Posted on April 23, 2018
By Beth Pelkofsky
This week, I found myself spending a day with strangers when a scheduled flight was cancelled because our pilot became ill with food poisoning. As the news began to spread; the reactions were mixed: Anger, Frustration, Sadness, Excitement, Joy … and on and on. Since I was traveling alone, I started people watching an activity I love to do especially in airports.
One of the first things I noticed was the noise level had increased exponentially, then nearly everyone was on their cell phone and a long line was forming at the departure counter where the airline representative was trying to tell us next steps over the loud speaker. It was one of those and then “life happens” moments. Each of us had expectations, plans and others depending on us at the other end. Now what?
A quote popped into my head, by Randy Pausch author of The Last Lecture, “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, only how we play the hand.” It seemed fitting for my current situation. Fast forward an hour or so. And, I and several fellow passengers were at a nearby hotel* in bathing suits sitting poolside with cold beverages watching the sunset. At the same time, others were demanding a full-refund for their inconvenience. While we all thought we would be flying then many of us made a choice to enjoy the unexpected delay. How do you react in those “life happens” moments?
Until next time take good care and be safe out there.
beth
* The airline paid for our hotel and food vouchers.
Posted in: Life |
Tagged: anger, Beth Pelkofsky, excitement, expectations, frustration, joy, life happens, Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture |
Posted on March 5, 2018
By Beth Pelkofsky
In December 1776 eighteenth century philosopher and author, Thomas Paine wrote, “These are the times that try men’s souls … ” from the 1st volume begins, The American Crisis. Paine would go on to write a collection of pamphlets during the American Revolutionary War. Common Sense probably being his most famous Paine, like many other politicians and scholars, knew the colonists weren’t going to support the war without proper reason to do so. The purpose of the pamphlets was to stir and inspire the colonists. And, written in a language the common person could understand.
Fast forward to February 2018, Paine’s words have come and gone in my mind and come again and gone, more than a few times – the day of the Parkland Florida school shooting, subsequent days after as more personal stories were shared and most recently – when my daughter Sarah called to tell me about her day. Her middle school went to code yellow (bomb threat) that morning. She told me of the emotional conversations she had with her colleagues, parents and mostly with her 6th grade students during the day. I listened … she talked. At the end she said, “I don’t know Mom, why we all can’t be better? We need to be better.” It is a good question. Why, can’t we be better?
Later that night, I sent her this message – “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”* – I hope you will try again tomorrow. And, I will too. Love ya, Mom.
I am no Thomas Paine. I’d love to hear what you are telling your children to stir and inspire them in these times.
Until next time take good care and be safe out there.
beth
*from author and artist Mary Anne Radmacher
Posted in: Hitting Your Stride, Life |
Tagged: Beth Pelkofsky, common sense, courage, inspire, Mary Anne Radmacher, soul, Thomas Paine |
Posted on October 19, 2017
By Beth Pelkofsky
I’m a colleague of Nan’s. I sometimes post on Current Musings about work, life and the blending of the two. Last week I found myself driving the winding back roads on the border of Maryland and Pennsylvania. It was that unique time of day when the moon is descending and the sun is rising. It felt eerie and tranquil at the same time. As I pulled into a local diner for breakfast, I saw a few groups of men having coffee through the window. I opened the door and was greeted with “Good Morning what’ll you have, coffee is hot.” In the next hour, I was reminded again and again of the benefits of living in the present. I guess you could say I had one of those ‘ahah’ moments.
So, here are a few of my favorite reminders of how to live in the moment:
- Think of time for what it is – a human concept. The watch on your wrist and the clock on the wall mean nothing to Mother Nature. To her, life is one evolving moment – a perpetual cycle of interdependent impermanence.
- Pay attention to the small things – notice the world around you. Be thankful for the small things like eating ice cream, listening to music, or realizing you have more time to sleep.
- Smile – look in the mirror and smile; it can influence how you feel. It will make you happier and help you appreciate the moment.
- Perform random acts of kindness – selfless acts that help others. One of the easiest lessons for how to live in the moment is to do something for someone else without expecting anything in return.
- Give thanks – Be thankful. Every now and then take stock of just how good you have it. Express your gratitude in the moment when you feel it.
- Don’t worry – much harder to do than it sounds. Worrying today won’t change what happens tomorrow. Every second you spend in worry about the future is a second of the present wasted.
With the constant 24/7 noise bombarding us, sometimes we become weary and distracted without knowing it. Reminders are a great way to get unstuck and moving in the right direction. Whatever that is for you. I know I needed one that morning!
Until next time take good care and be safe out there.
beth
Posted in: Tips |
Tagged: Beth Pelkofsky, don't worry, give thanks, living in the moment, pay attention to the small things, perform random acts of kindness, smile, time |
Posted on December 19, 2016
By Beth Pelkofsky
As a colleague of Nan’s; I often post on Current Musings about work, life and the blending of the two. As 2016 comes to an end and a new year is around the corner; it seems like a perfect time for a bit of inspiration. So in this month’s post, my hope is you’ll find that inspiration.
In the words of Gandhi, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world … as in being able to remake ourselves.”
And, “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”
Lastly, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
We’d love to hear what inspires you. A quote? An idea? A story? Let us know.
Posted in: Quotes |
Tagged: Beth Pelkofsky, change, forgivenesss, Gandhi, greatness, humanity, inspiration |
Posted on October 17, 2016
By Beth Pelkofsky
I’m a colleague of Nan’s. And, I often post on Current Musings about work, life and the intersection of the two. With so much noise coming towards us every minute of the day and night – from tweets, posts, texts, to phone messages, TV, news media; you get the idea, it’s challenging to have quiet moments to ourselves.
This week, I finally captured two hours to unplug from everyone, everything and just ‘be’. Like you, there are many things grabbing my attention and gnawing at me. So it’s difficult to slow my mind, jumping from one thought to another but I persisted. Fast-forward: I believe it was time well-spent; I have a healthier perspective, improved focus and increased energy. If you happen to have similar feelings, schedule a couple of hours for YOU!
One of my gnawing thoughts had to do with apologies. Too many (continue reading →)
Posted in: Life |
Tagged: acknowledgment, apology, Beth Pelkofsky, ego, empathy, forgiveness, meaningful apology, recognition, regret, relationship, understanding, value |
Posted on September 7, 2016
By Beth Pelkofsky
As a colleague of Nan’s I regularly post here. I look forward to sharing real-world insights, tips and practices about work or thoughtful reflections on life; like this one.
It’s been 15 years this month since the New York skyline was permanently altered and the lives of thousands were sadly forever changed. 
Like many of you, it’s the day I could no longer say to my son and daughter they were safe with certainty. The first time we traveled across the Verrazano Bridge from New Jersey to New York to visit family; (continue reading →)
Posted in: Life |
Tagged: 9/11 Memorial, Beth Pelkofsky, hearts, hero, honor, Kindness, minds, moment of silence |
Posted on August 24, 2016
By Beth Pelkofsky
As a colleague of Nan’s I regularly post to Current Musings. I look forward to sharing real-world insights, tips and practices about work, life and the constant blending of the two. This one has particular significance for me.
My mom would be 97 years old this month if she were still living. I’ve been hearing her in my head a lot lately. Most parents have their favorite phrases, specific expressions and caring ways of guiding their children. I had a bit of an attitude as a youngster. A sarcastic quip earned me a seat on the kitchen chair. Or, I knew I was in trouble when I heard my full name, Elizabeth Regina Bryan, being called. And, this frequent instruction, “It’s not what you’re saying, it is how you are saying it, that bothers me.” Although I didn’t understand that statement then I do now. Often the success of what you’re doing and what you’re saying hinges on the how. You may be thinking, huh?
How You Do What You Do Matters
Think about colleagues and bosses in your career, some use bullying tactics, intimidation and obnoxious styles to manage their workload and teams. They are smart, (continue reading →)
Posted in: Tips, Today's Workplace |
Tagged: Beth Pelkofsky, boss, Brian Tracy, collaboration, colleague, encouragement, genuine, innovative, inspire |
Posted on July 18, 2016
By Beth Pelkofsky
I’m a colleague of Nan’s. And, I often post on Current Musings about work, life and the intersection of the two. Like many people the past few weeks seem full of unanswerable questions, confusion and sadness. In my search for some perspective, I typed – kindness – into google. Here are several of my findings:
According to Merriam Webster, kindness is defined as having or showing a gentle nature and a desire to help others.
A refrain in a popular song, Hands by Jewel – “In the end only kindness matters, In the end only kindness matters.”
And, several insights from experts and thought leaders:
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” – Plato
“No matter how hard the past, (continue reading →)
Posted in: Life |
Tagged: battle, Beth Pelkofsky, Doing, great things, hope, human heart, ideal, Kindness, love, walls |
Posted on June 17, 2016
By Beth Pelkofsky
I’m a colleague of Nan’s. I regularly post to this blog, about work, life and sometimes the blending of the two.
At this time of year there is an abundance of wedding and graduation celebrations. It is common to hear messages of inspiration and pieces of wisdom during these life events. Perhaps, you’ve even seen Harvard Dean James Ryan’s commencement speech delivered a couple of weeks ago. It’s been circulating on social media. It is a bit different than many commencement addresses, it includes five questions to ask yourself as you move through life + a bonus question. Here are the questions:
5 Essential Questions in Life*
- Wait, what?
- I wonder, why/if
- Couldn’t we at least?
- How can I help?
- What really matters? (to me)
Bonus Question – Did you get what you wanted out of life, even so?
It is question (continue reading →)
Posted in: Life |
Tagged: 5 Essentials Questions in Life, Beth Pelkofsky, commencement, Harvard Dean James Ryan, humble, inspire, kind, wisdom |
This week, I found myself spending a day with strangers when a scheduled flight was cancelled because our pilot became ill with food poisoning. As the news began to spread; the reactions were mixed: Anger, Frustration, Sadness, Excitement, Joy … and on and on. Since I was traveling alone, I started people watching an activity I love to do especially in airports.
