“Don’t discuss politics or religion – it's going to cause an argument - it's not all that productive, “ they say. “Don’t be controversial,” they say, “it’s bad for business and could be dangerous.” I am on social media and do live videos regularly. I try to be thought provoking and entertaining, eschewing controversy; I even try to avoid what use …
I have been a member of a study group for several years. Recently, we decided to engage in a year-long project focused on how we listen and hear others. As part of the “homework” we each keep a journal - every day writing down something we learned from someone else. I’ve taking that a step further and will make what I learn the subject of my Fa …
Similar to the tradition of making a resolution at the secular New Year, in many Jewish communities as we move into our new year, people gather at a moving body of water and symbolically cast away things we do not want to continue carrying with us. I love this tradition - not because I believe that somehow the trials and tribulations of the past …
Every morning I wake up to my cat, JuniperBerry, meowing. She needs to be fed. I get up, get dressed, and get down to business. Money supports the lifestyle! Not exactly a life of drudgery – I love the cat and am grateful to have a business that I find incredibly fulfilling. But seriously, getting up at 4:30 to feed the beast! Running a …
We all worry from time to time; it’s part of being human. Worrying can prevent us from making poor decisions or stepping into dangerous situations. However, there is a difference between worrying from time to time, and having obsessive thought patterns and limiting beliefs that hold us back in life and business. It's no fun being a worry wart! Be …
I won’t let June end without writing about “Pride Month” especially as we move towards Celebrating the 4th of July. “Pride Month” is about celebrating the refusal to be marginalized, diminished and denied equity. It’s about celebrating the choice – not always an easy, safe or prudent one – to walk through the world authentically. And it is abou …
The concept of “good old days” is a puzzlement. What stage of life doesn’t come with challenges? I don’t want to go through my early teens again – no way! And truth be told, the 1950s were not so great. My philosophy is that the best is yet to come. Sure, I love old movies and music; I love old cars – clothing styles from the past, however, are …
We humans often seem to spend too much time looking for some deep meaning in life events when, in fact, things are often pretty simple and straight forward. Recently, I forgot to do something I usually do for someone. I became slightly obsessed … How could I forget? Am I losing my mind? Did I do irreparable damage to a relationship? What's b …
When I hear people talk about being “burned out.” it makes me think about campfires and warnings from Smokey the Bear- remember him? “Only YOU can prevent forest fires!” When we used to go camping, after finishing with the campfire, it was important to make sure the fire was completely extinguished because leaving even a small spark in the ashe …
Last week I read an article about ten foods that we might not be able to find in the grocery stores this year including pet food, lettuce, champagne and corn. Shortly thereafter I spoke with someone who was bemoaning things she found difficult to continue doing because of her financial situation. Often I hear people complain about things they ca …
Last week at the Gotham Happy Hour there was the usual catching up, general silliness and good conversation. We started talking about jobs we had in the past and some mused about professions other than their own that they might have chosen. That got me thinking about jobs that have disappeared over the years .. the TV repairman, typesetters, an …
So what’s really changed other than the date on the calendar? 2020 was marked by so much uncertainty – I dare say more than usual – and here we are in 2021. One of my favorite’s by Sondheim is “With So Little to Be Sure Of” is about being grateful for a beautiful moment in time, “a marvelous moment” despite there being “so little to be sure of. …
Last year at this time we headed into the New Year with 2020 vision. Who could have predicted what was in store for us?. As we head into 2021, we still live in CoronaTimes. Is that changing the way you are looking forward? Has it changed how you think or speak of the upcoming year? This is usually the time for making promises or plans and headi …
The question, “how can we help you?” asked most often by Nancy Schess at Gotham meetings was directed a little differently as we closed a Gotham COVID Review a few weeks back. Those are Gotham's magic words. We are a resilient, creative, caring and hearty group of professionals, managers, owners, entrepreneurs - whatever label signifies “person …
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