Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that somethings makes sense regardless of how it turns out. Vaclav Havel.

Life is a never ending series of choices, some easier, others not so much. We make them everyday. They affect every aspect of our lives. One of the most critical choices, I believe, is choosing whether to be an optimist or a pessimist.

Particularly at this moment in history. With our hearts and minds fixated on the events in Ukraine Vaclav Havel’s words read truer than ever.

These are perilous times. The challenges to the liberal, democratic order are many. Clearly there are a good many pressing issues that need addressing.

It is hard to stand strong, but it’s what we must do.

Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay determined.

I hope to see you back here soon.

On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly passed into law the International Human Rights Principles to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups everywhere.

In 1995, on the 50th anniversary of that occasion, Maya Angelou was invited to address the United Nations Assembly in New York. In front of the then US president and heads of states from all the world, Maya Angelou passionately read her poem, A Brave and Startling Truth. 

It spoke volumes then as it does now.

Travel back 27 years and listen again to her plea.

Think Ukraine.

Hmm…

Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay connected.

Thank you for reading me. I hope to see you back here soon.

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Want to take your life to new heights? Could you use an executive life coach to help you get there faster? Read my approach to coaching. FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION text/call me 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn.

The future is called ‘perhaps,’ which is the only possible thing to call the future. And the important thing is not to allow that to scare you. Tennessee Williams.

Whew! First there was the pandemic that up-ended everything and now there is the horrific invasion of Ukraine.

In this challenging, thought-provoking environment, yesterday’s victories are… so yesterday. Clearly there are going to be new challenges and changes. We’re going to have to do some more growing.

It is never easy and sometimes inconvenient, but adapting to change is the only way to grow.

Step back. Take a deep breath. You’ve come this far. There is no reason why you can’t go on to what’s next.

As you stare into our uncertain future here’s a question for you:

Is what you are doing today moving you towards or away from your goals and objectives?

Hmmm…

Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay connected.

Thank you for reading me. I hope to see you back here soon.

Want to be a new, fresher version of yourself? Could you use someone to help you do some strategic thinking? Read my approach to coaching. FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION text/call me 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn.

The connections between women’s human rights, gender equality, socioeconomic development and peace is increasingly apparent. Mahnaz Afkhami.

March 8, 2022 is International Women’s Day.

It wasn’t until 1975 that the United Nations formally ratified International Women’s Day and we started annually celebrating the social, economic and cultural achievements of women.

The seeds had been planted way back in 1908 when 15,000 women marched through the streets of New York demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote.

The latest manifestation of the ever growing movement is the #MeToo Movement. It was started in 2006 by the American Tarana Burke, an activist against sexual abuse. Widly acclaimed it went viral in 2017.

That was then.

In 2022 there’s a new generation of brave women and girls. The list includes countless numbers in all of the professions, academia, thought leaders, writers, journalists, advocates of many persuasions, political leaders of all stripes, advocates for climate change, girls education and yes, even an amazing poet.

Everyone of them standing on the shoulders of the many committed, courageous women who went before.

The theme of this year’s IWD is the UN’s celebration of the achievements of women and girls in different spheres.

Over the past few days the world has watched in horror as the women, and men, of Ukraine struggle heroically to defend themselves, their families and their country against the onslaught of an unexpected Russian invasion, the worst violence inflicted on a European country since WWII.

As the battle continues even as the free nations step in to help, the bravery of the Ukrainian people could not be more evident.

With abated breath, while increasingly fearful, citizens the world over are hoping and praying for the best.

The fight for gender equality must never cease.

Hmmm…

Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay connected.

As always, thank you for reading me. I hope to see you back here soon.