http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ Seeking True North Forums: Recent Posts en Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:20:28 +0000 http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=35#post-254 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:18:25 +0000 Tim Walther 254@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>What does it mean to be "ready"? This is an important question to consider in our continuous growth. As we consider what those areas are I like to think of this tools in two ways. First, what are the opportunities that I want to have come before me in relation to a particular outcome. If I am seeking to customize an outstanding seminar for a client, I start asking myself questions that will lead me to the answer. "Who or what might be a great resource for this particular aspect of my event?" By filling myself with questions about what it is I want to find out, the answers will naturally begin to appear. Seems simple, and it is if I am asking the right questions! The next step is seizing the opportunity when it comes about and taking action toward that thing. Sometimes it takes the form of gut instinct or an interpersonal interaction. That's where the practice comes in, where many times I need to step outside of the comfort zone and take a risk to do that certain thing. The other aspect of being "ready" for me involves feedback from those we surround ourselves with. For me, being ready is about creating an environment where there is an expectation for feedback in the areas we want to excel at. I like to encourage other to share insights about my blind spots. Blind spots are areas in life that others might be aware of that I am not! Johari's window model represents this quite well with the four areas of awareness. A Johari window is a cognitive psychological tool created by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham in 1955 in the United States, used to help people better understand their interpersonal communication and relationships.</p> <p>Known Self - Things we know about ourselves that others also know.<br /> Hidden Self - Things we know about ourselves that others DO NOT know.<br /> Blind Self - Things others know about us that WE DON NOT KNOW.<br /> Unknown Self - Things we do not know that others also do not know. </p> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johari_window" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johari_window</a></p> <p>With the right environment, the teacher will appear. As I am open to that feedback then I, as the student will be ready. </p> <p>ACTION 1: I consider those areas that are important and fill my being with the right questions - the ones I want answers to. When the opportunity arises, I take action!</p> <p>ACTION 2: I encourage other to provide feedback for in areas that are most important. When they give it, I say thank-you and consider how I might integrate that feedback into my life. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=84#post-253 Sat, 02 May 2009 16:55:35 +0000 Tim Walther 253@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>I continue to value this simple, powerful concept of the reframe. Im my recent post about my abalone diving experience I mentioned that my initial impression was that my near-drowning caused me to think that it had set me back 5 years. In talking with Paul, he helped me to immediatly consider how my experience actually brought me forward 2 years! Why - well the lessons I learned that day will be ones that I will never forget - and ones that may just save my life in the future. Good friends, and certainly effective managers and leaders, understand the value of reframing experiences for others. How have you reframed an experience for someone recently? </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=95#post-252 Sun, 18 Jan 2009 16:32:49 +0000 Tim Walther 252@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>The Process: On the top of a fresh piece of paper in your journal titled PERSONAL GOALS, draw a circle and divide it equally into 6 parts, creating pie-slices. At the outside of the circle, write the title of the top 6 areas in your life which are important to continually focus on. IE: Friendships, Health and Wellness, Personal Education, Sport/Rock Climbing, Spiritual Renewal, Financial Literacy, etc. If you find that it fits better to you to have 8 areas, then you can do that to, but any more than 8 and it starts to get too spread thin. Take a look at your roles and choose a title for that role in your life that is energizing and positive for that area that is important to you. IE: Fantastic Friend, Financial Wizard, etc... Giving yourself these positive titles will create a positive association for the joy of spending time in these focus areas and the joy of manging the results in each area.</p> <p>The next thing to do is to write key words in your pie-slice that describe that role. This is simply a highlight. What i like to do is on another piece of paper, write down those roles and describe each one in detail in the active, present tense. IE: I joyfully connect with my friends on a regular basis and bring laughter and happiness into their lives. Just keep writing and writing until you have a thorough description of each role. Then you can go back and write the key words in each pie slice as a visual reminder of the roles and your focus. </p> <p>That's it for the initial steps. What you will find is that writing things in their ideal state is actually quite fun, and writing brings clarity and intention in the process of PREPARING. The other wheel of life is in your professional categories of your life that are important to continually focus one. Taking the time to do both is important and will provide for an energizing, focused reflection process that will create the pathway to your freedom, beauty and success! </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=182#post-251 Sun, 18 Jan 2009 14:44:26 +0000 Tim Walther 251@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Stop Start Continue: Journaling and goal setting techniques</p> <p>This is a simple way of reflecting on last year and thinking about next year. STOP: What do you want to STOP doing in 2009, that you may have done in 2008? Are there any habits or actions that you don't want to see repeated? START: What new things do you want to bring into your life? What new learning do you want to take place this year? Where do you want to focus your time with new efforts? CONTINUE: What has served you well and what are those things that you want to continue doing? </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=91#post-250 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:00:20 +0000 Tim Walther 250@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>The Prayer of Jabez : Breaking Through to the Blessed Life is an inspirational book published in 2000 by Bruce Wilkinson as the first book in the "BreakThrough" book series. It is based on the Old Testament passage 1 Chronicles 4:9-10:</p> <p>And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested. (NKJV) </p> <p>In the book, Wilkinson encourages Christians to invoke this prayer for themselves on a daily basis:</p> <p>"I challenge you to make the Jabez prayer for blessing part of the daily fabric of your life. To do that, I encourage you to follow unwaveringly the plan outlined here for the next thirty days. By the end of that time, you'll be noticing significant changes in your life, and the prayer will be on its way to becoming a treasured, lifelong habit." </p> <p>The book became an international bestseller, topping the New York Times bestseller list and selling nine million copies. It received the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Gold Medallion Book of the Year award in 2001. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=159#post-249 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:09:52 +0000 mandybird 249@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Dukart-<br /> I love you and completely resonate with your crazy character. Your warm thoughts and words of encouragement mean alot to me. Thank you.</p> <p>Jere-<br /> You are absolutely right and thank you for the beautifully written thoughts. I appreciate your perspective and welcome your words of strength. Thank you. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=181#post-248 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:37:45 +0000 camply24 248@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>It's hard for me pick a topic to start with because I find myself referring to the book more and more. I would have to say that I have received the most immediate return from using the 7 most important things tool on a daily basis. Practicing this very simple strategy has allowed me to stay on task. There are obviously things that come up daily that pull us away from what we are doing - by having the "7" I can easily pull myself back in to what has to be accomplished. I've also found that by taking a brisk walk focusing on my breathing really clears my head so when I sit down to create the "7" I have complete focus with no chatter. Thanks so much for all of these tools! You guys rock!!<br /> Cheers,<br /> Matt Campana </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=161#post-247 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:45:08 +0000 Erick Erickson 247@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>This tool is still one of the most powerful "get stuff done consistently" tools I have ever come across!!<br /> You just have to use this tool on a daily basis! And, get you team using together! </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=159#post-246 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:39:05 +0000 jls 246@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Dear Mandy,<br /> Your emotional agony over the loss of your brother and the role you feel you could have effected in changing this outcome if only you had sent the unstamped letter compels me to write. Forgive me if I say something wrong, for I am only trying to ease the roller coaster of your emotions.<br /> Love doesn't require words or paper or even physical proximity to be received by another. I believe, from experiences of my own, that your brother received your expression of how much you love him the moment you expressed it in your mind and wrote it on paper. It didn't require a stamp and transmmission by the USPS. It was received by him and played an important part in his transition. May your tears, anger, confusion some day soon be crowded out by fond memories and a sense of trust that life works in mysterious ways. Eventually this trust will bring you and all affected by the loss of your brother to peace and goodness. Meantime, keep reaching out as you so wisely have been doing.<br /> Jere </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=159#post-245 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:39:05 +0000 jls 245@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Dear Mandy,<br /> Your emotional agony over the loss of your brother and the role you feel you could have effected in changing this outcome if only you had sent the unstamped letter compels me to write. Forgive me if I say something wrong, for I am only trying to ease the roller coaster of your emotions.<br /> Love doesn't require words or paper or even physical proximity to be received by another. I believe, from experiences of my own, that your brother received your expression of how much you love him the moment you expressed it in your mind and wrote it on paper. It didn't require a stamp and transmmission by the USPS. It was received by him and played an important part in his transition. May your tears, anger, confusion some day soon be crowded out by fond memories and a sense of trust that life works in mysterious ways. Eventually this trust will bring you and all affected by the loss of your brother to peace and goodness. Meantime, keep reaching out as you so wisely have been doing.<br /> Jere </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=159#post-244 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:39:05 +0000 jls 244@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Dear Mandy,<br /> Your emotional agony over the loss of your brother and the role you feel you could have effected in changing this outcome if only you had sent the unstamped letter compels me to write. Forgive me if I say something wrong, for I am only trying to ease the roller coaster of your emotions.<br /> Love doesn't require words or paper or even physical proximity to be received by another. I believe, from experiences of my own, that your brother received your expression of how much you love him the moment you expressed it in your mind and wrote it on paper. It didn't require a stamp and transmmission by the USPS. It was received by him and played an important part in his transition. May your tears, anger, confusion some day soon be crowded out by fond memories and a sense of trust that life works in mysterious ways. Eventually this trust will bring you and all affected by the loss of your brother to peace and goodness. Meantime, keep reaching out as you so wisely have been doing.<br /> Jere </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=159#post-243 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:39:05 +0000 jls 243@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Dear Mandy,<br /> Your emotional agony over the loss of your brother and the role you feel you could have effected in changing this outcome if only you had sent the unstamped letter compels me to write. Forgive me if I say something wrong, for I am only trying to ease the roller coaster of your emotions.<br /> Love doesn't require words or paper or even physical proximity to be received by another. I believe, from experiences of my own, that your brother received your expression of how much you love him the moment you expressed it in your mind and wrote it on paper. It didn't require a stamp and transmmission by the USPS. It was received by him and played an important part in his transition. May your tears, anger, confusion some day soon be crowded out by fond memories and a sense of trust that life works in mysterious ways. Eventually this trust will bring you and all affected by the loss of your brother to peace and goodness. Meantime, keep reaching out as you so wisely have been doing.<br /> Jere </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=159#post-242 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:39:05 +0000 jls 242@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Dear Mandy,<br /> Your emotional agony over the loss of your brother and the role you feel you could have effected in changing this outcome if only you had sent the unstamped letter compels me to write. Forgive me if I say something wrong, for I am only trying to ease the roller coaster of your emotions.<br /> Love doesn't require words or paper or even physical proximity to be received by another. I believe, from experiences of my own, that your brother received your expression of how much you love him the moment you expressed it in your mind and wrote it on paper. It didn't require a stamp and transmmission by the USPS. It was received by him and played an important part in his transition. May your tears, anger, confusion some day soon be crowded out by fond memories and a sense of trust that life works in mysterious ways. Eventually this trust will bring you and all affected by the loss of your brother to peace and goodness. Meantime, keep reaching out as you so wisely have been doing.<br /> Jere </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=176#post-241 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:24:23 +0000 jls 241@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>It was right before the school day began on the very last day of the school year and the very last day of my teaching career. I was on a 'high' as students came into my room to give one last goodbye. When the last of the student visits ended, the teacher with whom I shared my room read me an email announcing the death that very morning of our beloved school psychologist, a woman who had, prior to her diagnosis of brain cancer the preceding fall, been pursuing a second doctorate in order to prepare for the needs of autistic children. Here I had been savoring such happiness at the very time her family was experiencing the depths of grief. I was sitting with my head in my hands when one of my 5th grade girls came into the room. "Mrs. S,' she queried tentatively from the door. I looked up and managed what I thought was a welcoming smile. She nevertheless sensed my distress, rushed over, and wrapped her arms around me. As I blurted out the news I had just heard and sobbed uncontrollably, she stroked my hair and held me tight. It didn't matter to her that she would be late for class. This dear ten-year-old girl was the adult at that moment nurturing to someone in need. How lucky we are as a society that our children are capable of random acts of kindness. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=159#post-240 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:22:41 +0000 Mike Dukart 240@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Ed,<br /> Your posts ARE great. I am not much of a blogger and I've just found this one - thanks to you. It is nice to read your thoughts and reflections on the STN advance earlier this fall. I am impressed and humbled by your focus and determination, and all the more honored to have had the opportunity to get to know you just a little bit. It was such a treat to have met everyone that stunning weekend. I will try to check in more often, because it is inspiring to hear your successes. Thanks Ed, and keep kicking ass.</p> <p>Mandy,<br /> I've just read of your loss - I send my thoughts and condolences and love to you. It was a pleasure spending time with you last fall; I have thought back of your exuberance and good vibes that weekend. And smiled. I would guess that your overwhelming positive outlook has been tested these past few months. Know that I believe in you without a doubt - and I don't hardly know you at all. You made such an impression on our little tribe. Thanks for reaching out.</p> <p>Mac </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=28#post-239 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:02:29 +0000 Mortimore Snurdley 239@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>This is the best model ever for processing learning!!!! </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=176#post-238 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:29:58 +0000 mpatnode 238@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>A couple of weeks ago my Daughter and my two Grandsons spent the night at our house - visiting us while their dad was away hunting deer for the weekend. My two grandsons provided my wife and I with a with one such enexpected random act of kindness. </p> <p>My wife and I had awoke and went downstairs to make the morning coffee. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, we found the two grandsons playing quietly in our living room. The younger one (8 years old), in a very quiet and concerned voice, asked, "Grandpa, I hope we didn't wake you - we were trying to be extra quiet so you could sleep".</p> <p>What a heart warming gift from two very young and sensitive boys. Smiles and hugs followed as my wife and I were so touched by such small boys with such big and thoughtful hearts. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=180#post-237 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:22:54 +0000 mpatnode 237@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <br /> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=176#post-236 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:50:21 +0000 Sarah 236@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>I was in the grocery store in the meat department with a $2 coupon for boneless, skinless chicken breast. What made this such a great deal was the chicken was on special that week, when combined with the coupon it was nearly 1/2 off. I had almost got what I wanted when I saw a lady come up to look at the chicken. My gut said she needed the coupon more than I did, so I offered it to her and said how it was a great deal. She thanked me and said she was trying to figure out what to fix for her kids for dinner that night. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=176#post-235 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:06:40 +0000 dcreager 235@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>A young woman I know was recently divorced and is struggling with bills. I have paid her utility bills anonymously for a few months and we will be delivering a sack of toys to her house anonymously to help with Christmas. I did this once before about 10 years ago and had lunch with that young woman a few months ago, who told me about her and her new husband helping some families through their Church. She said it meant a lot to her because someone had done the same for her 10 years ago and she'd never forgotten it! It's cool that she still doesn't know who did it! </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=179#post-234 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:31:12 +0000 ADK Hiker 234@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>I love the 4 quandrants tool. I've shared this tool with many of my clients to help people get their expectations met. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=178#post-233 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:51:49 +0000 Tim Walther 233@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Wow do I love this quote. Koch - you are the man! Every great deed begins with one step. And this is often the most difficult step of all. As you well know... that first step out of the tent for the alpine start... the first step out the door on that dreary day for a run... and the first words of a difficult conversation. Do not wait - Begin it now! </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=178#post-232 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:40:34 +0000 Stephen Koch 232@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>"Whatever you can do, or even think you can, do it now. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it!" - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe</p> <p>This quote has inspired me on many occasions to take action on my dreams. I had it up on my wall during my quest to snowboard on the seven summits. It is being put back up on my wall as soon as I finish this post, to help re-infuse me with the belief that I can do anything! </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=159#post-231 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:19:51 +0000 EdBradley 231@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>When I first wrote on the forum, I figured there would be a lot of responses to my "great" post. I was a little disappointed when I didn't but got over it quickly. A funny thing happened though. I found as I typed my post and/or thought about it later, it really helped me be able to sit back and look at the story outside of myself and that turned out to be a great benefit, so I have kept on posting. Another thing that helped that I thought back to a conversation I had with Mike Dukart in Jackson about his experience as an Outward Bound instructor. I thought he would be able to tell me how all the students come out inspired, but he thought only one or two out of a group of twelve showed those signs. I think about that a good bit and don't expect everyone to join the forum and also I don't get discouraged when I find myself in a leader role and don't get run over with enthusiasm. You can't force those prisoners and vacationers into the leader group. But, if you made it this far to read this, I encourage you to post something today and check back often. Put the website in your favorite list as a reminder.</p> <p>I not only get a benefit from writing posts, but reading them as well which I guess is the normal benefit. Just a few days ago member Annie71 wrote a comment under "Reverse Debrief" which I read and responded to because it happened to hit home. </p> <p>Certainly there are a few tools that you are using that you can share with us and a few tools you may want to see some examples of to help in your growth. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=165#post-230 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:27:14 +0000 EdBradley 230@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Thanks Annie71,</p> <p>It sounds like we have pretty similar story lines with our sons. It is easy to get caught up in the challanges that are right in front of us and think we are the only ones who are stressed or are facing these "terrible" issues. It is always a reality check when you hear other people talk about their issues which are sometimes very similar or as you wrote, much more complicated. Thanks for your post, I shared it with my wife as our reality check. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=177#post-229 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:31:03 +0000 The Practitioner 229@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Here is one of my life quotes:</p> <p>Your Decisions determine your direction.</p> <p>Lee W. Livermore<br /> The Practitioner </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=176#post-228 Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:55:21 +0000 lisavandergriff 228@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>I was in the grocery store last week when a couple with 2 young children were purchasing a small amount of dog food and a large box of Pampers. The clerk gave them their total due and it was 15.00 over what they had. They had just moved to Alaska and the bank account would not transfer until the next day. They paid for the dog food and left the Pampers. I had the clerk ring them up with my purchases and handed them the box of Pampers. They were totally surprised and I was happy to help. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=175#post-227 Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:47:36 +0000 HealthyLivingActivist 227@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Anything we set out to do, we must do it with our full attention and focus, fueled by passion and blessed by highest intent. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=127#post-226 Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:58:36 +0000 Minnos 226@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>I have always loved to climb mountains and take on challenges, outward challenges; rocking climbing blind folded, hiking over 14,000 Ft peaks with almost no hiking experience, solo camping in the wilderness with no camping experience and others. These experiences added confidence and were great adventures but also tended to overshadow inward challenges. Hiking up Mt Antero, Greys and Torrey Peaks, and others is easy, at least in comparison to climbing the mountain of self. I have worked on climbing the mountain of self, but in less dramatic ways and mostly in solitude and with the guidance of great books. Also, seeking inward has almost always been driven by pain.</p> <p>Recently, while re-reading Seeking True North, I was reminded of tools, some I use but many I am not practicing. I am letting busy-ness drive my life. I read a lot but lately only with business and technical focuses. With the help of the tools I've used I have reached a level of some success and contentment. At times I feel like I am standing on top of the mountain and just have to do enough to stay there. The reality however, I have only climbed high enough that I do not see all of the steps I've missed or steps I've forgotten. Pain has always been my motivator for personal growth but I am realizing that success can and should be a driver as well. With some areas of life going so well it is time to take on the hard personal challenges. It is easier to ignore those untouched areas, but realize that is the true threat to maintaining success and happiness. While standing on solid ground I am ready to continue the climb knowing it is not just for the youngest, after all, searching is a life time journey. Now back to the book... </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=68#post-225 Sat, 29 Nov 2008 08:38:05 +0000 gjkelly 225@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>The first difference is the look I get. It is one of curiosity that says “did you really just say that?” The next difference is the response. I get one that is either what was intended in the first place, or a conversation that helps to clarify the issue and get to a clear resolution. This has become very effective when facilitating business improvement sessions with clients as well as project teams. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=174#post-224 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:26:30 +0000 Garrett Sullivan 224@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>As I was growing up my Mother used to tell us over and over that "to whom much is given, much is expected" and that was my charge in life.<br /> As many of us do, we told this to our children.<br /> However, as we got older it began to dawn on my wife and I that we had and continue to experience, phonomenal success in life in the area of spirtual life, business, investments, and our children among many other areas.<br /> We also found our children had listen to our charge and were doing many volunteer efforts that supported this charge. For example, my son is in the Peace Corps in Peru helping a village in the Andes Mountains.<br /> The big question came after my wife donated a kidney altruistly asked me at age 50 if I wanted to adopt to special needs older child from China.<br /> We talked and thought about it alone, as well as well as with our three biological children. We went for it and adopted a 12 year girl from China three years ago. Strange thing though, when we picked her up in China, we met a very kindred spirited girl named Zhi Hao who was also 12 years old and who was losing her roommate of sevaral years. We decided to go back for her as soon as possible, which took 12 months.<br /> I currently serve on the Board of Directors of an adoption agency and find myself drawn to adopt an African child after we returned from helping an african contractor build an orphanage.<br /> Many people say "Oh that is so wonerful, you have three biological children and two adopted children. No, I say it has been a wonderfully complex adventure and feel that we are fullfilling my Mother's charge from long ago. I belive strongly that we are all charge with this same admonition, and encourage you to consider incorporating it in your life. You will be richly rewarded! </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=68#post-223 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:11:42 +0000 Tim Walther 223@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>I'm interested to hear about the diffeence in RESPONSE that you have gotten when changing from WHAT do you mean to HOW. Clearly a positive, impactful tool... but HOW has it impacted your life? </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=47#post-222 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:06:44 +0000 HB 222@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>One of my goals is to finish writing my 100 goals...</p> <p>No, in all sincerity - this tool is my favorite. Mainly because the process of writing goals down is not new to me. But writing them down continuously, in this specific process, allowed me to get beyond the "noise" in my mind to a place of quite - where I could hear what my true goals really are and where I could discover ways of expressing long-held goals in new and more clear words.</p> <p>Thank you for this tool, and for the continued mentorship.</p> <p>Holly Baade<br /> Creative Director<br /> Grand Dynamics </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=68#post-221 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:34:27 +0000 gjkelly 221@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Such a simple thing... I was talking with a past CFMA president who attended Spring Creek some time ago. I was telling him about my experience and the book "Seeking True North." He starting talking about his experience. He said the one thing he will not forget and uses frequently is "how do you mean?"</p> <p>I find I am using it often as well as recommending it to others. </p> <p>Gretchen </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=173#post-220 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:26:49 +0000 Katie Eng 220@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>On the bus, there's always this one girl that gets made fun of for being taller than most other kids in the grade. Many of the guys often call her "a giant" or "huge." It's really not funny. One day, I just got really sick of it. No need to be like that. So, just as one of them finished calling her nasty names, I simply told him to "be quiet - he didn't know what he was talking about." And he did shut up afterwards. </p>