It takes a long time to master the details of polite behavior, like eating with silverware and not picking your nose in public. It takes even longer to master civility: having patience with those who are impeding us, treating people with kindness even when they are rude, listening with an open heart to those who vehemently disagree with us.
What is your growing edge in the practice of civility?
For those who live in frigid climes it can be hard to remember in the height of winter what spring even looks like. But spring always comes. Eventually.
What helps you to remember spring in the frozen times of your life?
Whether this snowy playground is a dream or a nightmare depends on how you are dressed. With snow pants, boots, hat and mittens it could be a blast—without proper clothes for the snow, not so much.
How are you equipping yourself to enjoy the playground that is your life situation?
Mighty oaks from little acorns grow, and even palm trees start out small. The only difference between a sprout and a towering tree is time and the conditions for growth.
How do you create the conditions that allow you to grow?
Of course, new beginnings in our lives rarely correspond with particular dates on the calendar. But still, the first of the (Gregorian calendar) year is as good a time as any to wipe the slate clean, to start anew.
What would you like to leave behind from the old year so that you can start fresh?
