How do you feel about speaking in front of an audience? As Speakers, Jim and I have dealt with some wild interruptions and mishaps in front of audiences. And even if you don't consider yourself a Speaker by trade, maybe you've been in the position where all eyes are on you while you are teaching, interacting, sharing info with any type of group, team, or organization. It can be daunting to be in the "hot seat" when materials don't get delivered, or Wi-Fi cuts out, your practiced talk doesn't align with the visual presentation (hint - practicing too much can make us sound rote and rob us of the natural interactive tone an audience responds to best). Here's a thought to beat the imposter syndrome that might creep up on you: Audiences are generally pulling for you to succeed, and they don't live in your head. They won't know if you've left something out or had to pivot in an unexpected direction. They aren't spending time beating up on you, so you shouldn't either!

Hi Friend! What Julius Caesar didn't notice and brushed off on a long-ago March 15th cost him dearly. It appears he was so certain of himself that he didn't listen to dire warnings. I'll let you look that one up, if you'd like. Things aren't quite so dire today, but I'm taking an opportunity to listen to what @Lisa Burke said in her comment on the Mar. 12 post. She is wise indeed to remind herself and all of us that asking for help when we're stuck is a good plan. Immediately upon reading her comment, I was reminded of a book I keep on my nightstand for when I need some gentle, happy thoughts to help me sleep. "The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse" is a sweet reminder to care for ourselves and each other, by artist Charlie Mackesy. I highly recommend it! The Boy asks the Horse when he has been at his strongest, and the Horse tells him it's when he's been brave enough to show weakness. "Asking for help isn't giving up," said the Horse. "It's refusing to give up." I have felt like giving up on technology this week, but I'm going to find solutions, instead. When and how have YOU refused to give up?

Yes, I know lots of communities have Friday Funnies, and that's because good ideas get stolen. So isn't it about time to shoot your shot, My Friend?? Share a memory, a joke, a goofy quote. Send us a GIF or a video that cracks you up (Rated G, please)! Laughter beats Chaos, every time... Here, my barn cat Poe looked like he was sailing away in this horse feed bin. I tried to draw a sail, but I wasn't too successful 🙃

Hello My Friend! I'm looking forward to our LIVE Call this evening. Please jump in and join us! And please check out this short video first, so you can answer the questions I posed for you. Please write a comment with your answers and be ready to hear from others and/or tell us about your 3ams!

Hello My Friend! Full disclosure. When I feel an uptick in Chaos, especially the type that lives in my mind and has me feeling like I'm moving in too many directions at once, I crave sugar. Dark chocolate, cookies, cakey things. Especially if I start the day with one of these treats, the rest of the day is a battle to get back on track. What is your relationship to food when Chaos comes calling? Does it change?