The Positive Pathfinder

I had a coffee with an old friend last Friday. We met for 4-1/2 hours.   We went to the same high school. We didn’t run in the same social circle. We knew each other just to say “hello.” After high school, we drifted apart. We re-connected in January 2017 after 40 years. We go to regular coffees now. At this last coffee, my friend was telling me about all the people he hung around with after school. I didn’t hang around with people after school. I was the studious type.    At the time I was motivated with getting high marks rather than getting social.      Times changed.   I went into Human Resources.    I was good at HR.   My mindset was that whoever I was talking to, they were the most important person in the world at that moment.  I am still of this mindset.   In 2013, I lost my job in HR. That was a pivotal point. ...

Ann DeLuca is a Coach.  She came to the Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations (OSSCO) on June 13 th and conducted a workshop called “Getting Clear on What’s Next.”  Everyone (including me) was in transition.  We were invited to come with an open mind and try some new and different exercises (like visualization exercises).  I was reminded that it’s good to be in a relaxed state of mind to help identify possibilities for ourselves.  When we’re stressed we focus on the stress and less on seeing possibilities.   As I mentioned in an earlier post, we can engage in reflective activities to help put us in a relaxed state of mind like yoga, meditation, walking, painting, writing, etc.  I realized that seeking the services of a coach could be an option to pursue. Rakesh Kana tried something different in his job search.  When traditional job search methods weren’t producing the desired result, he and his wife tried something new b...

I’ve been thinking about “relationship building” lately. Relationship building is my best strength. I changed my LinkedIn headline to reflect this belief.   This is my new headline: “HR Professional | Relationship Builder | Respect, Curiosity & Kindness are a way of life for me.” Yesterday I had a conversation with someone who happened to be a Life Coach. I mentioned to her that I don’t think that relationship building is valued by employers. She begged to differ. Later during the same day I came across a LinkedIn post by Joe D’Cruz. “Every interaction is never a waste! What do you look for in every interaction?” The relationship builder in me thought this was an intriguing and provocative question. I commented on this post and said: “Joe, I look to cultivate a relationship with every interaction!” To which he kindly said: “Looking forward to know you more :)” You may be wondering how you might cultivate a...

My contract at the Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations (OSSCO) ends at the end of June. I’ve been connecting the dots and thinking about my next employment gig. I am a Human Resources Professional. I have always had a welcoming demeanour. At Combined Insurance whenever an employee dropped into the HR department, I would drop what I was doing and tend to the employee’s enquiry.  I always wanted an employee to feel that they are the most important person in the world in the moment.  I listened and always made eye contact. When I am talking to two or more people, I shift my gaze from one speaker to the next, so that no person feels excluded. When I facilitated Committee meetings, I made sure that everyone felt they had a voice.  We had an unspoken rule about 1 person holding the floor at any one time and staying on topic.  Most times Committee members felt comfortable to share their perspective.  Occasionally if we didn’t ...

I received an e-mail from a friend today. He told me that a friend of his recently lost his brother and nephew and that he and his friend haven’t talked in two weeks. It sounded like his friend is grieving at the moment.   I’ve been in a “spin cycle” for the past couple of days. I’ve been thinking about my aunt who died recently. I attended her funeral yesterday. One of the hardest parts was the reception. I met relatives who I haven’t seen in a couple of years. It felt hard to “catch up” under the circumstances. The best we could muster is “are you working” or “how is work”? Lately at work, the office has been very, very cold as if the air conditioning is on full blast. I put on a sweater and a coat, and I’m still cold. It’s stressful to work in a cold office. A couple of things I’ve realized about myself. It’s important to acknowledge and process what I’m feeling (which I have). I also want to feel like my old s...

I’ve been thinking about “stories” lately. I named my last two posts “ Curious Story ” and “ Wonder Story” and now this, “storybook life.” Everyone has a story to tell. And everyone has an interesting story.    At work we asked people to fill out an “intake questionnaire” for a project they participated in called “Enhancing Economic Opportunities for Older Workers 50-70.” I don’t know all the people who participated in the project, but I find myself trying to create a narrative (story) about the “typical” person who participated in the project.  I have a lot of empathy for everyone who participated in our project – they don’t have an easy life.   In “real” life I like to arrange coffee meet-ups with friends.  We share stories.  We tell something about ourselves.   I learn something new about them every time.  With each story told, I am getting to know them.  Each of us has an evolving story. I h...