LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Today, I'm pausing to catch my breath and find my pace." Russ Cline

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

September is here, and if you're like me, it came with a bit of SHOCK. How can it be September? I've been thinking about the idea of PACE. Back a couple of months ago, I spent some time on RHYTHM, and I realize that PACE is different. I'm going to dive into it this month. Join me...

To read past quotes & thoughts.... CLICK HERE.

It's been a very full 11 days, and today I'm simply going to pause to catch my breath, and then restart at my pace.

Sometimes I just need to do that.

When was the last time you just stopped or paused in order to catch your breath?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Every flower blooms at a different pace." Suzy Kassem

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

September is here, and if you're like me, it came with a bit of SHOCK. How can it be September? I've been thinking about the idea of PACE. Back a couple of months ago, I spent some time on RHYTHM, and I realize that PACE is different. I'm going to dive into it this month. Join me...

To read past quotes & thoughts.... CLICK HERE.

The quote by Kassem above was really just a reminder that while every flower blooms different, we as people are all different as well.

As we talk about PACE, I think one of the biggest pressure points comes to each of us as we compare ourselves to others, thinking that we need to all move at the same pace, whether that be a slow pace or a fast pace.

Recently I was having breakfast with a small group of people, and as we ate and talked, we moved through our breakfast all differently. Some focused on eating first, and then engaged in conversation. One was completely focused on engaging with others that he didn't even begin to eat until most of us were through. Other's kind of ate and talked and moved through the meal together. All different approaches, all fine, but we are different.

I realized that for me, I ate quickly, anticipating a deeper and more engaging conversation after the meal over a cup of coffee. Now as I think about it, I was probably more focused on the food in front of me than the people in front of me, but my motivation was to "eat and then talk". Just thinking about this will cause me to consider what's going on around the table the next time we gather.

That's pace. We're all different because of the way we were raised, because of the ways we approach different situations, because of how we've learned.

At the meal, had I said to everyone, "OK, let's all eat first, then we can begin our conversation", that would have bothered some who viewed the meal as a complete experience, mixing food and conversation together. They valued the opportunity to do both at the same time.

Thinking back to this quote, and thinking about my back yard, I'm glad flowers all bloom at different times. This means that my yards is constantly changing and that when one flower fades, another one blooms.

In the same way, I'm glad that as people we all have a different pace, but I also realize that I need to become more aware of that, and instead of focusing on MY PACE, I need to bring other people's pace into consideration and not assume they will always move with me.

What would your pace be at that breakfast table: Eat first, then talk? Eat and talk at the same time? Talk and then eat?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Do things at your own pace. Life's not a race." Unknown

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

September is here, and if you're like me, it came with a bit of SHOCK. How can it be September? I've been thinking about the idea of PACE. Back a couple of months ago, I spent some time on RHYTHM, and I realize that PACE is different. I'm going to dive into it this month. Join me...

To read past quotes & thoughts.... CLICK HERE.

The quote above has been spoken and shared by many people from many different contexts, and it's simply a reminder that each of us need to set our own pace. We're told that "life's not a race", but I'm not sure any of us really believe that.

We live our lives running from one thing to the next, and while we've identified some RHYTHM to our lives, we haven't clarified the PACE.

You see, they're different.

Rhythm can be defined as a "flow" of events, patterns or events, that come and go at various speeds.

PACE on the other hand is the "speed" at which these things unfold. Pace defines the speed and the intensity that I move through.

PACE and RHYTHM are connected, but they are different.

Here's a simple way I can illustrate it:

RHYTHM is me walking everyday. Typically about 6 miles, but walking is a part of the rhythm of my life, and when I don't move everyday, it affects other aspects of my life, because while I'm walking, I'm doing other things that are really important: listening, praying, thinking, quiet.

PACE is the intensity that I walk. I walk at a comfortable pace of about 16 minutes for one mile. At this pace, I'm able to do the things that are most important, again: listening, praying, thinking, quiet.

When I increase my walking pace just a little bit to a 13 or 14 minute mile, I feel a difference. I'm breathing differently, I'm not able to think as clearly, and I then realize that I'm focused on the speed at which I'm walking.

I know there are people who can do this, while walking or running, but I've found for me it doesn't work.

The RHYTHM for me is movement, it's getting out on a trail or on a long walk, and it's something I fight for and work form. I need this rhythm in my life because of the value it brings me.

Having a fast PACE isn't important to me. I'm not trying to race anybody, and it's not just about getting a certain distance in every day.

BUT....

This is why PACE messes up RHYTHMS. When we're running from one thing to the next, when we're living at an unsustainable pace, it affects everything. Defining a healthy pace is really important.

Thus the quote: "Do things at your own pace." What's your PACE look like? What has it become?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Every moment is a fresh beginning." T.S. Eliot

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

It's August and this month I'm going to dive into the topic of REGRET. I don't know what the word REGRET triggers in you, but I want to drag you along with me this month by looking at some quotes on regret, sharing some resources, and just thinking about what that means in our lives.

Remember, you can always go back to see past posts and more positive themes that we've addressed on the website HERE.

But journey with me....

T.S. Eliot reminds us here of the simple truth, that "every moment is a fresh beginning." Aren't you glad for that?

Aren't you glad that we don't have to relive all of our mistakes?

Aren't you glad that we can start fresh?

Aren't you glad that sometimes we get to do things again and do them better?

Aren't you glad that we aren't defined by our past, but that we have the opportunity to redefine ourselves over and over again, learning as we grow, becoming more and more like the person God has created us and called us to be?

Aren't you glad?

We've been talking about REGRET this past month, and this will be the last post on this, and it's simply a reminder that you don't have to live being stuck in regret.

I recently listened to a podcast on Walt Disney and all of the struggles he had before he launch Disneyland, which turned out to be a major success, both here in Southern California and around the world.

There were many times that he could have quit, times where he put everything on the line, and to his story, he was able to see his dream become a reality.

There are many others who struggled over and over again, making mistake after mistake, wanting to quit, yet they kept going until something clicked.

I think the overarching reminder from this conversation with regret is to simply keep moving, don't let things paralyze you, realized that everyone makes mistakes and everyone struggles at one point or another.

You are not alone.

Today, what does it feel like to start fresh, to have a new beginning without looking back and comparing everything to what happened in your past?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Do it or don't do it - you will regret both." Soren Kierkegaard

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

It's August and this month I'm going to dive into the topic of REGRET. I don't know what the word REGRET triggers in you, but I want to drag you along with me this month by looking at some quotes on regret, sharing some resources, and just thinking about what that means in our lives.

Remember, you can always go back to see past posts and more positive themes that we've addressed on the website HERE.

But journey with me....

I'm don't want to dive into all of the teachings and perspectives of Soren Kierkegaard, but when I saw his words above, I agreed with him.

I remember a time when I was younger that I had to choose between 3 job offers. I did all the normal things that people should do, and I was really seeking peace in the decision we would make. Looking back, I think my biggest hesitation was REGRET. I was more worried about making the wrong decision, worried that I would regret the decision I made instantly, that I was PARALYZED for a moment.

Have you ever felt that? Completely stuck, unable to make a decision, unable to move forward. Fearful. Confused. Unsure.

That's what I was feeling and I went back and forth, landing on one job one day and another the next, weighing the pros and cons, praying for guidance while at the same time, leaning on my own instincts.

It was a really confusing time, until I was reminded of something my dad had encouraged me with...

I don't remember when he told me this, but he had challenged me to always focus on what I'm being called to, not what I might be running away from.

Remembering this changed my posture, and I've shared this with many people over the years.

When you play the "what if I make the wrong decision" game, you'll always be stuck, you'll always have regret, and you'll often fall back on the idea of "what if I had made a different decision".

I think this is what Kierkegaard was saying... either way, regret can creep in.

The difference for me is that I have someone who is leading me, and all I have to do is recognize His voice, put my faith in Him, and trust that He's going to lead me where He wants me to be.

In my crazy job selection process, Gina and I finally heard that voice clearly, and we made a decision that changed our lives. Some people thought we were crazy, others couldn't understand it, and at times we even doubted ourselves, but the call was clear. No regret.

That doesn't mean that things were perfect. If just means that we were in the right spot.

What do you do when you feel like there's no right decision and you're stuck? What helps you navigate through the process of coming to a decision?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done." Lucille Ball

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

It's August and this month I'm going to dive into the topic of REGRET. I don't know what the word REGRET triggers in you, but I want to drag you along with me this month by looking at some quotes on regret, sharing some resources, and just thinking about what that means in our lives.

Remember, you can always go back to see past posts and more positive themes that we've addressed on the website HERE.

But journey with me....

I listen to a lot of podcasts, and especially enjoy business stories. 2 of my favorite podcasts are How I Built This with Guy Raz, and the second is The Best Idea Yet by Nick and Jack. Both podcasts tell the stories behind the business, one in an interview format and the other simply digging in for the "untold" story.

I don't know why I enjoy listening to these so much, but I know that it inspires me, encourages me, gives me ideas and keeps my brain working! Sometimes I marvel at a story and the good luck that came with it as well as the hard work and persistence, but every once in a while, a little "regret" slips in.

As I hear these stories of business challenge and success, I find myself wondering, "what if I had kept working on that idea that I had"? Would I be living a different life today?

Let's see...

• There was the scrap paper sales on the Y in Ecuador, back before people were selling stuff on the street.

• There was the scarf importing business in college that had potential to put a scarf on the neck of every man, woman and child on planet earth, or at least those that went to the Sunday Swap Meet in Azusa.

• There was the lawn business, mowing lawns in the desert of homes that were up for sale.

• There was the coffee business, on multiple fronts, that had so much potential.

I could probably keep going, but I've been an aspiring entrepreneur since my first job mowing lawns in my neighborhood, probably at 9 years of age.

It would be easy to spend time thinking, "What if?"

• What if I had stuck with that idea?

• What if I had purchased that stock then?

• What if I had not settled and worked harder?

• What if I had gone to a different school?

The "what ifs" will keep coming.

It's easy to get caught in this spiral and spend a lot of time and energy thinking about what might have happened had we done something different.

The quote above talks about that...

I don't regret any of my great "business ideas" because at the time in my life, they served a purpose in my growth and development, and I also don't regret walking away from a couple of these ideas that had potential.

What about you? What do you spend time thinking about or wondering about.... "if only I would have...."

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"Regret doesn't remind us that we did badly. It reminds us that we know we can do better." Kathryn Schulz

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

It's August and this month I'm going to dive into the topic of REGRET. Not very inspiring, but in church recently I was reminded of God's Grace and Mercy, and I found myself thinking about things that I have regret for, trying to understand how God can forgive, forget and be so gracious.

I don't know what the word REGRET triggers in you, but I want to drag you along with me this month by looking at some quotes on regret, sharing some resources, and just thinking about what that means in our lives. Remember, you can always go back to see past posts and more positive themes that we've addressed on the website HERE but journey with me....

"Do You Have Any Regret"?

Regret defined simply means "to feel sorrow or remorse for". Some other synonyms of regret are "anguish, grief, sorrow, and woe".

This quote from Kathryn Schulz is a way to reposition that regret, but it's still regret.

In a couple of weeks I'm going to a "Celebration of Life" of a friend of mine from High School. He lived about an hour from me here in Southern California, and the last time we saw each other was our freshmen year of college when I went down to his school at Point Loma and we spent a great weekend together, a very long time ago. We were good friends in Junior High, hung out a little in High School, then spent that weekend in San Diego and Tijuana, and that was it.

About 15 years ago I found his number and we texted back and forth and said we should get together, but nothing happened. A few weeks ago, I heard that he had passed away. No information or details, just an invitation to attend his celebration of life.

I've been thinking a lot about Jim lately, about our friendship, about the things I loved about hanging out with him and playing basketball together, but mostly I just have regret. Regret for not keeping up, regret for not pushing through my schedule to connect with him, regret for not knowing his family, regret for not knowing much about his life after high school at all.

I hate that in hindsight, we always see where we could have done better.

Do you have things you REGRET in your life? Your past? How do you handle that?

LEADERSHIP QUOTE:

"When you say yes to others, make sure you are not saying no to yourself." Paulo Coelho

A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:

We'll close this month of quotes with one final word from Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian novelist who simply reminds us to pay attention to ourselves and not sacrifice things that might be important to us for the sake of others.... all the time!

I know people who live selflessly. They constantly give and give, and sometimes I see the weariness in their soul from saying YES all the time.

A memory just came flooding back into my mind....

I grew up in Southern California, and when I was between the ages of 6 and 11, we lived in a home with a pool. I spent most of my summers in that pool, as did all of my friends from the neighborhood.

I remember one time, after spending a long weekend in the pool, it was Sunday afternoon, at about 5:00pm, and we were supposed to be going to church.

We always went to church.... Sunday Morning, Sunday Evening, and Wednesday Nights. We had a great church and community, and it was only a 5 minute drive from our home.

I remember when my father gave us the 15 minute warning, telling us that we needed to be out of the pool in order to get ready for church, but we were having a great time. Friends were still over, we were playing some game, it was a perfect Sunday Evening in California, and I asked the unthinkable.... "Dad, can we skip church and just play in the pool?"

I'm not sure how I got the courage to ask that question, but I can remember my dad going back inside the house, then a few minutes coming back out and saying, "We're staying home tonight!".

I remember the feeling, the excitement, the thrill of getting to play for a couple more hours. I'm sure egg sandwiches followed with a popsicle on the patio, but that feeling is a great memory.

I'm not sure if it actually happened the way I remember it. Maybe my dad was the one who wanted to ditch church, but it didn't matter. That night, instead of sitting in a pew for church, we played on!

Think of a time that you said NO to something else in order to say YES to yourself? What feelings come along with that?