A handful of my favourite things follow. I hope these inspire you to consider your own favourite things, and perhaps, you might even add some of my favourite things to your own toolkit as a leader and learner.
One of my favourite gifts: The artwork above was created by Dr. Kristin (KK) Koetting who I consider a mentor and friend. KK is a Professor of Organisational Leadership who has completed considerable research in courage; her work has certainly influenced my work in courage. I was delighted when I received this piece of art and it sits on my desk where I have line of sight. It reminds me of the power, peace and impact of our hearts, the colour and strength of courage.
What is a favourite thing that you have on your desk that reminds you of what is important to you?
One of my favourite quotes: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose,” from “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss.
This quote is relevant for all as we make choices about what success looks like for us and how we plan to achieve it. If you are familiar with the book, you will know that it highlights both the potential highs and lows of our choices, providing quotes on each page for consideration as we continue on our own path. I often share this quote with leaders as they determine, reflect on, review and continue on their own paths.
What quote do you find yourself sharing with others?
One of my favourite Dr. Brené Brown podcasts: The research and tireless work of building courageous leaders and cultures by Dr. Brené Brown continues to inspire all of the work I do—whether this is to build brave individuals, teams or cultures. In this podcast, BRAVING Trust, Part 2 of 2, Brené and her sister, Barrett, explain the BRAVING acronym, which highlights 7 different elements to build trust. When I was first introduced to BRAVING, it took the mystery out of trust for me, making trust accessible and pragmatic. I continue to use BRAVING to build relationships with others and within myself.
We know the importance of trust in building relationships and in building courage. If you need to build or strengthen trust, I encourage you to listen to this podcast and consider how to apply BRAVING.
One of my favourite books: “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse,” by Charlie Mackesy. This is a beautifully written and illustrated book of courage, connection, vulnerability, shame, growth, inclusion, fear, kindness, asking for help, love and so much more. It is a book filled with wisdom for children and adults alike. I consider this book to be the Winnie-the-Pooh book of the 21st century (sitting alongside my Winnie-the-Pooh books, not replacing them).
If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to buy a copy for yourself (and for others), read it, continue to dip in and out of it repeatedly, learn all of its lessons, and be reminded that we are a common humanity.
One of my favourite videos: This is a video that focuses on asking questions of the Google App; it only runs for 1 minute and can be found here. It reminds me of the power of asking questions; of what I might discover just by asking one question. A workshop participant recently offered, “When you think you have all the information you need, just ask one more question” … wise words indeed.
How can you use this video to inspire yourself and others to be curious, sit in the potential vulnerability of that curiosity, and to ask one more question?
One of my favourite exercises to explore values: This exercise comes from “Draw Your Feelings,” by Rukmini Poddar which is a book that provides a number of exercises using art as a tool for noticing, naming and navigating emotions. In this specific exercise exploring values, you are asked to choose one of your values (at a time) and emphasise what this value means to you by drawing it. To help, the following questions are offered for reflection:
What colour would you use to communicate this value?
What patterns, shapes, lines and symbols would you add?
What is the tone of this value – e.g. bold, whimsical, soft, quirky, elegant, minimal, funky, raw, etc.?
Based on your reflections of the questions above, draw out the letters of this value.
This is my representation of my core value, love.
For me, love binds the kaleidoscope of people, animals, nature, thoughts and feelings, strengths and so much more. If you allow it, love will shine through.
In writing this, I have been reminded of so many other “favourite things” that enable me and others to learn and grow; reminiscing on how I use these favourite things has certainly brought a smile to my face.
At the same time, I sit here in anticipation of additional favourite things that I will no doubt uncover as I set off next week to walk the Portuguese Camino, walking from Porto to Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre with four school friends who I love dearly. You won’t hear from me again until July, when I’ll be back to share some new “favourite things” with you.
Wishing you raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
Dina
(@CourageChick)
Because of the nature of this post, I want to honour the song that has been on replay in my head the whole time I have been writing this.
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favourite things.
From “The Sound of Music” by Rodgers & Hammerstein, 1959. The full lyrics can be found here.
