"Notes" of An Elder

Nothing in life is of any value unless it is shared with others.

"Notes" of An Elder is a depository of pertinent information, knowledge and wisdom. Available weekly will be an elder's "thinking menu" for your use. Enjoy this bounty.

• Find something bigger than yourself and get in touch with it every single day.

• “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” — James Baldwin

• Surround yourself with people who remind you of your future not with those who remind you of your past.

• Be a better friend, partner and teammate.

• There is no better use of a life than to be attentive to other people's needs.

• Realize, many times, what people need most is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens.

• The world is waiting for what you have to offer.

• Be kinder than necessary.

• During this unique moment in time, let's dare to dream the impossible dream as change agents. Let's dare to stand out in the crowd, dare to think differently and be uncommon. 

• One of the greatest joys of leadership is helping others achieve what they never thought possible.

Relationship Tools

• Smile

• Listening

• Compliment

• Celebration

• Respect

• “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” ― Angela Davis

• At 86, I am still writing and rewriting my story. Never surrender.

• Open our ears to truth and eyes to reality.

• The best compliment you can pay a person is to listen.

• Find something to be grateful for every day.

• Stay true to your personal standards. Do not sacrifice them to appease your critics. If you are not careful, you can develop an addiction to the applause.

• Coaching is not about competition, it’s about skill development.

• Speak with honesty. Listen with empathy.

• Be careful of the labels you allow people to place on you.

• Leadership cannot be a spectator sport.

Magic Question

What did I do today to become a better person than yesterday?