How Do I Love Thee

Welcome to February, a month known for LOVE inspired by Valentine’s Day on February 14th.

LOVE is a priceless feeling, emotion and value in our lives. Heart decorations and cards will soon fill our offices, mailboxes and the internet.

“How do I love thee, let me count the ways” - Elizabeth Barrett Browning

When my 4 children were babies, when I picked them up from their crib, I would sing:

“How do I love you, let me count the ways ….”

 

Singing, dancing, with a feeling of freedom. And then one day, a more serious mood was assumed as life’s issues took precedence over such “silliness”.  As I look back now there is a mixture of joy and gratitude for the experience, blended with a sense of sadness, for those days have passed by. I often wonder …

“Did I realize how fortunate I was in the moment, or was I too tired to notice?”

 

In bits and starts, however, “silliness” found its way back into our house. The unexpected return came, especially, when our children became adults and we transitioned to a new way of life. 

  • Cooking:  The smells of garlic simmering in olive oil, the sounds of food prep and Andrea Bocelli playing, often with a glass of red wine in hand.  Some dancing, occasional singing, and a whole lot of fun.

  • Visiting Alaska:  Our son’s playlist playing, as we drove throughout the state, surrounded by the beauty of nature and family. Together, the six of us.

  • Our nephew’s wedding when the family took the dance floor. 

A series of bits and starts … bringing back a feeling of love, joy, and happiness.

As we celebrate a month of LOVE, I hope you will embrace values with it:

 

AUTHENTICITY:  Value yourself (Self-Love):   Let go of who you think you should be, embrace who you actually are, and make room for your values, dreams and experiences. Join me and the U.S. Values Alliance in our free event entitled:  “Come as you are”. 

Come as you are - Friday, February 9, 2024, 9am PST, 11am CST, 12pm EST

HEALTH:  Our health and time (Self-Care) cannot be taken for granted, move to action. We’re supporting My Density Matters “Find Out My Breast Density Day” event on February 21, 2024 during their global online and in-person activities. Attend and share with someone you love.

If you want to be the best employee, employer, family member, and member of society … it helps to realize we’re much more than a number.  We are comprised of bits and starts. Endings and beginnings. Failures and accomplishments. 

Each member of our team is a person with a unique past, present, and future. When we value each person for who they actually are, we become better and stronger together. Embrace the possibilities of this day, year, and life ahead. 

 

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

Consulting:  I help Purpose Driven Organizations bring their mission, vision, and values to life.

  • One example is in the Breast Health space where we’re improving the health of patients and the relationship with their healthcare team through partnerships and programs.

  • Another example is in the Values Culture space where we collaborate with leadership and teams to create a culture compass, crest and roadmap in order to help guide decisions, engagement, relationships and revenue.

 

Books:  Signed copies available for purchase within the USA.

 

Poetry:

  • Collaborators from Australia and the U.K. read Susan’s poem CAPTIVE (videos on website)

  • Poems and artwork will be added. An artist from South Africa, Gerda Smith, created 24 portraits in connection with 3 of Susan’s poems. Displayed in Cape Town, South Africa.

Gerda Smith displaying her art and Susan LePlae Miller’s poetry collaboration in Cape Town, South Africa.

  • If you would like to do a reading, drawing, painting, photo, or song in connection with any of Susan’s poems, reach out to Susan LePlae Miller.

 

TRAVEL & Meetings:  Let’s meet in person (if you’re in the area). 

 

In my last newsletter, “How to Start – When You Don’t Know Where to Begin”, I discussed how to move beyond the idea phase and take action in order to bring your dreams and goals to fruition. Success is possible when you learn how to ignite a renewed clarity of purpose, values and action with yourself and with your team(s).

 

Reach out when you’re ready.

May you always “Know your value, Live your values”.

✨Susan LePlae Miller