Fiona M Brennan’s Post

What I learned over my birthday weekend this year... Variety really is the spice of life! New and exciting experiences make life more interesting. (And if you want your content to do the same for your readers, keep this in mind in how you structure a sentence or outline and format an article.) I turned 41. My daughter turned 4. We celebrated all weekend with friends and family. We hosted 45 people (that's a lot!) at our neighborhood park (a known quantity, usually). There was a little market set up at one end and a huge slip-n-slide set up on the other (two giant unknown quantities). I didn't know if it would make things more complicated or more fun. The weather could have been super humid. Plus, I had the sniffles, making me more tired than usual. But we got tons of support - from friends from various parts of our lives - old friends, new friends, old colleagues, preschool families - and because there was so much going on at once, it was somehow easier to just let it all ride. If you're looking for content that pops and hits and really DOES SOMETHING to the reader, keep in mind who you're working with to create/edit/revise/refresh that content. Do they get that content needs to be infused with excitement, adventure, and... the spice of life?

Happy 4th of July all! This holiday is especially important to me as it’s the anniversary of my commitment to public service. This year carries a little extra sentiment as it marks 15 years of public service. I am hoping this is the halfway point of my career, if not sooner. Every year, I use this opportunity to reflect on things I’ve learned along the way: 1) Treat others as though you were on the other side of the desk. I often encounter individuals who are facing adverse actions: loss of a loved one, terminally ill, homeless, commission of a crime, and more. If you have good health, a job, roof over your head, and food on your table…consider yourself blessed. 2) Learn a new skill by teaching others. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching college courses as well as training new employees into the agency. The best way to learn a difficult or complex topic is to teach it to someone else. You’ll force yourself to learn and understand the material, so you don’t look like a fool in front of your colleagues. This is also a great opportunity to add value to yourself as an employee. 3) Accept the challenges that come your way. I’m often tasked with some of the most difficult and stressful cases in our office. These cases aren’t given to me because my boss hates me, but rather my boss has enough trust in me to get the job done. If your boss gives you something difficult, thank him/her for the opportunity to show your skills and abilities. If you fail, it becomes a learning/teaching moment (See number 2). Don’t be afraid of the challenge. It has been my honor and pleasure to serve all those who I’ve come in contact with. I look forward to the fireworks that the next 15 years will bring!

Happy New Year from Owl Be There Charlotte! I typically spend the day packing up Christmas decorations, watching some football, getting outside and of course enjoying a new year's dinner with greens, black-eyed peas, cornbread and pork tenderloin. I have a word for the year: endurance. I have set some achievable personal and professional goals (3 personal and 2 professional). I am also embracing the notion that "if you pack it you have to carry it." So as I apply that to life, what are some things that I can let go of? If I let go of these things will it help me achieve these goals? And that's why I like taking the decorations down today...it gives me time to reflect on last year and ponder about the upcoming one.

What are your First Day traditions? First day of a new job or project, first day after vacation… Transitions are big for adults too, especially us A-students trained on shiny new notebooks and first day outfits. We need to know it’s okay to feel awkward and nervous-excited about something new. To celebrate what’s to come and maybe mourn what’s left behind. Or bake yourself cookies and put a sweet note in your own lunchbox. How do you acknowledge & celebrate what’s new for you?

Can you guess our word for July? 1. It impacts relationships and emotional well-being 2. It’s seen in action using collaborative communication 3. It can provide a sense of community and collective purpose The key word that came out of our recent teamwork is ‘connection’. And in a world where we’re always connected, to literally hundreds of people at a time - thank you social media - we also seem to be completely disconnected at the same time. Which is perhaps one of the reasons we appreciate our little place in the world. One where there are laughs around the lunch table, we practice active listening when someone has a challenge, and celebrate each person’s birthday with thought and care. What’s your word for the month?

Choosing YOU means: 1. Deciding to focus on your personal brand: - Companies lay people off - Companies become bankrupt - Your brand remains 2. Learning to say NO. Saying YES to one thing means saying NO to another. Taking time to focus on tasks that Help you grow mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. 3. Building connections that matter There are acquaintances, there are friends. Productivity entails surrounding yourself with the right people People who help you grow. 4. Learning to take risks Never self reject. Every step, regardless of the result, Is an opportunity to learn, challenge yourself, and know where you go wrong. The best bet you can take is one on yourself. Learn to put yourself first - This September. 🎉 Happy new month!

It is nice sometimes to look back and reflect on the impact of people I've met/worked with had on me and celebrate their... (you name it) Here we go: Happy Birthday Maciej Juzon. Let the next year bring you all the fun and happy moments you can take. Cheers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- p.s.: I know it is professional media, however, it is good to step out sometimes of that realm and look at the human element in it.

[Happy anniversary Jenna] To celebrate, here are 11 lessons from 11 years: 🕐 Challenges can bring you together if you let them. 🕑 You think you’re busy before having kids. You’re not. 🕒 Making memories is the name of the game. 🕓 The years race by faster and faster. Find ways to slow down. 🕔 Two people focused on the same priority is a powerful force. 🕕 Appreciate how your partner’s strengths help you to do what you love. 🕖 Boring things become fun and meaningful when you do them together. 🕗 You think you’re tired before having kids. You’re not. 🕘 We all love to do certain things. Give each other space to enjoy that time. 🕙 It’s never too late for chocolate. 🕚 Some fresh air and a conversation always helps. Thanks Jenna for making all our years so far so memorable. With love, B P.S. – What would you add to these lessons?

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful, healthy, and safe 4th of July week! I'm working on an article on what independence means to me and why it is important for each of us on our journey to reach our highest goals. What does independence mean to you? Comment here or send me a DM!!!

NEW ON THE BLOG! 🌞 https://lnkd.in/ezyN5aEw 📚 With the school year ending and summer beginning, it's time to think about how to keep your kids entertained and engaged at home. 🎨🏃♂️ From creative projects to outdoor adventures, there are plenty of activities to make this summer fun and memorable for your family. 🌟 Here are some ideas to get you started. 🚀🏡