Today’s haiku, December 3 2024

walking near the shore
under the autumnal dusk
glorious colors

Tonight’s Haiku: Sunday November 24, 24

within the night air
as dreams begin their calling
raindrops start their song


An evening haiku: Super Moon

I wrote this one a few nights ago, after getting this shot of the Super Moon on my phone. It delighted me so.

autumn moon
gracing the cool sky
blessed silence

Today’s haiku: November 14, 2024

Today’s haiku
evening rainfall 
flowing from a day of rain
into a calm night

Twas a rain filled day. Shifting between downpours, mists, and even a few moments of dryness with dark clouds

Crafted this image on Canva. I thought this font was fun. (It’s called Tan Pearl if you’re curious.)

I hope this finds you well.

A Quote For The Day

silhouette photography of group of people jumping during golden time

I came accross today’s quote at Michele Lee’s blog “My Inspired Life”.

Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”
― Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie

First, I loved Tuesdays with Morrie. And I just love the vibe of this quote. It reminds me of what’s important in life, even is these troubling times.

I hope this finds you well. May you find your community, one that you may delight in devoting yourself to.

The Value of Mastery

close up shot of two people wearing karategi and black belt

James Clear, the author of “Atomic Habits” has a newsletter “3-2-1 Thursday”. Each issue contains:

  • 3 short ideas from James
  • 2 quotes from other people
  • 1 question

Today’s newsletter, titled “On growing fast vs growing slow, the value of mastery, and climbing the right mountain“, resonated with me. The goal of my personal development plan is mastery, and I’m working on mastering what, exactly. Project management? IT? Web development? One of these. But this post drove home a weakness holding me back: my impatience. I want to become a master fast. And, well, that’s the opposite path of mastery. James included this quote, which I appreciated. It drives home the point succinctly.

“Mastery is the best goal because the rich can’t buy it, the impatient can’t rush it, the privileged can’t inherit it, and nobody can steal it. You can only earn it through hard work. Mastery is the ultimate status.”

~ Derk Sivers

Choosing what NOT to study is one of my core challenges right now. I’m interested in SO very much. Choosing to NOT pursue something is rather painful. But I know it’s the right decision. But, man, it’s so hard!

Have you developed mastery in something? How did you go about de-selecting what to study? Was it as hard for you as it is for me?

Today’s haiku

waiting for dawn’s light

to come through the eastern firs 

blending with the rain

It’s a rather drippy day here in greater Seattle, which I’m rather fond of. I find them tranquil and rejuvenating, especially with some coffee and a good book.

May your day feed your soul.

Ernst & Young, Meta, etc, firing folks for misuing benefits

woman organizing her belongings

The past few news cycles have featured employees being fired for misusing benefits. Whether we’re talking about EY letting people go for cheating on required education, Meta letting folks go for misusing meal benefits, companies seem to be more willing (eager?) to let someone go. I think this is related to the calls for a return to office, which some feel are about encouraging staff to resign and, thus, not receive any severance, etc.

So, what I think we’re seeing is companies looking for ANY excuse/reason to let people go. So, I would be cautious, very cautious, about giving them such. Be thoughtful and be wary.

Think I’m on to something? Or am I just paranoid? Let me know what you think.