Pruning

I'd already made a mental note to replace the sad plant in my bathroom.  It had brightened the room for many months.  Suddenly all I seemed to see were the pervasive brown fronds.  Though I wasn't extremely hopeful, I started removing the dead leaves.  Once the pruning was complete, the plant was once again attractive and vibrant.  With a little careful attention the plant that was about to be replaced once again had a bright future.  

We can personally and organizationally begin to resemble the unattractive plant unless we remain vigilant in pruning bad habits and eliminating things that no longer work.  Unless we pay careful attention to details we are at risk of becoming obsolete.  Even when things start to decline, transformative make-overs can bring renewal.

Transformations

I love the holidays!  The transformation of our home as we decorate every room is exciting.  There can be no doubt that it's the Christmas season. The transformation is complete when Christmas school vacations begin and the constant, welcome flow of our children's friends fills our home with vibrancy, joy and laughter.

When the last nativity is stored, and school begins again, our home initially seems a little empty.  Lovely memories and beautiful photos help fill the void.

Presentation

Our daughter was presented at the second of her debutante balls this week.  It's a lovely time of tradition, friendship and excitement.  In honor of her presentation, she chose to cut her hair and donate the locks for a wig to assist someone undergoing medical treatment. 

What a beautiful transformative act!  She has a stylish new look, an unknown beneficiary will have one less worry in the struggle to get well and all of us who love Julia were once again touched by her generous spirit.

Transformation

At an event this week, a friend introduced one of her colleagues as a terrific management coach who transformed her life.  I immediately wondered what advice he could have given to earn such a glowing recommendation.  Without the need to ask, they both readily volunteered that education was the key.  At first I was disappointed to learn that the answer was so obvious.  Then I realized that most great advice is simple and readily apparent to others.  What I initially failed to acknowledge were the detailed discussions they must have had that led to the conclusion that in order to advance her career she must complete her college degree.  And what a huge commitment that she had to accept to go back to college while juggling the demands of her career.

Though she was able to quickly relay her transformation story, incredible effort was required.  We sometimes miss the impact of the message until we understand the process required to achieve the result.  Education is a transformative process.