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talktodiana

~ Igniting the power and passion in others…

talktodiana

Tag Archives: dignity

Connecting On Common Ground

10 Sunday Jul 2016

Posted by dianasschwenk in Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, In My Opinion

≈ 35 Comments

Tags

200 words, caring, community, compassion, courage, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, dignity, integrity, kindness, laughter, life, peace, Relationships, world issues

Agree-With-Me-Funny

Men easily believe what they want to.

Latin Proverb

I like to think that I’m pretty open-minded. That for the most part I will at least hear you out when you have a different opinion about something.

But the truth is if I feel strongly about something, I will dismiss your thoughts within the first few seconds of you opening your mouth. I will even go so far as to find scientific data that supports my view!  And I’m willing to bet that this is true of you as well.

We easily believe what we want to believe.

But it doesn’t mean if you don’t agree with me you are against me or if I don’t agree with you I am against you. It doesn’t mean that we cannot connect on common ground elsewhere. It doesn’t mean we cannot respect, care for, or love each other.

Yes there are things we may not agree on – big things – things we are passionate about; things that get our blood boiling and make us emotional.

But the number of things we do agree on like basic human kindness, compassion and dignity far outnumber the things we disagree on.

~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~

 

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If You Want To Be A Leader

06 Sunday Mar 2016

Posted by dianasschwenk in Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, In My Opinion

≈ 19 Comments

Tags

200 words, caring, compassion, courage, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, dignity, Do the right thing, generosity, greater good, greed, humanity, integrity, joy, justice, kindness, leadership, love, mercy, Purpose, Truth, vision, world issues

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Climb the mountain so you can see the world, not so the world can see you. ~ David McCullough

When you have the means to make it in this world, when the pieces fall together in such a way for you to get ahead, to gain influence and power, then it’s more vital than ever for you to do what is appropriate for the greater good.

And in such a position, it is also important to be a person of integrity, someone who has their personal affairs in order, someone who is a role model for justice and compassion.

Listen to what President Obama had to say when asked what questions he’d asked of presidential candidates.

~

To Whom Much is Given, Much is expected

A good leader, whether the leader of a nation, or the CEO of a company, or the team lead of a crew needs to climb the mountain, not to be seen, but so (s)he can see the people, understand their circumstances and lead effectively with their best interests in mind.

What can you do today for your family, your company, your neighbourhood, your city, your cause to make it better for everyone.

~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~

What Does Home Mean To You?

07 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by dianasschwenk in Hump Day Chronicles, My Stories

≈ 46 Comments

Tags

addiction, Calgary, caring, community, courage, Diana Schwenk, dignity, dreams, family, health, home, Hump Day Chronicles, joy, laughter, life, living in the moment, non-profit, Oxford House, Purpose, recovery, Relationships, sobriety

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As most of you know, I started working at Oxford House Foundation of Canada as their Development Coordinator in May.

Essentially, I am the fundraiser, community engager, the Talker as one of my co-workers recently declared, and whatever else is required to help out when needed.

And I am happy to do it!

It would be somewhat of an understatement if I were to say I love it there, but I’m not quite sure how to say it differently.

All I know is that the people I work with were quick to welcome me to the Oxford family, and their passion and commitment for the organization and the work they do is inspiring.

They make me want to do a really, really good job!

For those of you who do not know, Oxford House is a network of 30 houses in Calgary and Edmonton that provide homes for over 140 men and women who are in recovery from addictions.

The concept is simple. Contribute your share of the household’s expenses and chores. Stay clean and sober. Join the workforce and take your life back.

Recovery is possible in an Oxford Home. And men and women in recovery benefit greatly from the peer-to-peer support they find in each other and the support they receive from dedicated staff who have lived experience, most of whom are also alumni of an Oxford home!

It takes hands to build a house. It takes hearts to build a home.

It takes hands to build a house. It takes hearts to build a home.

Speaking of home. It’s been the talk around our proverbial water cooler lately.

Our Oxford family has really embraced the word home.

Because we know that a house is just four walls. It keeps out the weather.

It provides security from the outside world. It gives you a place to be when there’s nowhere else to go.

But a home…

that’s where friends and family gather.

A home is where you can put your feet up and relax.

Home is where you sit around the table, eat a meal together, share your hopes and your dreams, ask for advice. Cry until you laugh. Laugh until you cry.

Home is where you can challenge others to be their best and also be challenged yourself toward the same end.

Yeah, sure, sometimes it hurts, but it comes from people who care and that makes it a precious gift.

Yes, home has become a theme; in our houses and at the office. Whenever we talk about programs or events or gatherings, we think about how to create a sense of home.

What images are conjured up when you think of home? What’s your favourite childhood memory of home? Does it seem  like I’m picking your brain for more images of home? So what? We’re all friends here, right? ❤

~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

What does home mean to you?

What are you most proud of?

22 Wednesday Oct 2014

Posted by dianasschwenk in Hump Day Chronicles, My Stories

≈ 56 Comments

Tags

accomplishments, daughter, Diana Schwenk, dignity, family, Hump Day Chronicles, integrity, mission, passion, proud, Purpose, Single parent, vision

Michaela, 7 months, playing piano at Oma and Opa's house

Michaela, 8 months old, playing piano at Oma and Opa’s house

That’s what she asked me when she called on Monday.

What are you most proud of…what is your greatest accomplishment?

Rebecca was calling me in response to a short-term job I had applied for. Something that I might enjoy doing and would allow me to make some extra cash.

The phone interview was the first screening.

What AM I most proud of, I wondered.

So used to being at the other end of an interview – being the one asking the questions.

So used to selling a cause and not necessarily selling myself.

My mind went straight to my professional accomplishments:

  • my work on the GNA committee
  • the 90-day plan I developed to win people over so that they no longer feared affordable housing for the homeless in the downtown core
  • helping that other small non-profit get a better understanding of their fund development history and working with them to develop strategies to move forward.

And other such things…

No. That’s not what Rebecca was looking for, so she rephrased the question. What are you passionate about?

“Well I guess I’m most passionate about being true to myself,” I began. “Of standing up for what I believe, even when I have to stand alone.

I’m proud of raising my daughter as a single parent. And intentionally not speaking ill of her dad while she was growing up – I’d seen too many times what kind of damage that does to children.

I’m proud that when I left a job I had loved for many years, that had turned ugly during a leadership change, I did it with my integrity and dignity intact.

I’m passionate about following my heart, even when I am afraid. And I am determined to ensure that my word is better than a signed contract.

~

So used to selling a cause and not necessarily selling myself…

Nevertheless, a valuable experience for me and a second interview is scheduled!

~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

What are you most proud of? What is your greatest accomplishment? What are you passionate about?

Talk to Diana


"I RELATE WITH, PROMOTE AND SPEAK COMMUNITY WHEREVER I AM..."

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