LUE-42 Enterprises July 2022 Ezine

I Believe In Fairness, Fun, And Sharing What I’ve Learned With The People Who Make This Planet A Great Place To Live

Issue 137, July 2022

Hi friends, June was one of those long months when not-for-profits cram in all the board meetings, AGMs, planning retreats, and board development sessions so they can (hopefully) give boards at least July off. Hey, I've done it too, but for a governance consultant such as me, it's like Cheers and Cliff Clayvin's 27 year phenomenon when both the Sears and Spiegel catalogues need to be delivered at once! (Quote)

When I wasn't working or sorting/culling old photos and letters, I was on the road. I hit Vancouver, Calgary (twice), Ghost River, Golden, and St. Albert. Some work, some pleasure, some football (which isn't all that pleasurable lately but I still love it). I got to scatter some of Brian's ashes at Granville Island, a place he loved that he taught me to love, too.

I have been surrounded by amazing friends and a supportive family as I've navigated some difficult waters this month. At least the laughs are starting to come as easily as the tears now.

If you've been struggling with the futility of all the polarizing opinions on everything from soup to nuts these days, give yourself a break and read the short story of the Donkey and the Tiger.

It has been interesting getting back into in-person meetings and large venues for events. I am still pretty hesitant and, because I have a big FOMO issue, I make myself go anyway. It is a test of my own resilience as well as my supply of masks and hand sanitizer to keep putting myself out there.

I saw the play Hamilton while in Vancouver and now I see what all the fuss is about. I've since researched the show, and now I need to see it again. For those who were worried they missed the dialogue, I know why! This article says that typical Broadway show uses about 59 - 77 words per minute (Oklahoma! and Phantom of the Opera respectively). Hamilton averages 144 wpm, with some songs having 200 wpm! I don't feel so stupid now.

I hope you all enjoy your long weekend and have a wonderful July.

/lmwe

“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.”

-- Henry David Thoreau

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.”

-- Steve Jobs

?Empty Brain?

As usual, I've read several articles and encountered several board issues that I'd love to talk to you about...but at the moment my brain is empty! That never happens. In fact, I've avoided mediation my whole life because I can't empty my brain.

I'm going to chalk it up to the Universe telling me that you, dear readers, might also need a break from CONTENT. So I'll give you a month off in exchange for you doing the same for me. Please and thanks!

/lmwe

Declutter Your Mind

I talk a lot these days about clearing the "stuff," but it's important for our brains, too. An article shared 6 things you can do to declutter your mind.

Reduce social media time (it sucks time and plays on our self esteem).
Limit multitasking (it reduces productivity and efficiency).
Declutter your environment (I find just clearing space on my desk helps).
Jot down your thoughts (get them out of your head).
Let go of the past (this might take some work but it's worth it).
Practice meditation and mindfulness (Okay, okay I'll try).

Removing non-essential stuff from our minds helps us focus on what is important.

6 Tips to Help

Decision Making

I have some big decisions ahead. This article says we all have the potential to be good decision-makers (who knew?). Summary:

Take note of the risks you take. Look at the bigger picture & long term effect. (Board people get "risk management").
Have clear goals. The choices you make will align better if you know what you want.
Seek other opinions. This helps you see it from a different perspective.
Have some quiet time. Focus. Don't make decisions when stressed, tired, hungry, or angry. (Oops!)
Examine all options. Weigh available options; be open minded.
Weigh all the possible consequences. Don't just opt for immediate gratification.

Make a mistake? Learn and move on!

Some People Who Made Life Better in June

Barbara Bruce, David Cheoros, Chantelle Chevrier-Painter, Glyn Eales, Graham Faulder, Mandy Foster, Butch Fox, Wanda Hackney, Andrew Hoskins, Janna Jorgensen, Keith Lancastle, Pat Macdonald, Karen MacKenzie, Kelly McClung, Sherrill McGilvray, Paul Rechner, Lori Schmidt, Michelle Sicard, Mike Smith-Knutsen, Dave Sutherland, Greg Swanson, Theresa Tsoukalas, Susan Wanamaker, Lisa Watson, Lil West, My Wood Family

"I wonder what it would be to live in a world where it was always June."

-- L.M. Montgomery