Letting go is hard. Changing direction can be difficult. We make commitments. We make plans. We don't want to give up. We don't want to fail. What will people think? What does this say about me? What if something changes? What if I could do more? We ask these questions related to relationships, work, hopes, … Continue reading When to Say When →

This yearning won’t quit. The knowing is calling me. It’s beyond what I can understand. Yet I know exactly what it’s telling me.  I have a choice. Stay where I am, Or step into the unknown. What will happen next?  I fear I will be swallowed. Never be the same. Better to avoid these longings. Stay with the guilt and shame.  I know that … Continue reading The Loving Abyss →

We lead who we are. That statement struck me because I knew deep down it was true, but that's not what I had learned. My leadership journey and training had been all about what I've done, not about who I was. I took all the leadership development courses and worked on honing all the skills: … Continue reading Restorative Leadership →

After posting a selfie in my Love is Love pride t-shirt, I was invited into several challenging conversations. Well, let's be honest, some of them were one-way rants more than they were two-way conversations. These situations are challenging. We have strong opinions and can find ourselves wanting to defend our position at all costs. We … Continue reading Surrendering Judgment →

Why do you do what you do? What's it all for? What will matter in the end? How do you want to be remembered? These questions help root us in meaning. Regardless of what we are doing, why and how we do things reflects our character. Mother Teresa said, "We can do no great things, only small things with great love." … Continue reading Connect to Something Greater →

No, this is not a kumbaya story. Understanding ourselves and honoring others is one of the toughest things we are called to do in life. That's why it is a value at The Restoration Project. We need a constant reminder of the importance of leaning in. It's a big job and takes radical courage. Not … Continue reading Understand Yourself and Honor Others →

Here we areCircling againLove, pain, hope, despair. Like old friendsWe pick up Right where we left off. I insist weKeep it lightYou insist We cover it all. Big laughsHeavy tearsDeep angerSoul filling joy. They all makeTheir own appearanceIn time. Each time I hopeAt least oneWill stay home. Enough anger. Too much sadness. Go away contempt. … Continue reading Wrestling →

Integrity: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. Integrity: the state of being whole and undivided. Are you acting with integrity? How do you know? Let's start with your moral principles. What is meaningful to you? What beliefs do you have and what values do you uphold? What are the … Continue reading Act with Integrity →

One of my favorite leadership quotes comes from Craig Groeschel, "People would rather follow a leader who is always real, than one who is always right." Rings true for me. Does it for you? If so, how are we supporting this sentiment through development, management, recognition, and reward? If we look around, I would say … Continue reading Lead with Love →