John's Random Thoughts and Ideas

Reunions and Alumni Networking

It is that season to reconnect with old college or high school buddies. Great opportunity to help and be helped.

Here's my post:

 http://www.swiveltime.com/2010/05/alumni-networking.html

One of my readers sent me this great link with advice:   http://www.onlinecollege.org/2013/04/17/college-in-common-how-to-maximize-the-potential-of-your-alumni-network/

 Always easier to network on common grounds. John

 

How a baby unlearns

Got this from a reader (medical doctor) of my recent post....

"The concept of unlearning should not be something un-natural if we remember that as infants we all first learned to grasp an object and only later learned to release an object. Just substitute the word “idea” for the word “object” and you have the new paradigm."

Power Poses to Psych You Up

Within each of us is enormous power to guide our presence and to propel our energy. The key is awareness and tapping into it! 

Mentoring Lessons of a Father

Being a Dad is the greatest job. I did not say easy. I said greatest. Greatest challenge. Greatest reward. You learn that your role is subservient to the mothers--the most powerful forces in the world: Mother Nature and your kids' Mother. Once you understand this you can be be successful.

Dad may be the Executive Producer of the movie, but Mom is the Director, and the kids are the Stars.

Proof of your love and prowess as a father is not measured in your offsprings' GPA, athletic trophies, or their good looks. 

Did you define love in their lives? Did you help them understand themselves? Did you give them a better chance to succeed?

Listen to them. And surrender to their talents.

Engage them to love them and understand them

Connect with their friends and the parents of their friends.

Lead by example. Rely less on your words and let your actions help them understand life.

Hug them, hold them and then let them go. 

Happy Father's Day!

The sacrifices of our families and ancestors

Visited the Japanese American National Memorial just down the block from the Capitol Building. It is a tribute and monument to the JAs who died in the 100 th Battalion and 442nd regiment and those who suffered through the internment camps. I have many relatives who are remembered baby this monument. We have to remind ourselves constantly that we stand on the sacrifices of so many. And that reminder must propel us forward to help others.

Asian slurs and blurs

In 2012, NY tv commentators make derisive comments about the shape of Jeremy Lin's eyes in an attempt at humor. Really? Asian faces have endured the most ridiculous comments and slurs. But the people using them see nothing wrong. Partly because Asians don't complain and mostly because non-Asians still feel they can dominate Asians. How many times have I met a surprised business guest who clearly was not expecting an Asian with my title? How many times have people told me how well I speak English? I recall a speech I gave to 500 university administrators gathered at a conference in Atlanta. I was the only Asian in the room. The day before the association president and I were playing tennis and he won a few points by lobbing over my head. He proclaimed, "....found the chink in his armor."  I said nothing. The next morning it was a bit chilly and a conference goes said to me, ..."there is a nip in the air." When I opened the conference as the keynote speaker I retold these stories as a tongue in cheek, how I was welcomed to the south story. I said, "This chink has no armor and this nip is not in the air." I know the comments wereinnocent. But I also knew most of the people there had little contact with Asians. I use humor to help us laugh at ourselves and maybe raise their consciousness about ignorance. We all are prejudiced, but can we confront it and change?

Sound of the surf as the clouds roll by

Your mind clears
Your body unwinds
Your breath is clean
Your heart is pure
You are one with everything

Out of work

It's a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it's a depression when you lose yours.
           -- Harry S Truman, in Observer, April 13, 1958

When do we stop running?

Never. If we want to live life tithe fullest. Just leaving the World Masters Track Championships. I watched 95 year old men run the 800 meters. Inspiring and a bit scary. :) Tracksters from all over he world gathered to run! All over 50! It us clear that you keep running if you love it and if you can.

Where is your career map?

A new friend of mine, Ginny Clarke, wrote a book called Career Mapping--Charting your course in the new world of work. Excellent guidance for people looking for their careers or changing into new ones. She adeptly addresses the differences in age and stage lifestyles. Check it out. http://mycareermapping.com/