A couple of weeks ago, I did a guest blogger stint for my friend and colleague, Rose Mattax. Rose is a fellow blogger on Blogspot, whose "The Eden Project" blog is all about self-improvement at its deepest core. As a certified energy healer, she has a unique perspective on this.
I give my own unique perspective--and details of my personal journey using energy therapy--in this special blog post titled "Energy Tools for Self-Honesty." Enjoy!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Showing posts with label guest blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guest blog. Show all posts
Jul 29, 2010
Dec 18, 2009
GUEST BLOGGER: The Importance of Thank You (by Barbara J. Henry)
Summary: In our technology-driven world, we sometimes forget the importance of the little things, the "small gestures" in effective communication.
The art of communicating gets more and more sophisticated daily it seems. For those of us interested in personal development, it is an opportunity to learn new ways to express our
ideas. There is always a better, quicker, more efficient way to say what needs to be shared, from instant messages to tweets.
But, in our technology-driven world, we sometimes forget the importance of the little things, the small gestures in effective communication.
Let me ask you, how often during the course of a day have you forgotten to say, "Thank you," for the awesome work done, the fantastic meal or the indescribable deal you received from a family member, friend or colleague?
Sure, we know we should express gratitude for what others do for us, and that is exactly what a "thank you" does. These two small words, "thank you," let others know that what they've done is noticed and appreciated. It also tells them that you realize what was done resulted from their concern, love, and appreciation of you. Finally, it sends a clear, unequivocal message that we know no one owes us anything, and when we are the recipients of acts of kindness—whether random or intentional—we appreciate them, and we express our gratitude by saying, "Thank you."
During this holiday season, there will be many opportunities to use these two small words. Let's not forget to use them every chance we get.
Remember: "Thank yous" are expressions of gratitude and appreciation. They remind us of the many reasons for which we are grateful. Let's use them liberally during this yuletide season, and throughout the coming years.
What To Do Next:
1. Consciously, intentionally, and sincerely say, "Thank you," for every act of kindness you receive.
2. Perform random acts of kindness for your loved ones and others in your
circle of influence.
3. Remind small children (they may be too excited to remember on their own) to
express their gratitude by saying, "Thank you."
About the Writer: Barbara Henry is a published author, (Journaling: Twenty Plus Reasons Why You Should Start Now) personal development expert, motivational speaker, poet, and avid reader of books on self-growth, self-help, and spirituality, which are the subjects of her blogs and poems. Visit her website: www.barbarajhenry.com; go to the Titles/Products page and download a free copy of her very effective tip sheet “9 Write Ways to Solve Problems.”
The art of communicating gets more and more sophisticated daily it seems. For those of us interested in personal development, it is an opportunity to learn new ways to express our
ideas. There is always a better, quicker, more efficient way to say what needs to be shared, from instant messages to tweets.
But, in our technology-driven world, we sometimes forget the importance of the little things, the small gestures in effective communication.
Let me ask you, how often during the course of a day have you forgotten to say, "Thank you," for the awesome work done, the fantastic meal or the indescribable deal you received from a family member, friend or colleague?
Sure, we know we should express gratitude for what others do for us, and that is exactly what a "thank you" does. These two small words, "thank you," let others know that what they've done is noticed and appreciated. It also tells them that you realize what was done resulted from their concern, love, and appreciation of you. Finally, it sends a clear, unequivocal message that we know no one owes us anything, and when we are the recipients of acts of kindness—whether random or intentional—we appreciate them, and we express our gratitude by saying, "Thank you."
During this holiday season, there will be many opportunities to use these two small words. Let's not forget to use them every chance we get.
Remember: "Thank yous" are expressions of gratitude and appreciation. They remind us of the many reasons for which we are grateful. Let's use them liberally during this yuletide season, and throughout the coming years.
What To Do Next:
1. Consciously, intentionally, and sincerely say, "Thank you," for every act of kindness you receive.
2. Perform random acts of kindness for your loved ones and others in your
circle of influence.
3. Remind small children (they may be too excited to remember on their own) to
express their gratitude by saying, "Thank you."
About the Writer: Barbara Henry is a published author, (Journaling: Twenty Plus Reasons Why You Should Start Now) personal development expert, motivational speaker, poet, and avid reader of books on self-growth, self-help, and spirituality, which are the subjects of her blogs and poems. Visit her website: www.barbarajhenry.com; go to the Titles/Products page and download a free copy of her very effective tip sheet “9 Write Ways to Solve Problems.”
Dec 11, 2009
WEEKLY UPDATE: More Guest Blogging to Come
Summary: I'll be swapping blog posts with a fellow blogger next week. What are YOU sharing in the weeks to come?
My fellow blogger, Barbara J. Henry—also known as The Journal Lady after her book Journaling: 20 Plus Reasons Why You Should Start Now—will be the guest blogger next week. Meanwhile, I'll be the guest blogger at her site (see link above), with a post on "Exercises in Self-Respect." Check it out! (And, yes, I'll be linking again after the posts are made.)
For now, I'm putting together Christmas cards and gearing up for a weekend of holiday celebrations. It's the time of year for sharing. I hope you'll share in the fun, too!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
My fellow blogger, Barbara J. Henry—also known as The Journal Lady after her book Journaling: 20 Plus Reasons Why You Should Start Now—will be the guest blogger next week. Meanwhile, I'll be the guest blogger at her site (see link above), with a post on "Exercises in Self-Respect." Check it out! (And, yes, I'll be linking again after the posts are made.)
For now, I'm putting together Christmas cards and gearing up for a weekend of holiday celebrations. It's the time of year for sharing. I hope you'll share in the fun, too!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Jun 26, 2009
WEEKLY UPDATE: Speaking Truly with Barbara J. Henry
This week, my guest blogger, "Journal Lady" Barbara J. Henry, got me reflecting over some embarrassing communication moments. One that quickly springs to mind and brings a smile to my lips is one I merely overheard:
A friend was checking his messages as I waited in the next room to give him privacy. After at least 3 solid minutes, I realized I'd been hearing a steady drone in the same tone of voice wafting down the hall. I couldn't help myself, but had to burst into his study to ask, "I'm sorry, but is that all one message?"
My friend laughed so hard he snorted, and replied, "Honestly, if this guy doesn't take up the entire machine tape, this'll be a shorter message from him than usual!"
Some people have a very hard time organizing their thoughts (this particular caller was narrating his every move as he ambled through the reason for his call, jumping from subject to subject and failing miserably at staying focused). If you suffer this same dilemma, jotting down notes before making a call or composing a text-based message may help you hone what you want to say, and stay on track.
Ask yourself:
1) Who am I to this person? (Even a quick note to a friend should include a polite identifier; when I call my sister, I still say, "Hi, Sis!" immediately.)
2) What do I want from this person? (For example: "I'm calling to see if you want to go to the movies this Friday.")
3) When, where & how can we connect in the future? (Say, "You can reach me at home or leave a message on my cell" to someone who already has your contact info.; or to a new/formal contact, be sure to speak slowly and repeat your primary phone number.)
For tips on paring down more intimate messages between romantic partners, see my guest post to Barbara's blog.
(c) KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
A friend was checking his messages as I waited in the next room to give him privacy. After at least 3 solid minutes, I realized I'd been hearing a steady drone in the same tone of voice wafting down the hall. I couldn't help myself, but had to burst into his study to ask, "I'm sorry, but is that all one message?"
My friend laughed so hard he snorted, and replied, "Honestly, if this guy doesn't take up the entire machine tape, this'll be a shorter message from him than usual!"
Some people have a very hard time organizing their thoughts (this particular caller was narrating his every move as he ambled through the reason for his call, jumping from subject to subject and failing miserably at staying focused). If you suffer this same dilemma, jotting down notes before making a call or composing a text-based message may help you hone what you want to say, and stay on track.
Ask yourself:
1) Who am I to this person? (Even a quick note to a friend should include a polite identifier; when I call my sister, I still say, "Hi, Sis!" immediately.)
2) What do I want from this person? (For example: "I'm calling to see if you want to go to the movies this Friday.")
3) When, where & how can we connect in the future? (Say, "You can reach me at home or leave a message on my cell" to someone who already has your contact info.; or to a new/formal contact, be sure to speak slowly and repeat your primary phone number.)
For tips on paring down more intimate messages between romantic partners, see my guest post to Barbara's blog.
(c) KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Jun 24, 2009
SENDING CLEAR MESSAGES by Barbara J. Henry
We are living in the most technologically advanced period the world has ever known, and it is going to get better. The World Wide Web, e-mails, text messages, and instant messages, for example, have all done their part in bridging the communication gap between us. No matter where we happen to live in the world, we have, in many ways, become next-door neighbors: In a matter of seconds, depending upon the speed of our computer, we can travel the globe and get anything desired, all with the click of a mouse.
Communicating today is almost effortless, and even the telephone has been impacted to such a degree that it has become a virtual office. With so many ways to communicate, I wonder how concerned we are about how we say what we say?
What I mean is this: How much time do we spend on thinking about or composing our messages before we send them around the corner or around the world? Yes, I know: The new technology has developed a language of its own, but even so, do we make sure that we are using the language in a way that best conveys our thoughts? And when our messages, (text, twittered, instant or e-mailed) are received, do they express our intentions in the best way possible?
Let’s take a look at three of the more popular ways to communicate today to answer these questions.
Telephone: Does the receiver of your call know exactly what to do as a result of your message, assuming he or she is not available to answer the phone? Do you pace your speech or talk slowly enough for him or her to write your number, if your message asks for a return call?
E-Mail: Do you check your messages to find and correct errors in spelling and grammar before you hit send?
Text Message: Do you, considering the limited number of characters with which you have to work, choose the best combinations that most accurately convey your ideas in the clearest way possible?
Communicating has been taken to an unusually sophisticated level as a result of our modern technology, but we must still be concerned about how we correspond with each other, since we, too, are improving and experiencing personal growth, right along with technology.
ABOUT THE WRITER: Barbara J. Henry is a published author (Journaling: Twenty Plus Reasons Why You Should Start Now), personal development expert, and avid reader of books on self-growth, self-help, and spirituality—which are the subjects of her blog. Because she has journaled every single day since June of 1995, she describes herself as “the journaling lady.” Visit her website; go to the Titles/Products Page and download a free copy of her very effective tip sheet “9 Write Ways to Solve Problems.”
Communicating today is almost effortless, and even the telephone has been impacted to such a degree that it has become a virtual office. With so many ways to communicate, I wonder how concerned we are about how we say what we say?
What I mean is this: How much time do we spend on thinking about or composing our messages before we send them around the corner or around the world? Yes, I know: The new technology has developed a language of its own, but even so, do we make sure that we are using the language in a way that best conveys our thoughts? And when our messages, (text, twittered, instant or e-mailed) are received, do they express our intentions in the best way possible?
Let’s take a look at three of the more popular ways to communicate today to answer these questions.
Telephone: Does the receiver of your call know exactly what to do as a result of your message, assuming he or she is not available to answer the phone? Do you pace your speech or talk slowly enough for him or her to write your number, if your message asks for a return call?
E-Mail: Do you check your messages to find and correct errors in spelling and grammar before you hit send?
Text Message: Do you, considering the limited number of characters with which you have to work, choose the best combinations that most accurately convey your ideas in the clearest way possible?
Communicating has been taken to an unusually sophisticated level as a result of our modern technology, but we must still be concerned about how we correspond with each other, since we, too, are improving and experiencing personal growth, right along with technology.
ABOUT THE WRITER: Barbara J. Henry is a published author (Journaling: Twenty Plus Reasons Why You Should Start Now), personal development expert, and avid reader of books on self-growth, self-help, and spirituality—which are the subjects of her blog. Because she has journaled every single day since June of 1995, she describes herself as “the journaling lady.” Visit her website; go to the Titles/Products Page and download a free copy of her very effective tip sheet “9 Write Ways to Solve Problems.”
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