When I wrote my first posts in June, in the relative isolation of a private blog only accessed by immediate family and friends, I dreamed that I would inspire a generation of leaders so that they pursue full and meaningful lives.
I want to thank you for the gift of your time …
Your story and your example are such an inspiration. “
~ Anna, in “The Gift Of Time”
I am open about what I believe because it is the foundation of my values, the essence of why I do what I do. Taking it to the level of a public blog left me feeling like jelly. But the desire to share with and bless others won!
I hope for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say what they believe.
~ Cierra, in Welcome!
“I am learning from you every time I encounter your presence – real or virtual.”
~ Nur, in “Don’t Forget To Breathe”
Like any business leader, I thought about and crafted my vision and mission. I wrote down my aspirations for the blog, strategic objectives, how I defined success, and how I would measure it. I scribbled my implementation plan on a piece of paper – what I wanted to do for the first three years.
Then I took the plunge. On June 30, 2014 I opened the blog to the public and in three weeks welcomed 1,000 visits! Of course, many were family and friends, as well as my network on LinkedIn.
On this my 30th post, the time has come to celebrate a milestone. And enjoy a bit of a twirl!
My blog now attracts readers across more than seventy countries, among them: Australia, US, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Japan, Canada, United Kingdom, Qatar!
Welcoming nearly 10,000 visits, this is beyond what I imagined.
… across more than seventy countries … nearly 10,000 visits …
Even more satisfying are the comments and emails that hint at people stopping to reflect and then acting on a new thought or conviction so lives, more lives (!), are impacted for good.
What now? I know the road is littered with personal blogs like this that enjoyed a momentary high, only to fade away later. Not this one. This is my long-term commitment: This blog will always be free. I am doing this for greater purpose, not for fame, glory or money. But …
I can’t do this on my own.
Would you also encourage me and others by participating in this blog community?
Read what others are contributing to the conversations.
Come, join in!
“I need to take more time to breathe. Thank you for the reminder.”
~ Helen, in “Dont Forget To Breathe”
“I was reading Bill Hybels yesterday, and he reminded me (exactly like this piece) of the importance of time. He states: “Does anyone know for sure how many monthly or annual calendars they will get to assemble in this life?” – he was specific about scheduling, but it got me thinking more broadly about everything!
It reminds me of that great poem: 86,400 seconds.”
~ James, in “The Gift Of Time”
Thanks for an informative web site! Where else may I get that kind of info written in such an ideal way? I have a project that I am now running, so I have been on the look out for such info.
~ Manie, in “Gain Advantage: Use Business Architecture”
I agree, Joyce. Your clothesline analogy is a good one. It’s just plain stealing.
~ Silver In The Barn, in “Its Called Stealing”
Joyce another good post!
…We all have flaws. No one is perfect.
As a leader, we should create environment of trust…
We encourage learning…
Above all, as a leader we demonstrate what we want to see from our teams.
~ SP Singh, in “Fatal Flaws 2”
You’ve touched many readers because we’ve all felt rejection in our lives, and often don’t know the cause for it. Getting angry or being defensive is a waste of time. Moving forward is the best possible course… It’s important when a door has closed to remember that there are many more…
~ Val, in “I Am Thankful For Closed Doors”
Aspiring to individual greatness aside it is a very good question. Where are the great leaders of today?
~ The Editor’s Journal, in “Will You Choose To Be Great Today?”
Thanks for stopping by my blog =)
Your ideas and interests are quite inspiring. I look forward to benefiting from them!
~ Naima, in Welcome!
I’m learning to gift myself with time for myself. That’s easy to forget when you’re a stay home parent. We get busy taking care of everyone else, and we forget to take care of ourselves. 🙂
~ Wanda, in “The Gift Of Time”
Joyce Harkness 
Congratulations, Joyce. I think the blogging community is just wonderful. We all have a lot to learn from one another.
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This is great news. Congratulations.
When I read and reflect on your posts, my mind turns to the encouragement and example we are to be to one another, ‘day by day’:
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 1 Corinthians 4, 16-18.
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Hi James. Welcome back! Thanks for the quote.
Yes, we need to encourage one another. Eternity is a long, long , long time. So when I face challenges I remind myself this is just a season in eternity; the equivalent of a blink of an eye. Yet (!) how I live it impacts eternity.
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