Comments for I was thinking...

Comment on Parenting for failure by Brendan

Brendan — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:58:30 +0000

Love your blog, your candour and your reflective thoughts about parenting. Why is it that our first impulse when the kids fight is to rush in and demand explanations? I know I have to often stop myself – sometimes I fail too – and consciously choose to show empathy and understanding and be calm. It’s so much easier that way, once you’ve begun that approach instead of the other…

Comment on Parenting for failure by heidi

heidi — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 17:12:07 +0000

Hi Jacob!
I’ve been mulling this over for quite a while too – wanting to embrace failure as just a learning opportunity, but tangled up in feelings of failure or self doubt.

I’ve been thinking this morning about schools. What if we approached discipline as a group activity? Instead of addressing one child specifically, what if we worked through every incident as a group? It seems to me that compassion comes from acknowledging that “it could have been me”… And if that is true, then don’t we have an opportunity to ALL learn from ANYONE’s mistakes?

Hmmm…

Comment on What I Want For My Children by Connie Weber

Connie Weber — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 08:52:13 +0000

Heidi,
Wow! I watched your video because Or-tall and David Truss were talking about it on Fireside Learning. I would love to highlight it there, get many people in that community to watch it. Might you consider joining the network and posting the video?
Thank you for your fine work and inspiration.
Connie

Comment on Parenting for failure by Jacob

Jacob — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 06:25:42 +0000

Thanks for sharing. You have articulated something that had been hovering in the back of my mind.

Comment on Getting Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable by Whitley White

Whitley White — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:56:50 +0000

Enjoyable movie with a high rewatchability factor. My girlfriend had recommended me your site. Really great experience and great movie though.

Comment on culture shock by Brian

Brian — Wed, 12 May 2010 19:18:05 +0000

I’ve been trying to figure out some of the feedback to Northern Voice that I’ve been seeing, and had begun to grope towards a position that you articulate much better in this post.

Oddly enough, the growth of the conference may have prompted a transition where the diversity of people who happen to be using social media becomes more evident. I think that may be reflected in some new expectations. For instance, I read one post where a panelist complained that the session moderators (myself, and another organizer) had been too passive, and had not taken an active role in shaping and running the session. That was a first for me, in the past I’ve gotten used to quite self-directed presenters, who more than anything wanted me to keep the intros short so I don’t waste their time allotment.

Arjun’s and Nancy’s follow-ups are worth thinking about as well… NV as a network of diverse and at times divergent communities… civility and and some humility are so important.

Comment on culture shock by Nancy White

Nancy White — Wed, 12 May 2010 18:39:47 +0000

First, great post. Second, in response to Arjun’s question, in the way I understand communities and networks, NV is a network that now contains many communities, some of which rub up against each other comfortably in a moment of quasi-community and some that ruffle each others’ feathers. Ruffling is important – diversity causes us to rethink and revisit our positions and perspectives (or at its best, I hope it does.) Our task is to learn from our disagreements with civility rather than arrogance. But I guess we screw up pretty often.

Finally, I just connected you from NV10 back to NV9, which I had not done because my brain is what my brain is. YES, the imposter conversation!!! AHHHHHH

Waving from South Africa/on the road

Nancy

Comment on culture shock by Arjun

Arjun — Wed, 12 May 2010 06:10:03 +0000

Really enjoyed reading this very thoughtful post. I also the blogging / social media community has grown and diversified. I guess part of what I am asking myself is if we are really a community anymore. I tend to think yes and love the idea that we an all gather under the big “Northern Voice” tent. What you describe as a “community social media” conference has many of the same features, in my mind, as Northern Voice – but, I think it could be a valuable addition indeed. I like the idea of Northern Voice being a “hub” type conference where we can all meet, get to know each other, and exchange ideas.

Just some more mental meanderings.

Comment on I Believe These Things by heidi

heidi — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:11:54 +0000

Hi Susan!
Thanks so much!
I have those days where I wonder if I’m making a difference or not? Whether my time and energy should be focused elsewhere… Just the voice in my head that gets impatient and doubtful!
Your comments help me remember that I can just keep on going and trust that it takes time for seeds to grow…
Take care!

Comment on Love is the opposite of safe by eve magat

eve magat — Sat, 08 May 2010 14:17:55 +0000

you know i agree with you. i was always playing safe with my life. i come to realize things.

Comment on Lulled… by Peggy

Peggy — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 05:45:51 +0000

Oh Heidi – I almost cried when I read this. So poetic. Beautiful imagery, even if it comes from a place of pain.
Let’s connect soon, ok?

Comment on I Believe These Things by Susan

Susan — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:28:38 +0000

Heidi, it’s very clear that your advocacy is improving sd43. Keep it up!

Comment on Where do memories reside? by Susan

Susan — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:26:16 +0000

Heidi, your family is a great example of when children have educated, socially engaged, and active parents. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for your important advocacy!

Comment on Don’t Take It Personally by I was thinking… » Blog Archive » I’m Not Proud of my Kids

I was thinking… » Blog Archive » I’m Not Proud of my Kids — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 06:54:20 +0000

[...] are amazing, that’s true, but is it as a result of me or my parenting? I just don’t think I can take credit for who they are – they have always been these [...]

Comment on The Problem With Building High Self Esteem by I was thinking… » Blog Archive » We Love Ourselves

I was thinking… » Blog Archive » We Love Ourselves — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 05:54:53 +0000

[...] it’s not about building high self esteem. To me, that implies that I’m trying to feel good about myself more ofÂ the time â€“ [...]

Comment on Being Remembered by I was thinking… » Blog Archive » Where do memories reside?

I was thinking… » Blog Archive » Where do memories reside? — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 05:39:21 +0000

[...] My Dad died seven years ago now and shortly after that, my Mom moved to a much smaller house that was more manageable. As a result, my brothers and I all chose some items of furniture or such that we wanted. [...]

Comment on Where do memories reside? by Christine Holroyd

Christine Holroyd — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 02:20:25 +0000

This is a very touching post. Unlike you, though, I think a physical article is a lovely way to remember someone by along with those inner memories. Both my Mum and Dad are alive, but many years ago, Dad bought me a skirt from Nepal and I won’t throw it away for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, it is a reminder of the trips I have done with my Dad (one of them being in Nepal) and I was impressed at his choice of clothing. Secondly, it will one day be a special memento when he is no longer here. Of course I am aware that a skirt is easier to store than a lovely chair

There are other items that my brother and I have spoken to Dad about that we want to hold onto. The same with Mum and likewise Mum has some things of her Mother’s to hold onto as a fond memory once Gran has gone.

The pic of you and your Dad is so beautiful and thanks for sharing it. Very special.

Comment on How Old Am I?? by I was thinking… - Thinking, learning, caring

I was thinking… - Thinking, learning, caring — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 04:29:23 +0000

[...] a lot about how to keep memories alive without these kinds of reminders. Sometimes it’s a photograph. Sometimes it’s the little things I say to my own children that I remember from my Dad. [...]

Comment on Everyday Peace by Christine Holroyd

Christine Holroyd — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:19:34 +0000

This is such a moving post. I’m so guilty of judging, but on a day to day basis with family.

However, I don’t judge the actions of those following the likes of Hitler. It is far too complex to understand unless placed in the same situation. I pray I never have to be tested in that way.

Your observations are so spot on about our foe. Thank you very much for reminding me of all those areas that I need to improve upon. Lots of work to be done!

I feel sad that kids are so cruel and hope that your children, with your wise counsel, will learn how to respond appropriately to the taunts.

Happy holidays.

Christine

Comment on Videos by Helena Silva

Helena Silva — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 03:14:24 +0000

if only everyone could see that…

Comment on Everyday Peace by Shawna Coronado

Shawna Coronado — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:27:33 +0000

Kids continue to amaze me. And this story testifies to it. Keep up on writing great blogs!

Shawna

Comment on All I Want For Christmas is Peace, Love and Hope by Shawna Coronado

Shawna Coronado — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:26:42 +0000

Absolutely beautiful sentiment. Wonderful – thanks for a great post.

Shawna

Comment on What I Want For My Children by Get Involved! « 7 e meio

Get Involved! « 7 e meio — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:01:35 +0000

[...] video: watch it at YouTube VÃdeo produzido por Heidi Hass Gable, publicado no seu blogue “I was Thinking“. “My hope is that it will move you, it will motivate you, it will make you think and [...]

Comment on Everyday Peace by Amber

Amber — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:09:26 +0000

This is so well said.

I always feel a little conflicted on Remembrance Day between the desire for peace and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) glorification of war. We do not need to cling to the old battles and fight the old foes. Because, as you say, the foe is not some external ‘other’, so much as those parts of each of us that are holding us back.

Comment on Everyday Peace by David Truss

David Truss — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:16:16 +0000

Wonderful post Heidi!
You know this from my ‘Two Wolves’ post, as a Jew who left high school with dear friends that are both Muslim and German, I could not agree with you more. We need not disinfect the past to create the future. We remember because our foe is apathy, ignorance and a lack of caring for another human being… and when you bring things down to us all being human beings, living on a globe that has only fictitious, human created borders and human created lines about what is one race compared to another, then it is much easier to seek peace.

Comment on New perspective on being grateful by heidi

heidi — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:46:49 +0000

Hi Hayden,
So very true – attrition is a good way to put it…
Thanks for your comment!

Comment on New perspective on being grateful by Hayden Tompkins

Hayden Tompkins — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:28:11 +0000

Sometimes it’s hard to stay positive when stress can break you down through attrition. Exercising gratitude is such an amazing way to stay grounded and looking forward!

Comment on What I Want For My Children by As Concerned Parents/Teachers/Community

As Concerned Parents/Teachers/Community — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:19:03 +0000

[...] -Securing a bright future for our students: When Will They Learn -Video Presentation: What I want for my Children [...]

Comment on What I Want For My Children by Smart Thinking

Smart Thinking — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:27:19 +0000

[...] a bright future for our students: When Will They Learn -Video Presentation: What I want for my Children Posted in [...]

Comment on It’s all about me… by Amber

Amber — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:27:54 +0000

I completely agree that a lot of our negative reactions towards others are really about ourselves. I’ve found I’m most turned off when I spot in others the personal traits I’m struggling with in myself. Thank you for the reminder that I can get over that and move on. I’m working on it. Progress is slow, but it’s the progress and not the speed that matters, right?