such a perfect time
To second guessBut now is not the time to quit
Now is not the time to quitYou let them know you’re alive
You let them know you’ve just begun
You’ll never know until you try
You’ll never know if you just run
(if you just run)Their lack of faith in you is nothing new
You’ve just about gotten used to it
Just stick around is all that’s left to do‘Cause now is not the time to quit,
Now is not the time to quitYou let them know you’re alive
You let them know you’ve just begun
You’ll never know until you try
You’ll never know if you just runIt’s now or never
(or never)
It’s time to come back
(to come back)
‘Cause now is forever
It’s time
Time to get through thisYou let them know you’re alive
You let them know you’ve just begunYou’re alive
You let them know
You let them know you’re alive
You let them know
You let them know you’re aliveYou let them know you’re alive
You let them know you’ve just begun
You’ll never know until you try
You’ll never know if you just run
For me, “Alive” by Lo-Pro was an anthem about overcoming struggles and challenges to find strength and resilience in difficult times. It conveys a message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. I used to listen to that song driving to and from school every day. At that time for me it was certainly not the time to quit. I would not know if I did not try. So, try I did with all my might. Go back and check out the words. This song still gives me goose bumps.
No One Is Ordinary
Today I was reminded of the importance in recognizing and valuing the unique strengths and contributions of each individual we serve. I had the honor of working with teachers today for the Charlotte County Public Schools’ Summer Professional Development Summit Conference at Lemon Bay High School in Englewood, Florida. I have had the honor of partnering with Charlotte County Public Schools for several years and absolutely love their teachers. They are always so engaged and very willing to share their expertise. I was reminded of C. S. Lewis’ teaching that, “there are no ordinary people…” The teachers I worked with today are not ordinary, they are extraordinary.
While working through sessions entitled “Self Care for Educators & Creating Healthy Boundaries” and “Let’s Reach Every Student!” it was very evident these teachers want to be the very best for the students they serve. By acknowledging that no one is ordinary, leaders can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment where every team member feels appreciated and empowered to make a difference. Ultimately this leads to greater collaboration, innovation, and success for the organization.
“there are no ordinary people…” ~ C. S. Lewis
Lewis wanted us to remember that every individual has value and significance, regardless of their circumstances or perceived importance. He believed that each person has the potential to make a difference in the world and should be treated with respect and dignity. It’s a reminder to not underestimate the impact that each individual can have on the world around them.
Notice Anything?
In the season finale of Elsbeth last night, Mateo Hart (André De Shields) told Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston), “If someone notices something about you, pay attention, and use it.” He was referring to talents he wanted her to develop that he had noticed about her. This was a great point and highlights a valuable opportunity for self-reflection and growth, as others may notice things about us that we may not see ourselves. I love it when people tell me the things they notice. Whether positive or negative I can then use the noticed “something.” Also, no matter whether a positive or negative observation, it’s important to take note of it and consider how it may impact you.
By “using it”, we take the observation or feedback and use it to make positive changes in our life or behavior. It could be acknowledging a strength we didn’t realize we had, or working on improving a weakness that was pointed out to us. It’s all about self-improvement and personal growth.
Watercolor Leadership
Painting with watercolors can help us reflect on our personal and development. By creating art, we can express our emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a visual form, no matter our talent or level of skill, allowing us to explore and understand ourselves on a deeper level. Today, I used watercolor painting for a professional development retreat with Wabash River Career and Technical Education (WRCTE) teachers. We were at the beautiful Turkey Run State Park in Marshall, Indiana. I told them to find a spot anywhere in the park and paint a picture that represents the great aspects of their year getting students ready for their next steps.
The process of watercolor painting can be meditative and calming, providing a space for self-reflection and introspection. So, by engaging in this creative activity, the teachers gained insights into their own journey of growth and development. When we were sharing out, one of the participants shared he had painted the Turkey Run Inn because it was a challenge that made him reflect on his own journey growing as a teacher this past year. Every teacher’s description of their painting was very inspiring.
Painting with watercolors can be compared to leadership in the sense that both require creativity, vision, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Just as we must carefully choose our colors, brushes, and techniques to create a beautiful masterpiece, a leader must make strategic decisions, inspire others, and navigate challenges to achieve success. Both activities also require patience, practice, and the willingness to learn from mistakes. Overall, painting with watercolors and leadership both involve bringing a unique vision to life through skillful execution and thoughtful guidance.
Soul Seasoning Leadership
A couple of weeks ago we did a leadership development activity where participants bought a small amount of spice that best represented their leadership journey. Later, we used the spices to make sauces for chicken tenders, but that’s a story for another day. As a group of participants was searching through all the spices I asked them to pick one they thought best described me. I was pretty excited about the one they picked because it probably would not have been one I would have picked, but I loved their explanation. They picked, Soul Seasoning. These participants said it was their choice because when gather for their Teacher Leader Academy sessions I always season their souls.
Wow, “seasoned their souls.” I hadn’t really ever thought about that before. It had never entered my mind that I was seasoning their souls. More importantly, what did that mean exactly, to season their souls? So I asked. They explained that I inspired, uplifted, and nurtured their inner being. Plus they said I am helping them discover their true potential, guiding them towards personal growth and self-discovery and enriching their life with positivity and fulfillment. I particularly liked that positivity piece! Essentially, it is about enriching spirit and helping them become the best of themselves.
Soul Seasoning could be a metaphor for our adding depth, flavor, and richness to leadership. Just as seasoning enhances the taste of food, Soul Seasoning in leadership could represent adding authenticity, empathy, and purpose to one’s leadership style. It could symbolize bringing out the best in oneself and others, creating a more meaningful and fulfilling leadership experience. What’s your spice?
Don’t Just Live, Be Alive!
We, as leaders need to understand the message that it’s not just about existing, but about truly living and making a meaningful impact during our time on this earth and in leadership. In the song, I Was Alive, the great band, Beartooth, tells us, “’Cause I’ll know I didn’t just live; When I die, I’ll know I didn’t just live; I was alive, I’ll know I didn’t just live; I was alive.” These lyrics from Beartooth should serve as a reminder for us to truly live in the present moment and make the most out of every experience. We don’t want to have regrets of the things not tried. Being alive means being connected to our surroundings, emotions, and experiences, while just living may indicate a more passive or detached approach to life. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be passive with my life.
The importance of being fully engaged and active in our roles should be emphasized, rather than simply going through the. Leaders can take the message from this song that it’s not just about existing, but fully embracing and engaging in the present moment, actively participating in life experiences and making the most out of every opportunity. We also need to consider how we can help others to do the same. Our goal should be for everyone, in the end, be able to say, “I was alive.”
Motivated By Our Scars
You all know I love great rock bands that produce art where the emotion of the writer is brought out and then the narrative gives the listener a way to connect the song to themselves. The band Starset is one such band. Plus, if you like innovation with the use electronics, stories, and orchestral parts, you will love this band. In the song Trials by the rock band Starset, the lyrics “These trials make us who we are, who we are, we are; We’re motivated by the scars that we’re made of” suggest that facing challenges and difficult experiences shape and define who we are as individuals. In 2019, in a Billboard interview by Tina Benitez-Eves, Vocalist Dustin Bates said, “The first goal of every song I write is to either convey an emotion I’m having or elicit an emotion in someone else on a human level,” explained Bates. “Then the second layer is the narrative.” We all have literal and figurative scars and I really like this thought of being motivated by them.
We do not want to let the trials, tribulations, and scars define us. Instead we need let them motivate us to change, adjust course, or make us better. The scars and wounds we carry from trials can serve as motivation to keep moving forward and growing stronger. It reflects the idea that overcoming adversity can ultimately lead to personal growth and resilience.
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