Favorite Things

As I get older, I find that small things mean more to me. A peaceful afternoon, a nice chat over lunch (or Skype!), and exercising my creative mind. The usual yuppie type stuff, like cars and designer duds seem almost silly (although I still have quite a soft spot for nice motorcycles :-).

How do our work environments account for and appreciate our maturing, mellowing ways and our need for deeper connections? Perhaps some of the solutions are as simple as the small things that mean a lot.

• Encouraging playing with thoughts and ideas.


• Open, flexible attitudes.


• Lots of ways and places for people to converse.


• Impromptu, spontaneous appreciation of what is at its peak (strawberry shortcakes, avocado dips, watermelon breaks, and so on).


• Benefits aligned with quality of life.

We are all better leaders and managers when we savor our favorite things and take care of ourselves. Don’t you agree?

Here in Seattle, summer has finally made it’s appearance. The summer is the best time of year here in the Pacific Northwest. It is still cool at night and generally no hotter than the 70’s (some occasional hot days).

Here are a few of my favorite things during Seattle summers:

Golden sun kissed Rainier Cherries! I never saw them in the stores when I lived on the east coast, but perhaps this has changed. They are so sweet and meaty and I cherish each one.

Blooming, fragrant, lavender! Here are three kinds. I love sitting amongst lavender and this is the first year that my lavender is big enough to be really fun.

And, of course, top down! The workday can sap me of my energy, but all it takes is one ride with the top down on a nice day to give it all back. Sunshine, in general, is a favorite thing (why I love the southwest, too).

Comments

[ScottG]

Rainier cherries are relatively common here ('here' being the Washington DC suburbs) I think. I never knew they were hard to get, but I did only discover them a few years ago. I just had a bunch the other week. I get them at Costco sometimes, other times at the local supermarkets.