July 25th, 2011
I was fussing at my son about something, and I ended my speech with, “Now I’m serious, Luke. Do you understand me?” My son, who was two at the time, looked at me. He was genuinely puzzled and angrily replied, “You not serwious! You momma!”
To this day, I still remember his words, and they make me laugh every time. In that moment, I was limiting myself to being “serious,” and this label was clearly not going to fly with my son. I am more than just a serious person; I am also loving, forgiving, and understanding.
When we can approach difficult circumstances as our authentic selves, we honor who we are. We don’t limit ourselves by sticking a label on our foreheads; we don’t act according to the directions on the label. We may think that certain situations call for specific behaviors; they don’t.
Be who you are. Honor yourself; honor the other person. Work together and be ready to celebrate the accomplishments that come to fruition.
Veronica Bacigalupo
Program Development Manager, Educational Markets Division
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching
Tags: choice, creativity, encouragement, intentions
Posted in Veronica Bacigalupo - Program Development Manager, leadership
1 Comment »
July 18th, 2011
Flights are sometimes delayed and people accept those circumstances in different ways.
Some take to their iPhone, iPad, or BlackBerry to notify loved ones of the news.
Others take advantage of the airline’s suggestion to grab a snack or take a restroom break.
And still others grumble about the “wasted time.”
Most people accept that “time is what you make it.” In the case of a delayed flight, you get to flip the delay to your advantage. You get to talk to your loved ones; you get to take a break; you get to go back to your book…and so on.
Time is yours and it is what you make it.
How do you make the most of your time?
Veronica Bacigalupo
Program Development Manager, Educational Markets Division
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching
Tags: choice, new perspective
Posted in Veronica Bacigalupo - Program Development Manager, leadership
No Comments »
July 11th, 2011
On my way home from a recent trip, my flight was delayed. Upon its arrival from an incoming flight, the plane hit a bird, so a mechanic was called out to assess the plane’s condition. After a 30-minute inspection, we were allowed to board the plane. The flight attendant thanked us for our patience, apologized for any inconvenience, and reminded everyone, “It’s better to be on the ground wishing you were up in the air, than in the air wishing you were on the ground.” I thanked the airline for this “spoonful of sugar;” it certainly made the “medicine” or, in this case, the wait, go down smoothly.
When we bring out the humor in a difficult or challenging situation, what we’re really doing is adding distance between the issue and our feelings. When we allow ourselves a break from a stressful emotional state, we give ourselves a break as well. And in that moment, we offer ourselves the opportunity to see a fresh perspective, gain a new insight, or have a renewed hope.
Veronica Bacigalupo
Director of Educational Programs
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching
Tags: attitude, choice, creativity, education, expectations, intentions, new perspective, power of choice
Posted in Veronica Bacigalupo - Program Development Manager, leadership
1 Comment »
Subscribe (RSS)