Jeff Flesch 6:00 pm on January 3, 2021
Tags: 2020, 2021 ( 2 ), blogger's diary ( 35 ), blogging ( 56 ), newseries, pandemic ( 8 ), reflection ( 77 ), socialjustice ( 2 ), takingaction ( 9 ), Writing

21: On Writing, 2 New Series, and Reflecting

Alright, as we embark on a new year, it only seems fitting to, yes, take a look at last week’s writing real quick, and then? Well, we’ll take a look at two new series I am working on for this new year; one launched, and one in production. And, then a small reflection on this past year, and my hopes for 2021. Let’s get started, shall we? Good. Here we go.

Writing

Though I did work a little last week, I was on official holiday, as it is the only time each year that the college closes. Meaning, I had more time to write. A few more posts were published, and I did some writing for future weeks, which was really nice. Here then, is what was published last week.

Nice. Funnily enough, one of my favorite posts this week was the baking post. Different, and fun. Next week? Yep.

I’ve got two posts scheduled already, one for Friday morning, and one for Saturday morning. The former is the second installment, though it is written as the first, in the My One Thing series, which I’ll write more about in a minute, and then the latter is the second-half of the second installment in the Leadership series.

I also have several poems written, and am also working on scheduling those in advance. Though, again, with poetry, I like the space to create on the fly, as insights occur. I’ll be managing that balance as we move forward this year.

Alright, new series time.

New Series

I describe the insight behind the My One Thing series in the upcoming installment. Yet, real quick, will write that I am excited about a series that will cover, and capture, a moment in time, and expand out to, well, life, I suppose. The main idea behind the series is to focus and write about My One Thing of the moment, or evening, morning, afternoon, day, week, month, quarter, year, or longer.

You can see an example of this new series in the baking post above. And, the second?

I’ve been looking into and researching haikus, and I have to say they are quite beautiful. I’ve read many from your amazing blogs, and am currently reflecting upon creating a haiku series.

Though I love the stream of consciousness involved in poetry, there is also something quite magical about a 5, 7, 5 syllable sound pattern that is exquisite in its creation and manifestation. I am going to create a few haikus over the next week, and then, we will see.

Alright, how about a quick reflection.

Reflection

As I look back at last year, I see a lot of pain, anger, frustration, worry, sadness, grief, and, well, many other emotions and actions, which I definitely felt and worked through this year, and I know were present for people around the world.

We were taken on a world upending, in many ways, tour de force of the power of nature. And, though the aforementioned emotions and actions were a reality, I did also see other emotions and actions in play this past year. Such as?

Acts of kindness, generosity, love, compassion, empathy, reciprocity, and many more. Yes, it was a tough year, yet even in that toughness there was also beauty.

Which leads me into my hopes to see more kindness, generosity, love, compassion, empathy, and reciprocity this coming year. As I’ve mentioned before, there is a lot of work to do in this country from many perspectives, equity and justice being one of them.

I look forward to progress this year on the continual dismantling of the, still in place, systems and structures of oppression in this country; and, I have hope that the vaccine will, at the very least, prepare a runway for us all to be back together again at some point this year.

Until then?

Continue to take the actions we can to create the world we all want to see and live in. It doesn’t matter how small or large the actions are. It’s not about that. It’s about taking that one step, that one action.

And, on that note, I’ll leave you this week with a quote that speaks to that point.

“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” -Dalai Lama
AZ Quotes

Have a lovely upcoming week everyone.

#2020, #2021, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #newseries, #pandemic, #reflection, #socialjustice, #takingaction, #writing

Jeff Flesch 6:52 pm on December 27, 2020
Tags: .poetry ( 531 ), blogger's diary ( 35 ), blogging ( 56 ), Business ( 10 ), diary ( 30 ), goal setting ( 5 ), holidays, leadership ( 54 ), linkedin ( 2 ), newyear, objectives ( 2 ), poem ( 568 ), priorities ( 2 ), systems ( 3 ), videos ( 3 ), vision ( 14 ), Writing

A Blogger’s Diary 12/27/20: On Writing, Goal-Setting, Systems, and the Holidays

Well, this past week, I had an insight about writing. An insight that was derived from some of the blogs I follow. Yes, some of you, so thank you. The insight? Sure.

Namely, to write and schedule posts in advance. I’ve not done something like this on a regular basis, yet I can definitely see the utility, especially when during normal work times, of which this particular time period is not. So?

Well, I’ll get to that in a moment. First, let’s take a look at this week’s writing. Here we go.

Writing

Yep, lots of poetry. Fun. And, this week? Sure.

As I was writing about above, I already have two posts scheduled for next weekend. An article on leadership, and one on vulnerability. It’s nice to have those written and scheduled, which will allow me to get back to work on the leadership series, the reflection series, and the social construction series next week. Excited.

Goal-Setting

I’m present to goal-setting today, as I’ve created a new vision for some of my upcoming engagement on LinkedIn, and have set new goals within that vision. Of course, I’ve also created priorities that are connected to both the long-term, and short-term goals.

If goal-setting is something you’d like to learn more about, you can learn more about how I think about goal-setting in this article, Create A Vision For Your Future Self in 5 Minutes.

Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash

Systems

And, when you have goals that live within your vision, whether that is personal or professional, you need a system to put it into. I’ve written a couple articles about creating systems, and will share my LinkedIn system with you here.

There we go. That was fun. I do love venngage. Anyway, here we can see the department priorities, and then one way that I will take action next quarter to create more engagement through LinkedIn (LI). You will see there are some blog series listed, which are not actually a reality yet, however, that’s how goal-setting works.

First you create the vision, then the objectives, then the priorities, and then? Well, you get to work. I am excited about the opportunity to discuss the new series with you in the future.

Okay, let’s turn to holidays, shall we? Good. Here we go.

The Holidays

Wow, what a lovely time of year. I do love the holiday, as I’ve written about before. It’s more the time of year, when we are heading into deeper winter, and I can start to see the spring not far off.

Well, it’s still a ways off at this point, however, in the Pac Northwest, the days start to get noticeably longer in January. And, I do love longer days, and the possibility of more sun as we head towards March.

Though, we had a gorgeously sunny day today. Beautiful.

Though I didn’t travel this holiday, we did Zoom calls, like lots of people, and that was nice. I also spent time with my oldest son, playing frisbee golf in the rain and cold, yet it was so nice to spend time with him. We made a sweet potato and butternut squash chili, and had dark chocolate cranberry bread for dessert.

Yes, of course I made the bread from scratch! I love to cook and bake, which I don’t know that I’ve written about before. Anyway, the bread was delicious.

Alright, that’s all for this entry.

As we approach the New Year, I want to wish you all the best in the coming week, and in the coming year. I am so excited about this next year. Seriously. I am excited to continue to create and write, and continue to engage with your beautiful creations.

Stay healthy and well, and enjoy your week.

#poetry, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #business, #diary, #goal-setting, #holidays, #leadership, #linkedin, #newyear, #objectives, #poem, #priorities, #systems, #videos, #vision, #writing

Jeff Flesch 12:51 pm on December 26, 2020
Tags: .poetry ( 531 ), friends ( 11 ), Life ( 507 ), Love ( 509 ), poem ( 568 ), Poems ( 279 ), Writing

Friends

I saw you
That first time
From across
The playground,

Though there were
So many people around,

You
Sure did stand out

They called me shy
Back then,
So as our eyes met,
I turned on my heel

In fret

Of the unknown, which
You conjured
In, my, then
Burgeoning

Imagination

And, the anticipation
Of our first real
Meeting, which
Filled me

With so many
Strange
And never
Felt before feelings

Of mystery

Inside my own
Young history

And, when you did
Approach?

I started for the door,
And you captured
My hand, and
Said, don’t

Be afraid, your
Safe with me
In the shade, of

Our first encounter
And, oh, what a joy
I did feel,
As my heart sped,

And then so did
My head

With thoughts of fancy,
And love
At first sight,
You were such a delight-

-ful being, grace and
Composure, a rock on
My shoulder, countenance
And magic

All rolled into one

For I did shelter in your
Embrace,
For many a year,
Through storms and triumphs,

All given with such grace
And composure
Even through
The most

Difficult

Exposure
To pain,

You were always
At my side, rain or
Shine,

I never did fear
You would slide away
Or hide, come what may

Why?

Because you were
The first,
For all the rest
Were measured against,

My true love,
And first real friend

#poetry, #friends, #life, #love, #poem, #poems, #writing

Jeff Flesch 8:00 am on December 25, 2020
Tags: .poetry ( 531 ), anticipation ( 3 ), christmas ( 2 ), Life ( 507 ), Love ( 509 ), poem ( 568 ), Poems ( 279 ), Writing

Christmas Day

Like no other
The preparation
Made good, the day
Is finally here,

My dear,

Weeks of anticipation,
Bringing us to this,
The final moment, and

Oh, what frustration
And melancholy
Did I once feel

For most of the duration
Of this last round of
Preparation

No matter, the weeks
Of turmoil, counting each
Paper link in the chain,
Red, and green,

Yes, they did alternate

Each
With the unwritten name,
Of a day
In the month

Unlike yours, of course
Which is, and
Forever will be
The most hallowed of all

The twenty-fifth

And though we may not
Have always had a lot
There was always
Something hidden

Under the tree,
At that one spot, which
Became a memory
Of a mostly unspoken

Love, shared between
Four people, yes,
With their own turmoil
In the air, yet

The love did see
Through the trying
Times, and even, in a way
Brought us closer

At once beyond repair
And wholy complete in
This life-long love affair

A paradox?

I think not, more like
A life lived at both extremes
As we continue to dream
About all of our cares

And desires for a
Brighter world,
Beyond the pain,
And suffering

We can all bear

And on this 25th?

At once,
Please take care
And remember,
You are loved

By many, my dear

Merry Christmas, everyone.

#poetry, #anticipation, #christmas, #life, #love, #poem, #poems, #writing

Jeff Flesch 4:26 pm on December 23, 2020
Tags: .poetry ( 531 ), joy ( 34 ), Life ( 507 ), Love ( 509 ), poem ( 568 ), Poems ( 279 ), Writing

Joy

I think of you
And smile,
Even if it’s been a while

You’re always awaiting
My return, when lost
And even when I feel
A bit cursed

I don’t have memory
Of your not being there,
Even in the times of my
Greatest despair

A rock, solid and caring
Never taking, only ever
Holding my hand without
Any fanfare

Trust that is deep
As the ocean, and clear
As the sky, on a very bright
And oh so sunny daytime

Love so immense,
I’d never second-guess
What’s coming, especially
When I can feel your forthcoming

Return, as if you ever left

No, that’s my confusion
At best, and,

It’s okay
To sometimes be confused
And unsure,
It happens at times, my friend

In those times, remember
This truth, if I may be so bold,
And convey this last sentiment

Joy is always there,
A part of you and I
On it we can rely

Simply look within,
And remember the feeling
Of joy when often repeating

And bring forth that joy
Thereof, which is always
Within you, my love

#poetry, #joy, #life, #love, #poem, #poems, #writing

Jeff Flesch 6:18 pm on December 20, 2020
Tags: blogger'sdiary ( 9 ), diary ( 30 ), harukimurakami ( 2 ), listening ( 3 ), louderthanariot, onwriting ( 6 ), reading ( 5 ), resistance ( 3 ), sriramanamaharshi, stimulation, theoffice, Writing

A Blogger’s Diary 12/20/20: On Writing, Reading, Listening, and Stimulation

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is john-mark-smith-f_chim0kcy4-unsplash.jpg — Photo by John-Mark Smith on Unsplash

Alright, another week closer to this year’s end, and entering deeper into winter, which, for where I currently live, means more, well, a ton more rain to be accurate. Whereas, I didn’t grow up in a very rainy area, Los Angeles is, of course, known for sun most of the time, I am more comfortable with the rainy weather these days.

And, yes, writing did occur this week, and here is what that looked like.

Writing

One of my goals this week was to get, The Leadership Series Part 2.5: Why Developing the Self is Always the First Step in Leadership completed, and that did not happen. Next week. Yes, so what about next week? Let’s take a look.

In the poetry realm, I have a few ideas. I am thinking about two poems right now, one on flow, and one on force, which will be fun. And, then the aforementioned leadership article will be a focus next week, as will another entry in the social construction series. I’m not sure about the latter just yet. Meaning, the topic. Not sure.

I’ve also got a couple of ideas about creating vision, and managing the gap between your current reality and your future projected reality, or the real and ideal in leadership terms. Alright, how about reading. Sure, let’s go.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is gaelle-marcel-l8snwgunqbu-unsplash.jpg — Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash

Reading

Well, I am still working on, or, rather, finishing, the book about and by Sri Ramana Maharshi, and I am now reading Killing Commendatore, which I started last week. And?

It is a very Haruki Murakami type book, which means? That, so far, it is awesome. Of course, it starts with a prologue, and the main character is painting a portrait of a client that has no face, or rather has a face of mist. And then?

Then Murakami begins to create the world you’ll be entering into, all of the typical trials and tribulations and the emotional breakdowns and breakthroughs that follow for the main character. I’ve only read about 60 pages, and Murakami has already covered a lot of ground.

I am looking forward to discussing what I’ve read thus far with the remote book club tonight. How about listening? A new entry topic this week. Ready? Good. Here we go.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ilias-chebbi-2gpfqhefvz8-unsplash.jpg — Photo by Ilias Chebbi on Unsplash

Listening

Though podcasts have been around for well over 25 years, I didn’t start listening to podcasts until about 5 years ago. I know, I know, I am now playing catch up. Fun!

Here are a couple of podcasts, which you may not have heard of, and are very good.

Alright, so I have a soft spot for the television show the office. Fun. And, an Oral History of the Office does a great job recounting just how hard it was to get that show on the air in the United States. A very interesting and entertaining podcast.

Louder Than A Riot was one that I stumbled onto, as I listen to most of my music on Spotify, and I caught an ad about the new podcast. Wow. The podcast traces systematic and structural racism in this county in regard to hip-hop. A caution. The episodes are raw and explicit. The topics they cover are so important, and the two hosts, Rodney Carmichael and Sidney Madden, are stellar.

Resistance is one I just found this past week, and it traces systematic and structural racism in the United States through the lens of protesters all across the country. I’ve listened to most of the episodes already, and they are well done. Again, the host, Saidu Tejan Thomas Jr., does a fantastic job. This podcast is also raw and explicit.

Alright, that was fun. I recommend all three. How about stimulation? Yep, here we go.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is luis-reynoso-ukwvxhkkhxu-unsplash.jpg — Photo by Luis Reynoso on Unsplash

Stimulation

It has occurred to me off and on over the past several weeks, and I’m sure I’ve written about it, that stimulation is something that I monitor. Important. Why?

Because when we are constantly stimulated with work, computer screens, phones, television, even conversation, we are depleting our vital energies. And? That’s oaky, we just need to be aware that replenishment is needed and necessary.

What can we do? Well, there are many things. All of which we have discussed in previous posts. My favorites? Yep, there are two that I consider paramount.

Meditation
Walking

So important. Both meditation and walking get me away from all stimulation, and, in a way, create a reset of sorts. Simply meaning, they restore my energy levels. Oh, and there is one more. Naps. I take several naps now each week. Super refreshing.

What we do to get our quiet and reenergizing time matters less than we get it. That I get it, and that you get it. So?

If you’re not getting enough replenishment time for yourself, make sure to create that time. It can start with simply leaving the computer station, or setting the phone down, and walking out the door for a walk. Really important.

Alright, that’s all for this week.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and a lovely remainder of 2020.

Be well.

#bloggersdiary, #diary, #harukimurakami, #listening, #louderthanariot, #onwriting, #reading, #resistance, #sriramanamaharshi, #stimulation, #theoffice, #writing

Jeff Flesch 6:29 pm on December 15, 2020
Tags: .poetry ( 531 ), Life ( 507 ), Love ( 509 ), poem ( 568 ), Poems ( 279 ), simple ( 2 ), simpler, Writing

Simpler

Some things
Reminiscent
Of times gone by

As we try to keep up

With a never ending
Progression, and
A quite often felt
Concession

Of what we know
And want

Yet, we continue
The chase

Caught in a race
Started
Well Before
Our space was made

In this, yes,
Very beautiful place

We prioritize the
Next thing,
Without, maybe
Thinking

About the best thing
So,

When the opportunity
Next arises,
Think twice, and
Maybe choose

A space
That reflects

A simpler life,
Which is always
Calling

Even when we
Resist, nay
Persist
In the chase

Allow yourself
The opportunity
To slow down,
And open up

To something
A little simpler

In response to WDYS#60 on Keep It Alive, by Sadje.

#poetry, #life, #love, #poem, #poems, #simple, #simpler, #writing

Jeff Flesch 7:07 pm on December 13, 2020
Tags: blog ( 17 ), blogger ( 29 ), blogger's diary ( 35 ), blogging ( 56 ), diary ( 30 ), Haruki Murakami, innovation ( 11 ), leadership ( 54 ), leadershipdevelopment ( 45 ), reading ( 5 ), transformation ( 22 ), videos ( 3 ), vulnerability ( 22 ), Writing

A Blogger’s Diary 12/13/20: On Writing, Reading, Videoing, and Vulnerability

Alright, another busy week, and, yep, also not busy. I’ve not started an entry that way before, have I? Nope. Why?

Well, it occurred to me this past week that in even the busiest times, when we feel like life is moving faster than we can follow along, there is always time. Now, granted, we have to create it, yet it does exist. In these pandemic days, I just wanted to make sure this is known. More time for yourself, for myself, is creatable.

Writing

Okay, now, into the writing that occurred this past week. Here we go.

And this week? Yep.

I’m currently working on a couple of new posts, which are.

The Social Construction Series Part 9: The Social Construction of Power
The Leadership Series Part 2.5: Why Developing the Self is Always the First Step in Leadership

I thought getting one of these published this week might happen, alas, that will not be the case. However, I do feel pretty confident about getting them both completed next week. We shall see. And, as I always say, or, rather, write, that is the fun part of the process. Not really knowing, and being at peace with that.

Now, let’s discuss the remote book club a little.

Reading

I’ve had so much fun with the remote book club. Last week, as we discussed in my last diary post, we finished Anxious People, and are now onto my choice, Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami. I’m a big Murakami fan, so I am super excited about this next book.

In my diary entry last week, I also wrote about connection and communication, and I’d like to report that having the additional connection and communication with the local folks in the remote book club has been amazing. Fun.

August, 2020

Videoing

Well, I’ve not written about creating videos in some time. Why? Well, I’ve been putting more time into my writing, and so the videos have been deprioritized. However, I have a whole new vision for video engagement, especially for LinkedIn, and so will be creating some new videos in the next quarter.

If you’ve not seen any of my videos, and are interested, due check out my Youtube channel. I’ve only had the channel for a short time, and find that creating videos is a beneficial way to connect with people from an audio/visual learning perspective.

You can also check out the videos on my site right here. Wow, I’ve not added a new video to the website since June. Phew. It’s been a little longer than I realized. Well, that just means there’s that much more to create!

Vulnerability

I’ve written many articles on vulnerability. All of them intended to create the importance of actively being aware of how vulnerability can be transformational to both our personal and professional development. Seriously transformational.

I am resetting them here, as I do also believe that in the future we will need as much innovation as possible. And? Well, one of the gateways to unleashing creative potential is learning to be vulnerable. Alright, here are those articles.

Wow. That’s fun.

Alright, that’s this week’s entry.

Please stay healthy and well, and have a wonderful week.

#blog, #blogger, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #diary, #haruki-murakami, #innovation, #leadership, #leadershipdevelopment, #reading, #transformation, #videos, #vulnerability, #writing

Jeff Flesch 10:32 am on December 12, 2020
Tags: .poetry ( 531 ), connection ( 125 ), imagination ( 8 ), Life ( 507 ), Love ( 509 ), nature ( 350 ), poem ( 568 ), Poems ( 279 ), questanddestination, Writing

Nature

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is blake-richard-verdoorn-cssvezachvq-unsplash.jpg — Photo by Blake Richard Verdoorn on Unsplash

Is profound in its bounty
A real and exquisite
Truth

Set
Before our
Very eyes,

As we continue to
Reconcile the truth
And become wise

Of the mystery
Hidden in plainview

Take, the flower,

Petals mirroring
Each other, and
Working

Together
While shimmering
In the bristling dawn

Of a new sun

Held together
By a single
Stem

One
Like all the rest

Imagination separates
You and I, yet
We are just like the flower

Where our power is
In the recognition
Of our hidden
Vision

Of a new structure
Like the stem
Only ever
Our

One true gem

The web
That connects us,
My friend, is as real

As you and I

A single beating heart
Pumping a life force
Some call God

It matters not
The Name
For it is
The

Reverence we hold
That’s the aim
Of our quest

For our true
Nature,
Not the nomenclature

It’s the feeling
Of that connection
That besets us upon
The road toward our very

Nature

Have a wondeful weekend, everyone.

#poetry, #connection, #imagination, #life, #love, #nature, #poem, #poems, #questanddestination, #writing

Jeff Flesch 7:44 pm on December 9, 2020
Tags: ego ( 4 ), Life ( 507 ), lllusion, Love ( 509 ), poem ( 568 ), Poems ( 279 ), reality ( 42 ), Writing

Ego

A creation
Like all others
Profound in nature, yet

Also a false identification

Of a created self
Which is of little help
As we navigate the world, and

Sometimes yelp

With worries and fears,
Which are part of an illusion,
And, yes
Also a mind in confusion, and oh

What an intrusion

Into the peace
We seek

Believe me,
Though
We are not meek, so

Take heart and
Continue to
Seek, and

Know
That all
Just
Is

As it is supposed to be
Because, friend
You are already
Ego free

#ego, #life, #lllusion, #love, #poem, #poems, #reality, #writing

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Develop. Inspire. Transform.

Poetry and Prose by #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow, Co-Author of #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women, and Jan/Feb 2022 Spillwords Press Author of the Month

Tag Archives: Writing

A Blogger’s Diary 1/3/21: On Writing, 2 New Series, and Reflecting

Writing

New Series

Reflection

A Blogger’s Diary 12/27/20: On Writing, Goal-Setting, Systems, and the Holidays

Writing

Goal-Setting

Systems

The Holidays

Friends

Christmas Day

Joy

A Blogger’s Diary 12/20/20: On Writing, Reading, Listening, and Stimulation

Writing

Reading

Listening

Stimulation

Simpler

A Blogger’s Diary 12/13/20: On Writing, Reading, Videoing, and Vulnerability

Writing

Reading

Videoing

Vulnerability

Nature

Ego