Hello for the weekly rendez-vous on Friday. TGIF – Trust, Gratitude, Inspiration, and Fun.
Only it is Saturday. Catching up
Trust
I am trusting in the growth that results from asking delicate, intrusive questions that expose our beliefs.
Asking questions can feel awkward. People wonder if they are being interrogated and can respond with wariness. Or they are surprised to be listened to; they expend so much energy trying to be heard! Thatâs why I lead training on asking questions effectively â getting to meaningful answers without putting people on the defensive.
This week I have been asking questions about hope for the future. One of the students speaking at my sonâs recent graduation condemned us, the older generation, for passing on a world in destruction: damage from climate and strife run rampant and without solutions in sight.

While she spoke, her vehement speech put a damper on the graduation ceremony, yet many allowed her words to enter one ear and leave by the other. We returned to celebration as usual.
And yet, I was perplexed, and I started asking questions to young adults around me and engaging in insightful discussion about priorities, sacrifice, decisions, and more. None of us prone concrete answers. Yet, in the process of asking and responding to authentic questions, we all grew in purposefulness and in mutual appreciation.
I am trusting in asking questionsâŠAND LISTENING TO THE ANSWERS!
Questions lead to learning.
Gratitude
I am so grateful for forgiveness and second chances. Just this morning, I tried asking a delicate question and it came out all wrong. I struck out. I feel badâŠand the other person must feel even worse.
Reparations are in the works. More will be required. When the sh** hits the fan, there is clean-up.
Yet it is still worth confronting sensitive topics. The air and space get refreshed. And I learn humility in the process. I am also grateful for humility!
Inspiration
The young woman who spoke courageously and with passion at my sonâs graduation inspires me. She had a provocative message; the stakes were high for her; and she delivered her speech with aplomb.
If she were a man, I wonder if weâd say, âSheâs got balls.â
She’s got balls!
Instead folk expressed that sheâs abrasive. I am inspired by her gumption.
Fun
Here I am literally going outside of my comfort zone. Flying high (the person paragliding in the background is moi) !
Fun..and freaky!
Wishing you a great week.
Sincerely, Denise
Neat & New Stuff
What Kids Hear when Parents Repeat 1000 Times
You ask nicely. No response. You ASK insistently. Still undesired response…. Check out the family workshop on listening skills. We reversed roles between parents and kids and “Aha! moments” abounded!  Read on…
Give the Gift of Time
During the holidays, give kids what they crave the most: your full attention. We made it easy and fun. Read on…Â
4 Ways Kids Can Help Parents Resolve Work Challenges
Your children are smart. They have been around you. They also view the world from a different perspective. In our difficulties, sometimes we lose clear vision. Discover these ways you and your child can grow in intimacy AND bring clarity to a fuzzy situation at work. Read on…
Express Your Values and Give Them Purpose
Summer vacation is a great time to share your values with those you love.
Try traveling to transmit open-mindedness, tolerance, adaptability, patience, and more.  Read on…