Observations

daily blog, lessons, thoughts, small entries

  • three ways
    Observations

    There’s another way

    To this day, I remember my first computer/typing class lesson in middle school. There’s three ways to do everything (on the computer), she said and proved her statement. While I already used a computer (clumsily), the concept of multiple ways intentionally built-in computers to complete one action was baffling. Why do we need more than one way? If one way is correct, and it does the job, then why do we need to learn the other ways? And if there’s more than one way to do something on the computer, maybe — there’s more than one way to do things in “the real world.” This idea has stuck with me. While…

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  • pattern change
    Observations

    How are we spending our time so far?

    We can all agree April 2020 has been one of change, and the creeping of new norms/patterns as we adapt. Sill, if we don’t step back to check if the new patterns are positive or adjust them, we can adapt a rhythm that can drift us into an unhealthy/unfulfilling path. A clinical psychologist shares his insight on this from recent conversations over the last few weeks (during this COVID-19 season). What’s happened in this lockdown, people have got into some routines that can actually go not so well. And I’ve talked to a number of people that have been lethargic, kind of waiting instead of thinking about, “What routines and patterns…

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  • excellence in the ordinary
    Observations

    Excellence in the ordinary

    I listened to a great story and lesson today from an experienced speaker. He was about to share the stage with a pastor he admired tremendously. The pastor asked him, “Do you know why most young pastors fail at speaking, at being great orators?” He didn’t know the answer. “Because it becomes humdrum to them [the young pastors]. They don’t spend the time that they would spend as if they were speaking to a stadium, as if they were speaking to 10 million people on the radio and they don’t have that excellence in the ordinary.” The experienced speaker further shared about what he learned from that.  “Now I’m not sure…

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  • date stamp
    Observations

    Created On:

    For some reason, I’ve dated my writings ever since I was taught to in grade school. A few years ago, I started including a timestamp as well. When I read my older work, my typical reaction is as follows: a flinch at a typo, a slight head shake if I sound like a novice or a neophyte, and then appreciation at significant improvement. Recognizing progress in one’s skill set can be a boost in confidence, but also a signal that we are capable of more today. The methods below can capture your current state and help show progress of your skills: Save audio recordings (or memos on a phone recorder)…

  • a distance icon
    Observations

    Other Distances Created

    Whether we like it or not, social distancing creates more than one type of distancing. Here’s three more: Distance from us and our normal routines. Distance from our to-do list and our bucket list. Distance from yesterday’s priorities and what’s important in our hearts every day. These unintended distances created (size varies) force us to take notice. To notice between who we are and what we do daily. Between what we want to do and what we should do. What we think is important and is important. Once we notice the growing distances in those areas, it’s up to us. We can be sad or regretful. We can do nothing.…

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