Not Speaking Up? What Are You Passing Up?

Are you satisfied with collecting “likes” for writing stuff on social media? You know that’s not all you need to have people know, like and trust you. Eventually, you will need to speak to people—onscreen now, but eventually, in person. Are you passing up valuable exposure right now to potential clients and customers because you’re…

Read More

This Too Shall Pass

“And this, too, shall pass away.” My mom used to tell me this, whenever I had a teenage drama queen moment. The quote comes from a Yiddish tale about King Solomon—maybe. Some attribute the line to Persian Sufi poets. We know Abe Lincoln used it in a speech before he became President. This phrase gives…

Read More

America’s New Birth Day?

I’ve always loved the 4th of July. Fireworks are high on my list of top 10 favorite things. (Also, it’s the birthday of my best friend of more than 40 years.) Fireworks are cancelled this year here in Marina del Rey. And that’s a meaningful symbol to me. Obviously, we don’t want crowds in an…

Read More

Technophobia? Not Now!

I’m having an “Okay Boomer” moment. I got a new computer. It’s taken me some time to like her. And I have guilt focusing on such a petty thing, when our neighbors in this country don’t have enough to eat. In my head, I hear Bogey’s line in the middle of a war, in Casablanca:…

Read More

Anything Worth Zooming…

Anything Worth Zooming Is Worth Zooming Well—my new mantra. So now there are no real-life, in-person appointments or audiences. You are still talking to people, right? Zoom meetings and webinars abound. I have attended many in the past few days. And if your content and delivery are valuable and well done, will people be more…

Read More

“Everything Was Beautiful At the Ballet”

That’s the title line from a song in the Broadway musical, “A Chorus Line.” I’ve had this song in my head for a week – especially at the gym. During this health crisis, I say, “Everything was healthy at the gym.” And it is. No one is sick at the gym. No coughing, no sniffling,…

Read More

It’s Your Birthday—Who Have You Become?

I haven’t always loved my birthday. When I was five years old, the cruel Chicago winter got in my way. The Mayor issued a traveler’s advisory and my party was canceled. The next February, the same thing happened. Mom suggested a half-birthday party on August 4th – in our small backyard – with Japanese lanterns.…

Read More

Authenticity: A Delicate Balance

In the quest for authenticity, we get some strange results. Reality television. Cringe-worthy tweets of inner thoughts and feelings. Photos of your dinner – do they message authenticity? Some years ago, I worked on a reality TV show, coaching the contestants to pitch their inventions. Was it reality? Not so much. I will leave it…

Read More

Happiest to You!

Happy Chanukah! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! And one more thing: Don’t make yourself crazy. Attend only events that are absolutely necessary, and parties that will bring you joy!

Read More

Artistry: The Art of Feeling

What moves you? What music causes tears to spring to your eyes, and a catch to your throat? For me, it’s a soprano singing any operatic aria… or the opening chords of Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer.” The competitive figure skating season has begun, and I am glued as always. Competitive figure skaters who win…

Read More