Yesterday, I posted on Acceptance and Accountability. I do suggest the read and reflect. Today, amidst Canada Day, I share on Appreciation and Assertiveness.

This morning, I posted on Appreciation.

  • Appreciation appreciates. Think of it. When an asset depreciates, it loses value. When it appreciates, it gains such. As we practice Appreciation, we add value. We advance how others see themselves when we practice genuine and honest Appreciation. Such practice incorporates Gratitude and Thankfulness and expresses both. As we appreciate our lives, the value of our lives increase. As we appreciate others, we add value to them, us and our lives. Still, Appreciation must be genuine for its power to be realized. As Dale Carnegie suggested, “Give honest and sincere appreciation.” Honesty, Sincerity… they matter in the practice of Appreciation. It adds value. Reflect on the card below. Consider how it might relate for you now. Where do you need to appreciate more? What would that look like? Where and when and how can you manifest same? Do that.

And, on Assertiveness…

  • With Assertiveness we acknowledge and voice our own truth. Introversion and Extroversion are on a scale and, wherever we are on that scale, we have our truth and it needs expression. Assertiveness is not about being in anyone’s face. It is not obnoxious. Assertiveness is not aggressiveness. With it, we see our own value… and that of others. We are truly confident in our being. In working together, as we practice our own Assertiveness… we can better find the collective Wisdom. As we each speak our truth, we find a stronger collective truth… and we are better able to more critically think and creatively solve. At home, school, work, business and community we need true Assertiveness. We can exchange and dialogue and converse with Dignity and Respect … and learn and lead together. Reflect on Assertiveness and the card below. How does it resonate for you? What is its value and return on investment? How and where can you better practice same? How can you better encourage it in others? As we practice Assertiveness, we guard our Dignity and that of others. The world needs more of that.

Now, I suggest imagining these two virtues in consort. What would it look like to assertively appreciate? I am not talking about being insincere nor overbearing. I am talking about not holding ourselves back in terms of genuinely expressing our Appreciation. On this Canada Day, and with sad news of residential schools in mind and heart, I offer up these thoughts recently posted on Facebook, along with a beautiful creation found in my feed yesterday.

  • “The name “Canada” likely comes from the Huron-Iroquois word “kanata,” meaning “village” or “settlement.” In 1535, two Aboriginal youths told French explorer Jacques Cartier about the route to kanata; they were actually referring to the village of Stadacona, the site of the present-day City of Québec. For lack of another name, Cartier used the word “Canada” to describe not only the village, but the entire area controlled by its chief, Donnacona.” I love Kanata. And it recognizes who the first inhabitants truly were and are. This country is a work in progress and recognized on many fronts for its “quality of life”. That said, a work in progress needs work… and quality of life must be for all. We have work to do to truly be the “village” we were named. Let us work towards a Kanata that is a dream come true for all peoples. We can be an example for the world but we first need to be an example worthy. Much Love and Justice. Let us do the work. Kanata Day. ❤

I choose to appreciate this country for what it is, can and will be… “standing together in support of each other”.

Peace, passion and prosperity…

Barry Lewis Green, The Unity Guy with Epic Engage.

“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. ― Abraham Lincoln