Sweet Thankfulness

As I left a great breakout session at the ICF conference in Quebec City, I glanced up to see huge snowflakes falling outside. You know those fat, fluffy ones that seem to linger in the air. My head told me to check the schedule, grab some water, and head for the next breakout. My heart said run and play in the snow.

I went over to the window and looked down on the ancient church and courtyard across the street, and the heart tugs grew stronger. I hurried to my room, grabbed my heavy coat, boots, scarf and gloves and ran out into the snow. As I walked across and into the little courtyard, I saw a sign in French that said,” Courtyard of the Birds.” Little sound boxes were placed around the perimeter of the cobblestone courtyard, and I could hear the singing of birds everywhere I walked. I looked up and the leaves were still a vibrant yellow, and the whole world seemed covered with a white blanket. I threw my head back to catch snow on my tongue.

In that moment, I remembered walking in the snow with my Canadian Grandmother in Ottawa when I was five. My mother, brother and I had ridden the train up from Texas, and my grandmother had bought me the most beautiful pair of lace-up snow boots. The two of us had walked, laughed, and played together around the frozen lake. It was a precious memory and the last one I have of her. What a wonderful moment of joy and longing. I felt a real belonging in Canada. As I walked back to the conference, my heart was happy.

Life Upgrade Tip

• Are you listening and following your heart longings?
• Are you still discovering new things about yourself?
• Are you catching any snowflakes on your tongue?
• Do you have permission to ‘steal away’?
• Are you remembering the people who have brought joy into your life?
• Are you thankful this week for snowflakes, birds, golden trees, and precious memories?

Thankfulness Resources

See theThankfulness web site here.

Group Opportunities

CoachVille Cafe Expert Call
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
12:00 PM ET - 12:55 PM ET

Hosted by: Ginger Cockerham and Beverley Wright

Click here to Register!

From Vision to Reality.
Creating Coaching as an Inside Job

IBM internal coach, Beverley Wright, gives us a rare view from the inside, and tells how she turned her vision for coaching into a reality at one of the oldest, largest and most influential corporations in the world.

In this Learning Club Program, Power of Groups Visionary, Ginger Cockerham, will interview Beverley to learn about the keys for success in creating a coaching culture in the midst of the corporate maze.

With a vision to coach over 500,000 people at IBM, Beverley has learned to dream big and start small.

Click here to Register!

Executive and Professional Coaching Program
Check out the new program at
The University of Texas Dallas School of Management

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~o^o~ Resources

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