16 April 2024

"High Flight" by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.


"High Flight"

 Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
 And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
 Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
 of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
 You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
 High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
 I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
 My eager craft through footless halls of air....

 Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
 I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
 Where never lark, or even eagle flew —
 And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
 The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
 - Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

 by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

Psychological Safety

I stand before you today with a firm commitment to fostering a world where love, education, self-enablement, and psychological safety reign supreme. I firmly believe that by embodying these principles, we can create a ripple effect that touches the lives of individuals and communities, ultimately leading to a better, more harmonious society.

At the core of my philosophy is the unwavering belief in the transformative power of love. Love is a force that transcends boundaries, heals wounds, and unites us all. In the pursuit of positive social change, let us approach our endeavors with open hearts, empathy, and compassion. By offering love to one another, we build bridges that connect us and overcome the barriers that divide us.


Education is a cornerstone of empowerment, a key that unlocks doors to a brighter future. I value education not only as a means to acquire knowledge but as a tool for self-enablement. It is the pathway to personal growth, providing individuals with the skills and confidence to navigate the complexities of life. As we champion positive social change, let us prioritize education as a fundamental right, ensuring that everyone has access to the tools they need to thrive.


In our pursuit of a better world, we must also prioritize psychological safety. Creating environments where individuals feel secure, valued, and heard is essential for fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration. It is through psychological safety that we encourage diverse perspectives and empower individuals to contribute their unique talents to the collective pursuit of positive change.


Leadership is not just about guiding; it's about inspiring and mobilizing teams to make a tangible impact. I am proud to lead teams dedicated to improving the quality of life through the creation of events, programs, and materials that uplift and empower. Together, we strive to be catalysts for positive transformation, fostering communities where individuals can flourish and thrive.


As we embark on this journey of positive social change, let us remember that our collective efforts are more potent than any individual endeavor. By joining hands and hearts, we amplify the impact of our actions. Each event, program, and material we produce becomes a stepping stone toward a brighter, more inclusive future.


I urge each of you to join me in this commitment to positive social change. Let us be champions of education, advocates for self-enablement, and promoters of psychological safety.

16 January 2021

Songs we sing to close the gap

 2021-01-16


Start and finish one short story. How hard can it be?


Songs we sing to close the gap

We were both staring at the water. Watching the blue become a deeper and lighter again as the tide rolled out. He started speaking without turning to look at me. 


“I've always hated the church bells by our house. Now I hate them more.”


I turn to look at him, my father in profile. “You can't mean, that? Pop you and Mom have lived here for forty years. Seaside view, church nearby. I thought you loved it here.”


“You're mother loved it here. I loved it because she loved it. I missed the city like you wouldn't believe.


I had enough real life for one day. Coming from my mother's graveside. 



02 April 2020

Red and Blue America Aren’t Experiencing the Same Pandemic

An article from The Atlantic by March 20, 2020


Even a disease as far-reaching as the coronavirus hasn’t entirely crossed the chasm between red and blue America.
In several key respects, the outbreak’s early stages are unfolding very differently in Republican- and Democratic-leaning parts of the country. That disconnect is already shaping, even distorting, the nation’s response to this unprecedented challenge—and it could determine the pandemic’s ultimate political consequences as well.


https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/03/how-republicans-and-democrats-think-about-coronavirus/608395/