Ian Jackson

Seek Out A Different Perspective

“I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it’s not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked, and mine might not be.” You may have seen a version of this quote floating around on social media over the last several weeks.Continue reading “Seek Out A Different Perspective”

How Starting A Book Club At Work Can Help Your Organization

In these unusual times, have you been reading more than usual? Have you gravitated more towards non-fiction, to learn more about our world, its history and its people through the perspective of others? Or towards fiction, to either escape or to learn something about yourself from the narrative of someone in a world that’s notContinue reading “How Starting A Book Club At Work Can Help Your Organization”

Tend To Your “Seedlings”

In Massachusetts, where I live, it finally feels like Spring. As my family and I have tended to seedlings for our vegetable garden, I’ve been thinking about how the process of caring for these fragile plants connects with our own work in these unusual times. Many of us have put important projects – professional and personal creative projectsContinue reading “Tend To Your “Seedlings””

Alleviating Zoom Fatigue

Zoom fatigue is real. Articles are popping up all over the place about this, because many of us are feeling it on a daily basis. If you’re exhausted after sitting through a string of work calls and hangouts with friends and family, there are valid reasons for this. Between the focus needed to pay attention, the awareness of being lookedContinue reading “Alleviating Zoom Fatigue”

Celebrate Your “Some Good News”

Mr. Rogers is often quoted as saying, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” If you’re one of the millions of people who’ve tuned into actor/comedian John Krasinski’s new feelgoodContinue reading “Celebrate Your “Some Good News””

Be Kind to Yourself

We are all working to pull ourselves – and others – through this strange time in the world, and if you find that you are more tired than usual, you’re not alone. Our mental and emotional workload is greater, even as some of the other pieces of our normal routine have lessened. Whatever our ‘normal’ workContinue reading “Be Kind to Yourself”

Try Something That Shouldn’t Work On Zoom

One consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak around the world and our resulting change of routines is that we’ve all been forced to become more creative in how we rise to face challenges. From creating face masks out of bandanas and hair ties to holding your wedding on Zoom, or finding creative ways to exercise or cook, we’re all finding new ways toContinue reading “Try Something That Shouldn’t Work On Zoom”

Creating A Virtual Water Cooler

I hope this message finds you all staying safe, healthy, and at peace during these trying times. At this point, you may have a love/hate relationship with Zoom. More than likely you have used Zoom (or other video-conference platforms) more in the last few weeks than at any other time in your life. Between making sureContinue reading “Creating A Virtual Water Cooler”

Strengthening Connections in a Time of Social Distance

If you are one of the many billions of people whose life has been upended by the COVID-19 outbreak, you may find your mind vacillating between two polar opposites. On one extreme you may find your mind pre-occupied with your own well-being and the well-being of those you care most deeply about. On the other extreme, you mayContinue reading “Strengthening Connections in a Time of Social Distance”

Unplug and Be Present

Chances are, your world has been upended over the last week, and you are certainly not alone. With much of the world adjusting to life with COVID-19, daily life has changed dramatically. You may be walking around near-deserted streets for your work, working from home with kids bustling around you, or feeling alone and looking for connection. NeedlessContinue reading “Unplug and Be Present”