Envisioning Possibilities
Relationships
At the location on the Bagua board, relationships are personal, intimate, and passionate, my vision board I had a hole.
My 52-year-long relationship with a marvelous man died when he did. I discovered that having a husband who was also my best friend did not leave a space for many others and years of walking with Alzheimer’s scared many of our old friends away. What was there to talk about with a friend who no longer recognized you, let alone talk about a mutual topic? My world became smaller, limited to a great daughter and a mentally missing husband.
I needed to find friends, and still do. Here is a suggested list from AI on how to turn strangers into friends. It’s a good one. I am grateful.
Turning strangers into friends is like crafting a masterpiece, requiring patience, creativity, and genuine care. Here are some tried-and-true methods:
Initiate Conversation:
Break the ice with a warm smile and a friendly greeting. A simple “hello” can open the door to a meaningful connection.
Find Common Ground:
Look for shared interests, experiences, or even a mutual location. Bonding over something familiar creates an instant sense of camaraderie.
Listen Actively
Show genuine interest in the other person’s story. Listen attentively, ask follow-up questions, and validate their experiences.
Offer Help or Support
Extend a helping hand or offer support when needed. Kindness strengthens bonds and demonstrates your willingness to be a reliable friend.
Be Authentic
Be true to yourself and let your personality shine. Authenticity is magnetic and attracts like-minded souls.
Be Patient
Building meaningful connections takes time. Be patient and allow the friendship to unfold naturally.
From Fearful to Fearless:
Every confident speaker once shook in their shoes.
How to Answer “Tricky” Questions
When you stay calm, clarify with repetition, and bridge back to your core ideas, you guide the dialogue rather than chase it. The result? You come across as thoughtful, credible, and persuasive exactly the qualities clients and colleagues remember.
From Fearful to Fearless:
Every confident speaker once shook in their shoes.
Language of Leadership
True leaders don’t just give instructions—they paint visions that others want to follow. Every leader speaks but not every leader inspires. The language of leadership isn’t about commanding attention; it’s about connecting hearts and minds to a...
How to Answer “Tricky” Questions
When you stay calm, clarify with repetition, and bridge back to your core ideas, you guide the dialogue rather than chase it. The result? You come across as thoughtful, credible, and persuasive exactly the qualities clients and colleagues remember.
The Designer Pause
Remember: silence isn’t empty. It’s elegant.
Branding
Branding isn’t built in a studio—it’s built in the moments between meetings, at networking events, and even while waiting for your latte.
From Drawings to Dialogue
Designers aren’t just visual thinkers—we’re translators of imagination.
When you can turn drawings into dialogue, every presentation becomes a partnership.
These are promising ideas. I can only imagine what it must have been like to have a loved one and Alzheimer’s. Yet I agree — there is always someone we are yet to meet!