When I was packing for my move last June, I found them in the hall closet. A small stack of letters, written on gray parchment. Tied with a piece of red ribbon and kept in a small cedar box for over 40 years.
Love letters. From the first man who stole my heart.
‘Tis the season when we focus on gratitude. And nothing says “I totally appreciated that” like sending a handwritten note.
Okay – maybe diamonds or a big wad of cash would be more impressive. But when it comes to heartfelt and sincere, a simple thank you note takes the cake. It’s classy. It sends a powerful message about what you value {kindness, generosity, manners.} And it makes the recipient feel special. Really special.
So why don’t we actually do it?
“It’s bold to own your voice.” – Jamie Ridler
“But I can’t say that, can I?”
Of all the questions clients ask, this one’s my favorite. Why? Because it means they know what they want to say about themselves and their businesses. They just need help getting the message out there.
Opening our hearts to the world often feels risky.
It takes courage to be who we are. To say what we think and feel without worrying that we’re going too far. Revealing too much. Shining a light on our weaknesses.
I’m not embarrassed to admit it – I’m just plain exhausted.
The end of 2019 seemed like a mad race to the finish. And the thought of setting goals, the pressure to plan something befitting the dawn of a new decade – even choosing my word for the year (a process I normally relish) – feels a bit daunting.
If all the overly-enthusiastic social posts and “get in gear for 2020” emails make you want to pull the covers over your head, here’s a thought: Let’s just take five. Read more
The heart-shaped balloons and bedazzled boxes of candy started hitting shelves January 2nd.
I think buying chocolate a month and a half before gifting it to your sweetheart is a bit sketchy. But I do enjoy seeing hearts at every turn. They’re a daily reminder of the value of moving through the world with an open heart.
I’m often asked why I named my business Open Heart Creative. The questions range from, “So, what’s with the heart thing?” to “Oh, you mean, like, open heart surgery?” Read more
It’s practically impossible to resist the urge to make that “new year, new you” vow. You know the one: To look better, feel better, be better.
The world is awash in advice for making sure 2016 is our best. Year. Ever.
We should walk more, read more, sleep more, call more. And eat less, drink less, spend less, stress less. We’re encouraged to reorganize, prioritize and – for the love of God – put that phone away.
There have been some good reminders about the importance of releasing regrets and creating space for what’s next. Read more
Grateful Heart
Lately I’ve been bemoaning the fact that I haven’t posted to this blog in months. Many months.
A minimum of once a month. That was the plan.
My last post is dated April 9. You do the math.
I’ve had a boatload of excuses: I was hiking in Peru, needed to catch up with my book club reading, was busy writing in other people’s voices. The water heater blew. Cat ate my homework. Read more
My throat’s been really sore the past few days. The kind of sore that radiates into your chest, makes swallowing torture, and talking a last resort.
Whenever this happens I’m reminded of the healer who once told me I had a tendency towards imbalance in my throat chakra.
This wasn’t great news for someone whose livelihood revolves around communication, but it wasn’t a total surprise. The throat chakra is sort of like the Oval Office for creative self-expression: It‘s the energy center that allows us to communicate with clarity and confidence. Read more
It’s February – and we all know what that means. We’re bombarded with messages about love and romance and (if we’re women) keeping our hearts healthy.
All this heart talk got me thinking about my relationships with the people and things I love. Which eventually led to the following question:
When was the last time you fell in love…with your business? Read more
As chief storyteller for Open Heart Creative, I just assumed I’d host a blog.
After all, blogging has its roots in storytelling. And a good blog post is a lot like a good short story: it’s entertaining and thought provoking and fairly economical in getting to the point.
Right?
Well, maybe not. Read more
I’ve been telling stories about people, places and businesses my entire career. As Chief Storyteller at Open Heart Creative, I’m privileged to share my story in the process of helping other business owners share theirs.