Posted on September 24, 2019
By Nan Russell
“That’s my dream,” I overheard her telling a friend in the dressing room next to mine. “But it will never happen,” she added quietly, “I might as well forget it.” But she hadn’t given up. Not yet anyway. An unmistakable sliver of hope was embedded in the word, “might.”
The substance of her dream didn’t matter. What caught my heart was the ache in her voice. That overheard conversation happened more than a decade ago. At the time, her words reflected my own dream-struggle, barely held together with a frayed emotional tether being weakened by each rejection. I was seriously considering giving up my life-dream of being a writer.
My growing fear about that happening nudged my persistence, as a long forgotten line from the movie Flashdance, echoed my biggest worry that: “When you give up your dream, you die.” It was around that time, my husband gave me a plaque that sits on the bookcase in front of me. It reads “Dream Really Big” in bright colors. He knew, like I did, that something in my soul would die if I gave up on my life-dream.
I didn’t give up, and a few months later I got the opportunity to write for a regional magazine. Two years later, I (continue reading →)
Posted in: In the Scheme of Things, Life |
Tagged: aspirations, dream big, dream progress, dreams, dreams matter, In the Scheme of Things, inspiration, life dreams, Nan S. Russell, passion, pursuit of your dream |
Posted on September 7, 2017
By Nan Russell
“Nan-a!” her voice held displeasure. “You wore that last week; why do you wear that t-shirt so much?” “It’s my favorite,” I told my 7-year-old granddaughter. “I got it on our first Hawaii vacation when your dad was just a teenager.” I didn’t tell her I bought it when my optimism about people and the world was intact; a time when I was idealistic, or naïve, depending on perspective. In the years since, reality cracks, weathered-edges, and life experiences have augmented and enhanced my views.
Still, that t-shirt is my favorite; not because of its decades-old fabric, although I love its soft feel, and not because it holds memories of exploring Volcano National Park as a young family. No. This worn, turquoise patterned t-shirt is my favorite because it speaks to me.
“No Rain — No Rainbows” the front reads, with “Kimos Rules” on the back — everything from “Never judge a day by the weather” to “The best things in life aren’t things.” The front words are the ones that give me pause, serving their magic in the form of a nudge for me to keep my perspective; to remember life’s rainbows in times of rain.
Certainly life events shape us. As a child, having a fire destroy our home in the middle of the night created my need to (continue reading →)
Posted in: In the Scheme of Things, Life |
Tagged: difficult times, good life, gratitude, In the Scheme of Things, inspiration, keep perspective, life challenges, lose perspective, Nan Russell, no rain no rainbows, rain, rainbows, rough patch |
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 September 14, 2015
By Beth Pelkofsky
As a colleague of Nan’s I often post here about work and sometimes life. She is on vacation this week, so I offered to write about a recent experience I had. During the summer months I was invited to several large gatherings of friends and family. And, as conversations moved from topic to topic I began to notice a common thread when talk centered on work. There was an overall pall of negativity, a description of constant finger-pointing and general complaining of what’s happening in our workplaces. Perhaps, this sounds familiar? So, what can YOU do about it? Here are 5 ways to trump negativity:
- You know those days when everything is going well and you run across that irritable, grumpy person and somehow their mood gets to yours. Your mood is contagious. Your anger, frustration or poor example can rub off on others, too – causing a bit of a domino affect. Likewise, so can your passion, enthusiasm and creativity. Think of your words and actions like germs. They are highly infectious. Model contagious behaviors that ignite and bring the best of yourself to your work and life. And, then watch what happens.
- “Just for today I will be agreeable … I won’t find fault with anything, nor try to improve or regulate anybody but myself.” – Al-Anon. Watch what you do and listen to what you say. [This is harder than you think.]
- Ideas are everywhere. We are bombarded with audio and visual information almost 24/7. Observe what (continue reading →)
Posted in: Tips, Today's Workplace |
Tagged: Al-Anon, Beth Pelkofsky, contagious, critic, energy, enthusiasm, fan, inspiration, negativity, trump, workplaces |
Posted on April 27, 2015
By Beth Pelkofsky
As a colleague of Nan’s I regularly post here about work and sometimes life. I’d label myself an avid reader. I enjoy a combination of an e-reader and the printed page. I need to see book titles as I go through my daily activities. I have bookcases in my office, in several rooms at home plus a stack by my nightstand. They keep me grounded and often spark an idea or provide inspiration. The other day, I was flipping through a well-read book and came across this passage. I think it offers both a thoughtful perspective and a ‘how to’ for getting results in today’s complex workplaces. And, I thought I’d share:
Give What’s Missing*
If everyone is shouting, what’s missing is quiet reason.
If everyone is pointing fingers, what’s missing is accountability.
If everyone is finding fault, what’s missing is praise and recognition.
If everyone is in agreement, what’s missing is another perspective.
If everyone is focused on short-term gains, what’s missing is long-term thinking.
If everyone is thinking about their own department, what’s missing (continue reading →)
Posted in: Tips, Today's Workplace |
Tagged: accountability, appreciation, being yourself, Beth Pelkofsky, career, courage, inspiration, nibble, perspective, praise, quality, quiet reason, recognition, results, success, your voice |
Posted on March 30, 2015
By Beth Pelkofsky
As a colleague of Nan’s I sometimes post here about work, life and sometimes both. I’m not much of a sports fan but every March, I am ‘all in’ as the popular phrase touts. March Madness – College Hoops – 
Bracket Crazy – Going to the Dance; that’s been my passion this month. And, I’ve learned there are many parallels between Sports and today’s workplaces. Like most things, some good, others not so good.
Here are 3 are good ones that come to mind:
Be for Something – So, what does this mean? Being for something requires strength of convictions and a willingness to stand up for them. When you’re for something you are full of passion, taking risks, thinking creatively and solving problems. You’ve see it on the basketball floors at the NCAA tournament. See if you can find it in your workplace? These are your colleagues who are full of ideas, self- motivated, have high energy and making valuable contributions. What do you aspire to bring about at work? Be for something.
A Dose of Discipline – According, to Merriam-Webster – discipline (continue reading →)
Posted in: Today's Workplace |
Tagged: be for something, Beth Pelkofsky, Big Team, discipline, inspiration, passion, perspective, sports, workplace |
Posted on December 3, 2014
By Beth Pelkofsky
As a colleague of Nan’s, I regularly post here when things grab my attention about today’s workplace and sometimes, life. A few years ago, I helped a close friend move to a new home. While packing some of her cherished books, I stumbled upon: This I Believe written in Association with NPR. I did my usual quick flip through and then put it aside to read later. Since then, I’ve picked it up a few times. It is a collection of personal philosophies of remarkable men and women, some famous others not; completing the thought that begins the title of the book.
Over the weekend, I noticed it again on my book shelf and it got me thinking – What do I believe? What do others believe? Does it matter? I believe it does. For our beliefs grow from what we see, hear, experience, read and think as we go through life. They guide our actions, attitudes and relationships with ourselves and others. Some we have in common, others are different. I thought I would share several of mine with the desire to spark a dialogue of what you believe.
So, here goes. I BELIEVE
Share what you believe
We are all connected, what I do, what you do, what strangers do, what folks do in other regions of the world, there is a continuous energy or force connecting all of us.
Some of the most valuable parts of life are not visible.
Giving my word is the same (continue reading →)
Posted in: Uncategorized |
Tagged: beliefs, Beth Pelkofsky, commitment, connect, hope, inspiration, laughing, nature, perspective, relationships |
Posted on July 1, 2014
By Beth Pelkofsky
As a colleague of Nan’s, I often post here when things grab my attention about today’s workplace and sometimes, life. I haven’t posted in several weeks. My non-work life has been filling my days with doctors appointments, surgery and follow-ups. All is good!
We are almost mid-year and one of my goals is to become a frequent bike rider. Now, many of you are probably thinking what’s the big deal? The big deal is, I don’t know how, didn’t learn as a kid and have tried a couple times in my adult life (56 now) with no success. I’ve been seriously talking about it for two years! And, finally decided it was time to “just do it”, as the Nike slogan says. So, after buying a used bike and questioning seasoned riders I’ve started my version of riding, in beach alleys and during off-peak hours. I have had some pretty nasty falls and have the scrapes and the bruises to prove it. But, I am determined to ride a bike. Not just once in awhile but often. I get on that bike when I am not in the mood, not motivated, dejected and bruised. I will do this. I will succeed. These words have become my mantra.
Maybe this sounds familiar, are there things at work and non-work you’ve been talking about for awhile and you want to start doing them? It will take a good dose of determination to succeed. And, in my experience a little inspiration helps too.
Here are two of my current favorites:
(continue reading →)
Posted in: Leadership |
Tagged: Beth Pelkofsky, determination, Doing, inspiration, Leadership, succeed |
Posted on January 20, 2013
By Beth Pelkofsky
As a colleague of Nan’s I sometimes post about titleless leaders.
This week, I was acutely aware of a great titlesless leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. So, in his honor I thought I’d share a few of Martin Luther King’s inspiring quotes with you. I hope you enjoy them.
- “Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great, because greatness is determined by service.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
- “Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr; A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Posted in: Leadership, Tips |
Tagged: Beth Pelkofsky, inspiration, Martin Luther King Jr., titleless leader |
“That’s my dream,” I overheard her telling a friend in the dressing room next to mine. “But it will never happen,” she added quietly, “I might as well forget it.” But she hadn’t given up. Not yet anyway. An unmistakable sliver of hope was embedded in the word, “might.”
