by Karen Thrall | Jul 16, 2021 | ARTICLES, HUMAN IDENTITY, HUMAN JOURNEYS
Criticism is never meant to deflate and discourage your progress. Its positive intent is not to harm and destroy your confidence. Why do we allow this to happen? Healthy criticism is a perspective that is meant to strengthen your journey, to cheer you on, and help you...
by Karen Thrall | Jun 15, 2021 | ARTICLES, HUMAN BUSINESS, HUMAN ENGAGEMENT, HUMAN JOURNEYS
Years ago I had a dream. It is, by far, one of the most vivid dreams I have ever had. It was nightfall and I walked off a city bus into bustling activity. Running through the city was a river with a gentle current. A woman who stood beside me jumped into the water ...
by Karen Thrall | May 29, 2021 | ARTICLES, HUMAN IDENTITY, HUMAN JOURNEYS
“The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” – Ferdinand Foch When my daughter was 14 years old, we went to Spain together. It is a very special memory. I always love travelling with my daughter. Whether on a road trip or...
by Karen Thrall | Jan 31, 2021 | ARTICLES, HUMAN IDENTITY
Silence Your Self-Critic I was in the 2nd grade and my teacher was teaching us about impromptu speaking. She wrote questions on pieces of paper and put it in a container. Each one of us took one of the pieces and had a few minutes to prepare our thoughts to speak in...
by Karen Thrall | Jul 24, 2020 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
photo by: Adrien Robert | Unsplash We are fortunate to live in a society that encourages people to truly pursue their dreams and to chase after their aspirations. It’s woven into the very fabric of our history pages. If you have a dream that has yet to be...
by Karen Thrall | Mar 27, 2020 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
In the midst of this pandemic we are not facing one fear, but three: the fear of loss, the fear of scarcity and the fear of isolation. I enjoy engaging in thought-provoking conversations with my dad who’s 87 years old. Realistically, my parents are in the...
by Karen Thrall | Jan 31, 2020 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
I think I caught the #doitmyselfitus bug Dobbin is preparing for the annual town picnic. It’s the biggest event of the year and it’s his turn to be the menu planner. Satisfied with his dinner outline, he smiles at Dodie, the entertainment coordinator,...
by Karen Thrall | Jan 10, 2020 | ARTICLES, HUMAN IDENTITY
[Always choose the best for yourself. Make decisions that complement who you are.] “Today I shall wear my red hat.” Henrietta runs her fingers over the brim of her fedora. As she looks in the mirror, she places it on her head and smiles brightly. Her...
by Karen Thrall | Oct 30, 2019 | ARTICLES, HUMAN IDENTITY
DOUG THE DRAGON LEARNS ABOUT HIS INNER-HONESTY The town gathers as the steeple bell rings. “Hear ye, hear ye. We have a new arrival” announces Mayor Doyen of Wingville. “Meet our youngest dragon. His name is Doug.” From behind a velvet curtain, with wide-eyed...
by Karen Thrall | Aug 30, 2019 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
[1] CHARACTER BEGINS WITH HOPE. The journey began with Alan the Acorn parachuting from a tree. The forest was vibrant and cheered when he announced his arrival. Alan with a starry-eyed wonder, was excited to become the oak tree he dreamed of being. “How does one...
by Karen Thrall | Jul 26, 2019 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
Sasha didn’t like wasps. There’s a reason for that. She spent her summers at the lake. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed building forts in the wooded area across from her family’s cottage. Using a combination of branches, ferns and moss, she designed secret hideaways...
by Karen Thrall | Jun 26, 2019 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
Is Unicorn Love Real? Two best friends, Green and Purple, are hanging out at their favourite local cafe. “Do you unicorn love me?”, asks Green. “I don’t even know what that means? You’re my friend, I love you.” responds Purple....
by Karen Thrall | Apr 13, 2019 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
VIDEO 1:40: “the reason I wrote this article” photo by: @krisjanis A story of a fisherman and his nephew “There’s an island not too far from here,” the fisherman points to the horizon. “They say the trees can sing and the river’s...
by Karen Thrall | Mar 20, 2019 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
A little girl was walking in the forest and heard a loud growl. She was suddenly met by a big bear. “Stop!” she called out, “You’re scaring me.” She took a deep breath and asked, “Are you my friend?” The bear walked towards her, “Look into my eyes, little one, what do...
by Karen Thrall | Feb 28, 2019 | ARTICLES, HUMAN IDENTITY
Judging others is really easy to do. A person I’m quite close to recently said to me, “I feel like you’re judging me.” I paused, quickly asked myself if there was any truth in that phrase, and, with sadness, responded, “Yes,...
by Karen Thrall | Feb 10, 2019 | ARTICLES, HUMAN ENGAGEMENT
[1] BOTTOM LINE: It was quite liberating when I first realized I only had a 50/50 chance of someone liking me. It doesn’t matter how much I want someone to like me (or worse, EVERYONE to like me), that decision is out of my control. It’s perfectly ok if...
by Karen Thrall | Dec 30, 2018 | ARTICLES, HUMAN IDENTITY
Your Inner-Handsome [a/k/a] really really really ridiculously good looking… INNER-BEAUTY? The word “inner-beauty” doesn’t have that appeal it used to have. Like most powerful phrases, we tend to overuse them and they eventually lose their pizzazz. The beauty of...
by Karen Thrall | Nov 18, 2018 | ARTICLES, HUMAN ENGAGEMENT
A WELCOMING SPACE How well do you respond to strangers? Let’s say I give you a cup of water, and you say “Thank you”, and my response back is, “You’re welcome.” – what my response is actually saying is, “You are...
by Karen Thrall | Oct 12, 2018 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
(this video is an intro to the article) I was having dinner with a dear friend of mine. I knew something was a bit “off” in me. She summarized it. “Karen, you’re striving.” She was right. It got me thinking… IS THERE ‘GOOD STRIVING’ AND...
by Karen Thrall | Sep 21, 2018 | ARTICLES, HUMAN BUSINESS, HUMAN JOURNEYS
If you have an inkling of talent, a hidden talent, a secret talent, talent that was recognized when you were a child – whatever it may be – use it if you don’t want to lose it. My mom surprised me and sent this in the mail. (see photo). Flooded me...
by Karen Thrall | Jun 30, 2018 | ARTICLES, HUMAN BUSINESS, HUMAN JOURNEYS
My friend told me a story of a baby shower where the host started the evening with an icebreaker game. She asked the group to cover the face of their watches and try to describe what it looked like. Everyone covered up their watches and a woman volunteered to...
by Karen Thrall | Jun 1, 2018 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
May 1st marked my three year anniversary of leaving my role at John Fluevog Shoes, and with the support of my two kids, I bid farewell to Vancouver, packed up my car and drove to San Diego to pursue my life dream. The closing of a chapter began when a Vancouver...
by Karen Thrall | Apr 30, 2018 | ARTICLES, HUMANS COMMUNICATE
The “DO ANGRY WELL” Series. Part 3 of 3 I was getting gas in Old Town San Diego and the pumps have tv screens for advertisements, music or ‘fun facts’. I look at the screen and it says “Word Of The Day” and the word MOLLIFY appeared. Mollify: to...
by Karen Thrall | Apr 9, 2018 | ARTICLES, HUMANS COMMUNICATE
“Karen, you have a temper.” (ack, definitely not something I wanted to hear..) KT: But, but… err uhh…. have you seen my sparkly bright eyes and big smile? I think you’re mistaking me for someone else. “There’s...
by Karen Thrall | Feb 23, 2018 | ARTICLES, HUMANS COMMUNICATE
Anybody can become angry – that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way – that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy. – Aristotle...
by Karen Thrall | Jan 27, 2018 | ARTICLES, HUMANS COMMUNICATE
"IDEALISM: the practice of forming or pursuing ideals, especially unrealistically.” - the dictionary. I’ve been learning what it’s like to let go of idealism. It served its purpose in provoking me to chase after my business dream. As much as I’m a big fan of...
by Karen Thrall | Oct 25, 2017 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
It was in the early morning of a cold, rainy November when I drove by an elementary school. I looked to my left and an adorable, sweet human caught my attention. I pulled the car over and watched in silence, with only the faint sweeping sound of windshield...
by Karen Thrall | Oct 4, 2017 | ARTICLES, HUMAN IDENTITY
We are ever evolving and changing. The dictionary defines evolving: “to develop or achieve gradually.” How recent has it been since you found out something new about yourself? In 2015, I was invited to a Strengthsfinder seminar that the Gumpert Foundation...
by Karen Thrall | Aug 14, 2017 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
A passerby saw a child staring into an open field. Amused, he asked, “What are you looking at?”. Without hesitation, the child replied, “My castle.” When I was a little girl, I lived in a big world of imagination. I didn’t need...
by Karen Thrall | Jul 16, 2017 | ARTICLES, HUMAN IDENTITY
So if a dog bites you ONCE, will you never trust a dog again? Well, sometimes that’s exactly what happens. Let’s pretend you’re two years old and a big black dog bites you. That’s quite scary and traumatic for a little toddler. Without fully being aware, that little...
by Karen Thrall | Jun 10, 2017 | ARTICLES, HUMANS COMMUNICATE
The best part of coaching are those magical moments. We’re engaged in dialogue, the conversation is flowing and I’ll point out important information based on what the individual is verbalizing. So, what exactly is the magical moment? After I share my...
by Karen Thrall | Dec 20, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
I’ve been thinking about the importance of sweating physically, mentally and philosophically. One of the most popular goals people have is choosing a healthier lifestyle through exercise and diet. But very few will stay committed to this goal. What sets...
by Karen Thrall | Oct 22, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN BUSINESS
Hey friend, So you’re starting a business, and you want to know my thoughts? [1] PERSISTENCE: First, you must believe that your efforts (your commitment to what you believe and desire, your tenacity, your patience, your confidence to keep going, your perseverance,...
by Karen Thrall | Sep 5, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN BUSINESS, HUMAN IDENTITY, HUMAN JOURNEYS
What are you willing to give up in order to pursue what you really want? What are you willing to let go of for the sake of your dream? What might you have to leave behind because it’s not helping you get where you want to go? A key ingredient to an entrepreneur’s...
by Karen Thrall | Aug 23, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN BUSINESS, HUMAN ENGAGEMENT, HUMAN IDENTITY
I came across a document I wrote on January 1, 2008, expounding on my three guiding values. I was immediately curious to read it – wondering if it still resonated within me. The answer?… YES!! Isn’t it incredible that guiding values live...
by Karen Thrall | Aug 15, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN BUSINESS
“I write probably 80 percent of my stuff over the winter.” –Bob Seger Using the metaphor of ‘seasons’, every business, no matter what type, goes through a winter season. Spring is fresh and new. Summer is vibrant and steady. Fall is transition and...
by Karen Thrall | Jun 5, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
The loss of a life. The loss of love. The loss of a job. The loss of health. The loss of money. The loss of friendship. The loss of a game. Why is loss so painful? It creates a grief in our hearts that can feel unbearable, overwhelming, deflating,...
by Karen Thrall | May 29, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN IDENTITY
What makes us shrink back or hold back? When I’m hanging out with my wisest friends (who are 70 years and older), I notice a common occurrence: they are less affected by circumstances. They carry an acceptance about where they are, who they’re with and what...
by Karen Thrall | May 21, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
Taking inventory of our internal well-being on a regular basis is fundamental to healthy living. When we go through a challenging time, a big change, an unexpected disruption (or a planned one), it’s a good idea to ask ourselves, “Heyyyyy youuuu...
by Karen Thrall | Apr 26, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN BUSINESS
So, you want to grow your business? Great! Then whatever you do, pay attention to the internal workings of your company! Overlooking your infrastructure is like biting into a rotten apple. Looks juicy and delicious on the outside, but on the...
by Karen Thrall | Apr 3, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN BUSINESS, HUMAN IDENTITY
I can see why people choose not to make high-risk decisions: it’s unpredictable with no guarantees. If I said to you (cyber invisible person), “Eat this roast beef dinner every day and you’ll lose 10 pounds.” You would say, “How do you know?” I would...
by Karen Thrall | Mar 28, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN BUSINESS
If you’re going to start a business, here are four areas to keep track of and be diligent with: MONEY: Keep your personal living expenses at an all time low. You’re on a tight-string budget. Accept it. What you used to do, you can’t do – FOR NOW. It will...
by Karen Thrall | Mar 19, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
Why are we afraid to show our age? Why do we love to hear that we look 10 years younger? (I do, too!) But does it really matter that much? I have wrinkles. The crow’s feet around my eyes continue to increase every year. Perhaps it’s partly due to playing golf...
by Karen Thrall | Mar 16, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMANS COMMUNICATE
“What I like best about cell phones is that I can talk to myself in the car now and nobody thinks it’s weird.” ― Ron Brackin, Author It’s quite common now to watch people walking down the street talking to, what appears to be, no one. They have...
by Karen Thrall | Mar 7, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
May 1, 2015 I moved to San Diego to launch my business and chase my dream. Reflecting back on these past 10 months, I want to share something that is vital to great decision-making. Ready for it? Here it is: Every decision deserves time beforehand to...
by Karen Thrall | Feb 10, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN IDENTITY
(photo by: Alex Pham) I have a memory. I was a little girl and my mom was going to the grocery store. I asked her if my friend and I could go to the park and play in the wading pool while she went to get groceries. She agreed and dropped us off. When we...
by Karen Thrall | Feb 3, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
MAKE AN 80% DECISION The difference between a great decision and a mediocre one is one word: doubt. I’d rather make a great decision and be 80% successful with 20% room for error, than to second-guess my decision, doubt it and then do 100% n.o.t.h.i.n.g!...
by Karen Thrall | Jan 31, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
We are not immune to hope. Regardless of your circumstances, you will find a whisper of hope. We must find this hope in every aspect of our lives. Never dismiss hope. If there’s any topic I want to petition it would be in contending for the richness of living a...
by Karen Thrall | Jan 17, 2016 | ARTICLES, HUMAN JOURNEYS
photo by: Sylvain Guiheneue THE THEME FOR YOUR YEAR. WHAT IS IT? Every year I present myself a theme. I reflect in December, in preparation for the year to come, and ponder what is the resource and gift I want the new year to bring me. I’ve been doing this for...
by Karen Thrall | Dec 12, 2015 | ARTICLES, HUMAN ENGAGEMENT, HUMAN IDENTITY, HUMANS COMMUNICATE
ENABLING IN THE WORKPLACE In the last article I shared my personal reflections and experience surrounding the topic of enabling. Let’s translate this hurdle of enabling into the workplace. What does it look like when someone begins to enable? I want you to fill...
