A real friend helps us think our best thoughts.  Do our noblest deeds.  Be our finest selves. ~ anonymous

Picked that quote out of a jar this morning, a jar given to me by a friend who mostly understands that those to whom I become close will experience just that....a stirring to be the best they can be and in reverse also I experience their help.  I think back through the years and some people were just not ready for that kind of maturity in a friendship, or their external situations disabled them in continuing what life is all about - connections with people.  There is a line that forms between those you find interesting and are compelled to share lives with versus those you are more than satisfied occasionally talking to and being on the fringe.  I have noticed it is those with low emotional intellect that seem to be on the fringe.

Speaking of low emotional intellect, may I recommend the book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.  I was astonished to read how within my professional careers, I have been so fortunate to experience elements of combating this!  I recall collaborating with a group of persons on our personality styles, expressing the ultimate necessity for us to regularly meet and share each part of what we were doing for the whole, and at the foundation trust in one another had to reign or there was no team.

A frustration I currently experience.

So, I found myself taking on-line surveys this morning.  At one time in life, I picked leeks for money, so this survey stuff seems like sprinkles on a cupcake.  I have been shaken through the last year to analyze just how out of whack our consumer products cost in comparison to my dwindling income.  I have to go back to the late 90's to compare with my take-home now.  So with that said, ingenuity is kicking in again.

THINKING best thoughts
DOING good deeds
BELIEVING there is a reason for everything