Good morning ladies and gentlemen, For a long time I was one of these people that wanted to make people see it my way or from my point of view; and not only that, but to agree with me. I would exhaust every effort to make that person agree with me, and if they did not see it my way I would not have anything to do with them. But one thing that I had to come to realize is that not everyone is going to see it your way, and not everyone is going to agree with you. And even if you are right most of the time they are not going to see it your way right then. Why not? Why can’t they see it your way right then; it’s not that hard to realize this, are they really that stupid? Here is the thing, thePerson in front of you; isn’t fighting you, they’re fighting to be understood by you. They’re fighting to feel understood by you. If I want you to change your mind; and I say that you’re wrong about something, I’m not just saying you’re wrong. I’m saying that your wife is wrong, your dad‘s wrong, your parents are wrong, your grandmother is wrong. That thing that you went to when you were a kid that’s a big crystallizing moment in your life that set your belief system is all wrong, it’s become part of your identity. I think I’m fighting an opinion, I’m not I’m fighting now your identity. If you want to change somebody’s mind number one: you have to validate them. Two, you can’t argue against their identity; you have to argue against the value, you have to find the value and speak to the value. Three: understand that one conversation is generally not enough; if you want somebody to change their mind it takes years, it takes months, or even weeks, and the bigger the belief the more time it’s gonna take. So when you are trying to express your ideas, thoughts, or position on something and the person that you are dealing with does not agree with you or see it the way you see it think about this. Be patient, respect their thoughts and value on the issue or topic. And know that when you value them and their thoughts the way you want them to value yours, they might bring that level of defense down low enough to see or understand where you are coming from.

Starting the week off a bit differently than planned! I was busy doing recurrent training this weekend, and was supposed to travel home last night. But the weather here was a bit less than hospitable 😢So I decided to stay. “Better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, than in the air wishing you were on the ground!!” But that in turn means 2 extra nights, as the weather at home is also miserable through tonight, but hopefully will clear out tonight so I can catch up to my week, which means no chance to get home, but head directly to a trade show my team is setting up tomorrow. Oh well! This is what makes life interesting!! I LOVE Monday’s so I’m getting it done while working remote. Still dressing as if I were in the office!! OOTD: Blue/Green/Tan Tattersal Navy Kahki’s Green Ribbed OTC Dress Socks Brown, Derby’s “Speedy” Trying out the Creed - Centaurus today. Wishing you all a wonderful Monday!!

Every year I ask folks to name the most famous Christian Evangelist in the world. And while St Paul and Billy Graham among others certainly are significant- I argue it was St Patrick. Without St Patrick the tiny island of Ireland wouldn’t have been converted which led to St Columba coming to the minuscule island of Iona in Scotland and the spread of the faith through the British Commonwealth and the monastic communities might not have survived the ravages of the dark ages. Plus you get to drink green beer ☘️🇮🇪😎. Today’s OOTD was inspired by both a 29 degree start to the day playing on outside stages and an ode to the original colors of St Patrick and Ireland: blue (look it up). The closest things I have to saffron (another ancient Irish color) is the gold/‘mustard/ gold in my Bowler hat. To keep with the ancient color scheme I have my requisite green in an olive in the tie. Merino wool gold sweater, royal blue MTM blazer, CT striped shirt. Samuelson grey flannel pants Pantherella socks, shell cordovan brogues, Orvis watch and the McGuire county (Fermanagh) tartan scarf. The emblem of County Fermanagh is McGuire Castle. Thought this appropriate for today. Have a blessed fun day celebrating the world’s most famous Christian Evangelist.