My Heart Longs for What’s Priceless

My Heart Longs for What’s Priceless

The shiny hearts are everywhere. They’re hung as decorations in the stores, they’re printed on product packaging, they’re stamped right on limited edition perfumes, cosmetics and flower vases; and they’re even part of the product itself when it comes to jewellery and confectionary. 

Hearts and Valentine’s Day offers even appear on typical everyday items. This “special day” is indeed the apex of what is known as the consumerization of love and affection. 

And the pressure to participate can be oppressive.

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Giving Feels Better Than Receiving, When We Make It Personal

Giving Feels Better Than Receiving, When We Make It Personal

Some actions have unanticipated consequences. I was reminded of that today.

I’m thankful to have been given the opportunity to play a small part in helping a Syrian family get settled in our lovely city of Winnipeg, Canada. 

This morning, we managed to pack a pickup truck full of various household items this morning, including various bedroom/kitchen/dining room furniture, home decor, kitchen/bath essentials, and some toys for their two children.

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Are We Listening? On Meaningful Conversation

Are We Listening? On Meaningful Conversation

Coffee is one of my favourite beverages. Not only because I enjoy having a cup (and many times two) of the dark elixir but because it’s often accompanied by good, if not great and memorable, conversation.

These memorable conversations usually take place with one or more of my friends and/or family, sometimes in a private home, sometimes at a coffee shop. Sometimes it follows a meal, sometimes not. 

What each conversation has in common, other than a beverage of some kind, is that there is no agenda, there is no timeframe or time limit. Once we've experienced it one, I find that almost everyone knows something good or great is about to happen but this last point we never bring up because it might kill the magic of it all.

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The Ultimate Gift - Part 2: The Twelve Gifts

The Ultimate Gift - Part 2: The Twelve Gifts

Just under two months ago, I wrote Part 1 of this two-part series. At that time, I focused on the book The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die by John Izzo. It seemed an appropriate choice given that the time the Holidays tends to be one of reflection and introspection for many of us. 

Now that we’re in the New Year, I’d like to introduce another book: The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall. Unlike Izzo’s book about how to live a better life from the inside out, I view Stovall’s book as a guide on how to improve your life from the outside in; how doing can be as powerful as willing change in learning important lessons. 

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