Resilient Wednesday Weekly Memo

*I feel a bit torn this July 4th about hope for the future and hopelessness for the future, so this week’s Resilient Wednesday has two versions. One of hope and one of despair.You choose your own. I know which one I believe.* America is facing one of the most challenging periods in its history, and […]

The other day at the pool, I watched a friend encouraging his three-year-old daughter to jump off the diving board. He was in the water, his arms wide open, ready to catch her. She hesitated and walked back, but he reassured her, suggesting they do it together. Reluctantly, she agreed, and they jumped, looking like

This past weekend was thrilling for golf enthusiasts as the United States Open came down to the wire with an unforgettable finish. Traditionally played on Father’s Day, the final round occurred at Pinehurst in North Carolina, often called the Cathedral of American Golf. My favorite, Rory McIlroy, missed a four-foot putt in a nailbiter finish,

Father’s Day is a time to honor the incredible role fathers play in our lives. This day is uniquely significant for stepfathers, marking a journey of resilience, love, and dedication. My experiences as a stepdad are another element of my resilience learning, one filled with challenges and triumphs, tears and joy, that have shaped my

A few weeks ago, I stopped by the library and found Erik Larson’s newest book about the period between Abraham Lincoln’s election and the beginning of the Civil War. This discovery was a delightful reminder of my childhood when I frequently visited the library to immerse myself in biographies of great people. Lincoln has always

Many of us watched with delight and excitement as Caitlin Clark and Angel Resse battled on the hardwood for a national women’s basketball championship, eventually won by Reese’s Louisiana State Tigers. They’ve both moved onto professional basketball with Clark going to Indiana and Reese playing for the Chicago Sky. Last Sunday, Angel Reese made her

How good an influencer are you? Most people think they are good, but the amount of frustration I see in the workplace tells a different story. Many people’s aggravations at work stem from not having their opinions valued or their ideas implemented. It comes down from lacking an effective persuasion strategy. After completing a presentation

I have some disappointing news for fans of the movie Frozen and good news for fans of the Beatles. Elsa might have missed a beat, but John Lennon hit just the right note. Elsa told us to “Let it Go,” whether about a challenging relationship, unresolved anger, disappointment, or, as Elsa sang, losing her fear

People often inquire about the inspiration behind Resilient Wednesday topics, and I usually share that it springs from daily experiences that resonate with ideas to support others. This week, inspiration struck during a Zoom meditation session centered on enhancing concentration. The leader encouraged us to “start relaxing,” prompting a giggle from me. “Oops, back to

The most powerful stories of resilience are our own. This month, my wife, Sheila K. Collins, is releasing her newest book, The Art of Grieving: How Art and Art Making Help Us Grieve and Live Our Best Lives. This work is the culmination of her work exploring grief through her personal experiences, her work with