LET THE PAST FLOW THROUGH YOUR FINGERS...

I once held many thoughts as gold within my hands - more precious than the air that I breathed...
I watched my accomplishments shine - rivaling the sun with their brilliance…
I hid behind them – holding them up to the world – to hide my shortcoming and inadequacies.

While we all face distractions and disappointments throughout our lives, holding onto what “once was” rather than reaching out for “what could be” is a recipe for disaster. Things once held as valuable slip from our grasp as we grow older. A bright and shining future put on hold because of “global competition.” A secure job ripped from us by the economy. A relationship tarnished by an unanticipated action (or an uncontrolled reaction). Life happens…how we react to it can either advance or stagnate our existence.

I reach out blindly, searching desperately for and grasping onto what once was but shall never be again…
My memories became as but water running through my hands - unable to be contained as they flowed through the grasp of my fingers…
My thoughts provide but a flickering light within my darkened world – a dim presence incapable of providing the fire that once filled me.

We can become absorbed by “what used to be” rather than seeking out “what is” or “what could be” when we live in the past. Far too many individuals seek comfort in the belief that they will “be called back to work shortly” rather than seeking a new beginning or that “things are bound to change” rather than initiating actions that will make change happen. We stagnate ourselves (and those around us) when we establish our value within the things we once did that were successful rather than in what might be possible from this point forward – when we create our identity from “what we were” rather than “who we are.” Seeking comfort in what once was may not be a fatal flaw – but finding shelter from our present reality within the confines of the past will prevent us from ever reaching our full potential.

Life has but birth as a beginning and death as an end - forcing us to travel upon an endless circle of circumstance as we seek meaning to the existence flowing through our fingers…
We must build upon (rather than clinging to) our accomplishments if we are to identify possibilities not yet realized…
We must acknowledge the security our past once provided is gone as new opportunities flow from our hands like a river’s water into a never-ending sea…
We must sail into the unknown horizon leading those willing to follow as we wait for those not yet willing to let go of their past…
We must open our hands to let go of all that has been so we have room within our grasp for what has yet to be.

Though our parents and grandparents may have found security within the four walls of one company or had one home their whole life, few of us will experience life without unexpected or unplanned change – with change being the only certainty in life. People anticipating change intentionally set their course knowing that much time will pass and many considerations will flow through their fingers before anything if accomplished. Since you cannot hold back the waters as they flow through your hands – hold onto the hope that your dreams provide!

THE POWER OF POSSIBLITY

Far too often people determine “what is possible” by defining what cannot be done based upon what they have (or have not) done in the past. They set their goal just below what they think MIGHT BE accomplished as they determine where they are going by extending where they have been.

Individuals often close their eyes to what could be, preferring to focus upon those things that have already been. They are often far too concerned that the ends justify the means – doggedly pursuing the destination rather than considering the journey – to think about celebrating progress or enjoying new beginnings along the way.

There are those, however, who find themselves reaching for the sky without thinking about falling to the ground. They focus upon the sun without looking towards the shadows cast behind them by their current realities. These individuals often chase their wildest imaginings without regard to the practical limitations life places upon them. They rarely base their comings and goings upon what has been, choosing to follow a path that takes them where they have yet to go so they can accomplish those things they have not yet attempted. Rather than wallowing in hardship and adversity, these individuals often use trouble as a springboard to opportunity. One can bring dreams to fruition when refusing to accept the negatives of reality. Had history’s creators and innovators been content to seek inspiration from their past rather than reaching out to an undetermined future, where would our world be today?

Looking forward rather than back, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as an opening on the other side rather than a train bearing down upon them, and seeing “the possible” in a situation rather than focusing on its inherent realities are signs of an optimistic leader. Strong leaders rarely accept a single, concrete solution – they seek several workable options, implementing the one that not only provides the best answer but also garners the most support. Though it is human nature to take the easy road, the people of whom I speak typically seek the road less travelled as it eventually leads to longer-lasting solutions.

Personally, I would prefer to surround myself with people who live for today, dream of tomorrow, and run swiftly from yesterday. They seem to laugh more often than they cry – to smile more often than they frown – moving forward more swiftly than they fall behind. I would prefer to be in the company of those seeking solutions rather than offering excuses – taking ownership rather than placing blame. These seekers of the possible are whom I seek to become part of my life – hoping they will allow me, in return, to become a part of theirs.

A LIMITATION OF CLASS ACTION POWERS…

The United States Supreme Court ruled recently that a group of individuals who felt discriminated against by Wal-Mart could not file a class action against their employer. It was determined that each member of the class had to demonstrate an adverse impact by the organization’s misapplication or violation of a stated policy. Two significant issues addressed by this ruling were:

1) A “class” of employees (female in this case) claiming to have similar skills and abilities as male employees claim they were collectively and intentionally overlooked for promotion (or as a group given less pay if promoted) cannot file a claim “for the whole” without specific data proving such a willful act or violation occurred to each individual within the group.

2) A group of individuals cannot file a class action against an employer without citing a specific policy violation in each individual case.

The ruling does not establish Wal-Mart’s innocence, nor does it say that some individuals were not wrongly treated. It does establish that an individual’s claims must result from an organization’s intentional (or unintentional) documentable actions and identifiable demonstrations of acts that are against stated policy. As an employer advocate, though the action was dismissed on a technicality I would say the court “got it more right than wrong” this time.

The Court DID NOT say an individual having documentable evidence of unfair treatment (proof that pay was different than another having the same set of skills and experience or proof that a disproportionate number of males were promoted than were females having the same set of skills or experience, etc.) could not file against an employer for discrimination. The ruling simply clarified that just because you are a member of a class (female in this case) that worked for an organization (Wal-Mart) you should not be able to join a blanket action claiming discrimination without stating the policy that was violated and demonstrating how that violation impacted your potential.

By eliminating the “class action” component of this case the Court extended the period of relief an individual whom was truly discriminated against will experience should they choose to file an individual action BUT dismissed the “me too” additions whom may not have been negatively impacted by any specific action OTHER THAN being “like” the others within the “class action." It establishes that an individual discriminated against due to the willful violation of an established policy has individual recourse BUT will employers take this ruling as an indicator that it is better to make decisions based on the situation rather than to base them on established policy? What kinds of unfair and unreasonable issues would THAT create? Whatever happened to reasonable management exercising ethical judgment in the administration of fair practices for all employees?

WHAT IS OR WHAT COULD BE...WHICH PERSPECTIVE IS YOURS?

People tend to see things (and other individuals) as they are. We live “in the moment” during our daily lives. We deal with issues and situations as they come up. We resolve conflicts as they occur. We form our opinions and establish our perspectives based on what we see, hear or experience. A phrase originating during my misguided youth (“What you see is what you get!”) appropriately identifies the level of introspection many use to chart their path through life.

What if, rather than seeing “what is” we were to focus more upon “what could be?” What if we stopped seeing individuals “as they are,” instead seeing them as “how they were, what has changed and who might they become?” If we assume that today’s reality is but a temporary bump in the road to an as yet undetermined future RATHER THAN a dead end or a destination – that it is but a sign or indicator of what is to become RATHER THAN a definitive predictor of the future – how much more could be accomplished in our lives?

When we focus upon fixing what we think “is” we tend to react rather than plan. We seek to make situations “go away” rather than trying to identify their root cause. We tend to worry about today more than we do tomorrow. We focus on the obvious reality of the moment rather than considering what once was and projecting that into what could be. When dealing with individuals we do the same thing – we see who a person is (often because of what they did or who chose to be with) but rarely focus on what they COULD BE. When we shut someone out because of what they have done in the past or who they seem to be in the present – removing from them an opportunity to change and grow – do they lose more (due to a loss of opportunity) or do we (because we lost the opportunity to make a difference)?

Refuse to believe that “what you see is what you get.” Today sets the stage for tomorrow – serving as a precursor of what could potentially become a reality NOT a definitive predictor of the future. Today identifies those things that have not yet been brought to fruition – the things that fade quickly into yesterday as we focus upon new tomorrows. Live in “today” only long enough to put it behind you as you move into “tomorrow.” You will be surprised how quickly “the moment” will pass as you live life seeking “what could be!”

A TIME FOR EACH SEASON

There is a time for every season and for every season there is a time. Spring ushers hope into the world – prying life from the icy fingers of winter. Summer is a time to bask in the warmth and to grow – to reach deeply into the ground so we might be able to find nourishment in the soil as we gain strength to weather the coming times. Fall is a time of respite – of preparing for the long cold season ahead as we remember the pace left behind. Winter shrouds us under a cold, dark blanket – curtailing our growth as we seek shelter from the storms.

Harry Chapin sang a tale of life being a circle. He noted that the sun seems to chase the moon from the sky during the daytime while, at night, the sun and moon reverse their roles. We experience new beginnings each day as we chase the circle of life – with false starts and dead ends being either bumps in our road or a terrible end to our progress. We can celebrate the opportunities that lie ahead of us or we can suffer the pain that comes from holding on too tightly to what has gone. We can stand tall against the storms of life or we can hide in the shelter of another’s shadow as we seek to avoid the turmoil. Life is truly a circular reality – one in which all things are possible for they have all been seen and done. It is a reality where nothing is impossible for we will inevitably move.

Embrace opportunity this summer. Reach towards the heavens as you plant your feet firmly on the ground. Do not be deterred by temporary inconvenience nor derailed by unexpected concerns. Every day that we live and breathe is truly a uniquely circular opportunity – the chance to move forward towards new opportunity as we move from the limitations of our present reality. Take the time to prepare for a long winter of reflection after passing through the autumn of rest – knowing that time and space will return you to a season of renewal.

In Michigan – perhaps as in no other place – we can experience all the seasons at one time. Embrace the opportunity to be unique and different as you pass through your seasons for while you may experience other summers – just as you do multiple falls and winters – once passed, you will never experience another exactly like this again.

MEMORIAL DAY...

Memorial Day has become the long weekend that kicks off summer. Children look forward to school ending soon so they can explore new horizons outdoors (hopefully) rather than inside a classroom (though some are already looking forward to returning in the fall to see friends they might not otherwise see). Some (though not all) parents see the weekend as “the beginning of the end” as they must scramble to find qualified caregivers to watch over their children whom are so looking forward to their time off.

Some employees are beginning to plan vacations – time away from both the job and the home – in an effort to “refresh and recharge.” Others are planning their escape from the tight economic times that have surrounded them – seeking a place of sanity (or at least where they can “leave it all behind”). What the private sector has lived through (and from which it is beginning to emerge), the public sector is just now beginning to experience.

The weekend has become a time to do lawn work, spend time on the golf course, swim in a lake – to simply enjoy time off (which began for many at least a day early if you look at the traffic!). With predictions of high temperatures and only light rain, what could be missing from this holiday weekend? ONLY, perhaps, why the Holiday exists!

During your time away this weekend, enjoy your gifts and blessings but make time to thank those who sacrificed much so that we could have what we so often take for granted. Take a moment to honor those who gave their time, their freedom – even their lives – so that we might have a “daily life” from which to escape. Thank someone who lost a loved one so that you might continue to live in this great country or actively support someone currently fighting for the concept of freedom – whether it be through a note or within a prayer.

This weekend, even if just for a moment, be a living memorial to those that have passed before AND those now sacrificing for us. Let us all rightly and appropriately recognize them for all they have given. Reflect upon all that our country stands for – all that you have ONLY because someone else considered it valuable enough to defend.

DREAM BIG

One can only become what he or she perceives as being achievable. If one “dreams big,” great things can happen. If one chooses to live within their present abilities, he or she may never realize the fullness of their potential. When we stretch our goals – reaching for fruit from the highest branches rather than accepting only low hanging fruit – we will taste success far beyond that shared by the masses.

I would guess that few individuals could have imagined the impact a river could have on the landscape prior to the Grand Canyon’s formation. Who would have imagined that the Wright Brother’s first flight could have taken us to where we are today? So many conveniences in life began as a dream but materialized because someone had faith their idea could become reality. If we can work towards a cure for cancer, why do so many find it impossible to find fulfillment in their life’s work?

I have spoken to several individuals recently about career changes – about becoming something they wish to be rather than what they are. The conversation typically focuses on things they do not like about their present job RATHER THAN around those aspects they enjoy. They speak of things they would “rather do” instead of building upon the things they do well. They seek to avoid their weaknesses rather than maximizing their strengths. Should they choose to “run away” from a current situation RATHER THAN running towards a better one, will they ever be truly happy?

Use the talents you were given – leveraging your strengths as you strengthen your weaknesses – and you will never work a day in your life. Dream big – the seemingly insignificant streams that course through your life may take on the power of waterfalls (if only you believe)!