I have spent decades crafting strength-based respectful responses to others.

Building on the ideas of Appreciative Inquiry, I relentlessly study what’s working, what gives
energy and life to groups, communities, countries. Studying and nurturing what we are like
when we are at our best, even in the midst of the worst, is my aim.

As I face the challenge of managing myself and juggling multiple disparate projects and invites, I
find myself struggling to listen to myself as well as I do others. I am challenged to focus on my
strengths, to take seriously my aspirations no matter how modest.

I know from decades of experience that if we listen keenly to people when they ask for what
seems small, and take them seriously, they will be led to trust us with what matters most to
them. I find that I must listen to myself with the same exquisite precision I bring to others.
Honoring the small longings on my road to fulfilling deeper hungers for purpose and meaning.

Making this a daily practice may be the most difficult challenge I’ve faced in some time.

My lesson is this: if we want to love and nurture, there are no small things.

Wrote this for me and maybe for you too.