When was the last time you had a good laugh? It has been said that the best medicine is laughter. As we navigate our lives, we need to take time to stop and not just smell the roses but to laugh at ourselves. Opening up to our vulnerabilities so that we can appreciate that everyone is made of the same awkward moments in time.
In a world where Trust and Truth are twisted and confused, it is good to know that making and keeping “Promises” still exists. That deeper level of commitment when a covenant is formed between one or more people to effect good in the world.
The richness of our cultures were seeded with big dreams. It is from the planting of a single seed that a great tree can grow in the forest. The tree can withstand harsh weather from wind and rain or the cold of winter or heat of a summer drought. Our cultures grow like a tree being tested in the weather changes. The culture survives and adapts to the everchanging challenges it faces.
Cultures exist in many places. From the family to the boardroom and across continents cultures not just exist but thrive. What ingredients are needed for cultures to thrive? Do rules contribute to a thriving culture? Does chaos contribute to a thriving culture? If culture is like a great bowl of soup then too much of any one spice or ingredient may spoil the flavors of the whole enjoyment. If those ingredients or spices are left out then the enjoyment is reduced because it is missing something special.
2021 continues to unfold many new opportunities and challenges. One challenge we all face is the ability to decipher and discern all of the various narratives which are expanding at exponential rates. Think of any one topic and dig into all of the various narratives which fill the air. As our culture navigates the volumes of narratives, may we each seek more than what is obvious to the naked eye but seek further into the truth which is captured within.
In our society, we are presented with many options and opportunities. Some good and some not so great. What is interesting is that in either case there is someone in hot pursuit of it. From the young charging executive looking for the opportunity to be a leader of a company to the young charging street person looking for the opportunity to be the leader of a gang. Culture provides a great variety of things to pursue – choose wisely.
When a culture is glued together by a common purpose the vibration of positive outcomes radiates around it. The energy is like the intensity of the sun on a hot summer day. It penetrates deep into our body to fill us with warmth and convert our bodies chemical makeup into health and wellness. Today take time in silence to tap into that energy of purpose in your life and find a warmth of understanding.
One of humankinds greatest gifts is that of seeking out our culture. By exploring the most inner workings of the cultures we exist inside of we can learn much about our past, our present and our potential future. Culture discovery is not an instant gratification process. When we view our culture through the limited lens of a short period of time we only partially see the fullness of what it has to offer. Looking at our culture with a longterm perspectives allows us to view a rich past, a bountiful present and a wonderfully expanding future.
The path we take leads us in many directions. We travel over a variety of tall mountains and deep valleys. Along the way we experience many cultures. A tapestry of people, colors, cuisine, and traditions. This collage of cultural input expands our understanding of who we are as individuals and how we are a contributor to this experience we call life.
As we embrace 2021, the new year brings new opportunities and new challenges. New goals have been set and plans are unfolding to help us achieve our best outcomes. Even though chaos may appear to be around many corners, it is out of that disruption that positive change can and does happen. Don’t toss away the challenges you come across as road blocks but look at them through a new lens of opportunity.