Roeboater Thoughts

  The past in gone, the future has not arrived, but the present is here & now. When we choose to be present, fully present in it we enrich ourselves & those we are with. Don't rob yourself  (or others) by living the present in the rear view mirror or looking through binoculars into the horizon.  The smallest moments we are present in can hold some of the greatest beauty & satisfaction. 

  What if is a question that we probably ask ourselves frequently. My question to that question for us is the conclusion that follows in our thoughts, because that leads to our actions.  When we as ourselves "What if?" does what follows that something positive or something that feeds into doubt? I hope it's all positive and we are pursuing our goals the best ways possible. I do know, at least sometimes what follows "What if?" tends to be the worst case scenario. That may come from a place of preservation, doubt or fear; or a combination of the three.  I want to encourage us today to evaluate our "What if's?" from a place of strength. What if you do and succeed with your goal? What if you do and you don't ger the target you were after...what did you learn? I have found that our worst case scenario typically only lives in our minds and rests in fiction.  What if: we made the call? had the conversation? tried that new thing? did the practice when...

  Hearing & listening are two very different things, though they may look the same. The results of the two can be very different.  When we minimize distractions and hone in on the singular goal of active listening we are one step closer to having a better understanding of the person on the other end of the table & connecting with them. For many us us we listen, hear something we like and then wait for the opportunity to respond. That usually isn't a bad thing, we are excited to connect. Though, when we pause & continue listening we allow that other person to truly share what they have inside, allowing it all to come out. That gives us the better opportunity to understand, empathize & connect.  When we enhance our active listening skills, putting them into action we elevate our conversations no matter what the setting is. It will prove to be valuable at home, in work scenarios, with friends or even at a store. When we listen, digest, paraphrase for clarity ...

  How are you chasing what you want? It is a simple question & a difficult one as well. Pursuit or chase of what we want has to be more of a feeling or soft desire in most cases. Mostly because what is worthwhile to pursue usually takes time, commitment & growth. Our society, for the most part does not elevate those three anymore. What we get from media & the scroll is fast, shortcuts & now. Those things fade. I want to encourage us to write down what we want to chase after, achieve & become. If it's worth it we will choose the pursuit, the chase for it. We may just be surprised who or what may come along side on that path to help us on our chase. We may also be surprised who we may inspire on our chase to begin their own.