BLOG

Kindness on the Streets of Downtown Portland

Kindness on the Streets of Downtown Portland

The streets of downtown Portland had made multiple appearances in the news in the last few years, but rarely for acts of kindness. My 55th birthday was on October 9th, when conflict seemed to be all that was shared by the news. I felt at a loss for words what to write or say. It’s hard to feel celebratory when there is an impending war in a place that you love and that is very special to you. When bloodshed and terror are happening in real-time. When everyone I know is fearful of what’s coming next. I certainly didn’t feel much like birthday celebrating.

Post It Notes are Magical

Post It Notes are Magical

Post-it notes are magical. I’m crazy about them. They serve as such a great way to bring a little joy to the world. You can use them to bring a smile to someone’s day so effortlessly. Whether you put them on someone’s computer or locker, or stick them in your partners’ things so they find them later, there are so many ways they can work their magic.

Handling Unexpected Challenges

Handling Unexpected Challenges

How does an organization handle unexpected challenges that impact its customers? If you are the management at Crater Lake National Park Lodges, you handle it quickly and with as much communication as possible. In fact, we were impressed at the speed with which we learned of the challenge.

Graduation Season

Graduation Season

Graduation is one of the many milestones you could be celebrating this season. Storytelling, whether delivered by a professional speaker or simply among friends, has the power to connect any audience in unexpected ways.

PTO Donation Programs

PTO Donation Programs

Does your company have PTO Donation programs? According to SHRM, these programs can benefit the employer and elevate employee morale and camaraderie. “These employee-friendly programs may also play a role in increasing productivity, reducing absenteeism, and improving recruiting and retention of quality employees.”

Technology Struggles

Technology Struggles

There are many things I am good at, but technology is not one of them. I often get frustrated trying to figure out how to overcome these technology struggles. Even something as simple as pairing a blue tooth headset with your device can be a challenge. 

Scatter Day

Scatter Day

A few weeks ago, I read in a local magazine about an upcoming Scatter Day taking place at River View Cemetery Funeral Home. There were two reasons this opportunity caught my eye. One personal and one professional.

Creative Joy

Creative Joy

I “played hooky” yesterday to fill my heart with some creative joy. In third grade, my teacher Mr. Jones brought art and joy to all our lessons. I remember learning about colors and painting alongside math and mythology. That was my favorite year of elementary school. Let’s be honest, playing hooky has a connotation like I’ve done something “wrong” or “without permission”. I could have said I took PTO for some self-care. But in honesty, I did feel a little indulgent, a little like I was “cutting class.” But you know what? It felt incredible.

Compliments from Strangers

Compliments from Strangers

Compliments from strangers are almost always unexpected, but they also tend to stick in our memories for longer. There is something about someone you don’t know going out of their way to validate, acknowledge, or admire. Giving a compliment to a stranger can sometimes feel uncomfortable. You don’t always know how your message with be received. But if we are genuinely extending kindness to another person, we can feel confident that our gesture will be well received.