Posts Tagged With ‘ Sharon Summerfield ’

For the longest time I thought I had no creative talents as it seemed we were recognizing the artists, the painters, the musicians, intellectuals and those who were identified as the experts, top performers and being intelligent. We have been celebrating the wrong things and closing doors. Often the creatives have been those that created works of art and a select identified few within our teams and organizations.  Through this lens, and similar lens of only identifying top performers, so many were missed. And organizations wondered why  people were quiet quitting and leaving their teams and organizations. This... Continue Reading

There are so many beautiful ways to build connection. One of those ways is with food. Did you know there is actually research on this? In the book “The Surprising Science of Meetings” written by Steven Rogelberg he shares: “Snacks at meetings are a good predictor of positive feelings about meetings.  Not only do people enjoy treats, snacks help build an upbeat mood state and foster camaraderie that can carry into the substance of the meeting itself.” I always appreciate when there is tasty food at meetings. This recipe has been in the development stages for more than a decade. I am so... Continue Reading

As we head into the holidays, we are juggling so much. The important piece is finding those ways to connect with yourself.  The more grounded we feel the more we can connect with others. I was reminded of the importance of this on our recent trip travelling throughout BC.  For more on my learnings on the importance of downtime, this is the link to the piece sharing our journey. When we find those way to slow down and connect with ourselves we can find those ways to show up and be our authentic selves.  Sometimes that means saying no. In the busyness of our lives we need to learn to ask ourselves: “What... Continue Reading

When was the last time you carved out time to disconnect? In creating that space we discover ways to connect with ourselves, others and nature in beautiful ways. This summer my husband and I did just that.  We took six weeks to travel throughout BC and connect with family and friends. Just over a year ago I was speaking with a dear friend  who had lost everything during the fires in the Cariboo in 2016.  She invited me to visit their property in the Cariboo to take photos.  This is where we started talking about a trip. Late last year we purchased a “new to us” travel trailer and truck. ... Continue Reading

For many creating space to take downtime and not think or talk about work, is challenging.  We are seeing the impacts of so many experiencing burnout, quiet quitting and presenteeism. Unless we create a plan to make this happen, this is only a dream and a wish.  There are times when the key projects we are leading and trying to create the space to pause, often feels like one more thing.  In some organizations there are patterns to when, due to operational requirements, taking time is just not possible. We need to find a different way.  Fostering psychological safety is critical so together... Continue Reading

Earlier this month I had the true joy to spend three days with the talented staff with Disruption Advisors and the cohort of learners in the Smart Growth Certification Program.  Such an incredible gift. Leading up to this training there was a good portion of pre-work which focused on the beautiful learning in two of Whitney Johnson’s books, Smart Growth – How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company and Disrupt Yourself – Master Relentless Change and Speed Up Your Learning Curve. I was so incredibly grateful for this amazing learning and the chance to revisit both of these books prior... Continue Reading

There is something delicious about enjoying Cacao (the raw form of chocolate) with a taste of orange. Last month we had the true joy to spend Mother’s Day with my Mom, celebrating her.  The beauty of these occasions is we eat very well.  Everyone brings something to share. As I was preparing my Beet Quiona Salad and some of the Cacao Oat Bars Mom just loves, I thought lets try a little something extra.  I had seen a recipe shared on the Instagram Page by the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition that was created by Joanna Brown with Rejoice Nutrition Wellness.  As Mom loves anything related... Continue Reading

What are some of the favourite pies in your family? In our home it is a full fat, full sugar, Lemon Meringue Pie, that is more on the tart side, with a graham cracker crust. A few years ago we were enjoying a dinner at my brother and sister in laws’ home.  For dinner my husband had picked up a few pies, two of his favourites Cherry and Lemon Meringue. At that dinner, I shared I had not made a Lemon Meringue Pie from scratch in years.  Now, for each family get together at Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and even birthday, the pie is requested. I know Lemon Meringue Pie sounds a little odd for... Continue Reading

Having you ever considered what grounds you? How often do we feel overwhelmed and just continue to push through? Last weekend the talented Jessica Zuch shared a video on Instagram the ways to get out of a slump through music.  A little history, I met Jessica in 2014 when she was teaching Intro to Jazz Piano at Capilano University in North Vancouver.  She is a talented musician and a therapist. This video reminded me of the ways that we can use music in so many different ways. This thought by Mary Webb struck a chord Nature’s music is never over, her silences are pauses, not conclusions. A... Continue Reading

For the past number of years I have chosen a word for the following year. Some of the words I have chosen are Grace, Nourish and Harmony. This year, as we look forward to 2023, I have chosen once again the word Connection.  For me this past year I have navigated several health issues.  I cannot begin to express how much it has meant people checking in.  Simple questions how are you?  Is there anything you need?  And how can I help?  All these questions and creating space to listen helped to build connection. Our next health crisis honestly is loneliness. Over the past number of years the... Continue Reading