What is a picture without a frame?

This is one of my paintings - for some reason, I've always done paintings that hang without frames.  I feel that frames constrain my perspective, detract from the essence of the art, and generally muddy-up the experience. 

I'm a huge fan of analogies, and in terms of my art, a frame can be likened to a preconceived notion, rules set by "the man", a box in which something must fit, a requirement to "contain" something.
 
But I apply a different analogy for frames to the rest of my life.  Although I don't put frames around my paintings, I do believe the figurative "frame" can be a source of confidence, power and peace in many situations. 

I have learned that "framing" situations in life can be an empowering exercise.  If you understand the context in which your situation fits, you are certainly more likely to be able to handle it with objectivity and grace. The frame through which you look at life shapes your perspective on the toughest of situations.   Take my birth father - he made many mistakes in his life (most that I do not understand and that I could barely begin to explain)...decisions that resulted in driving away members of our family.

To some, this experience, this picture in life, would be disturbing or devastating, but to me, the frame makes all the difference.  I have framed his story in the most meaningful frame...one that makes me reflect on what's inside of it, and appreciate the message - the message of what not to do and that things can always be worse, and that people can always change...it's never too late. 

I also have other frames, frames that contain stories I have witnessed, read or heard that are so much tougher than anything I have experienced.  These contexts (frames) in which I view life are empowering.  They remind me to stay motivated, remember those who depend on me, and to give people examples of the good in life.  

If something in your past or present is a little tough to bear, put a pretty frame around it, and find a way to appreciate its presence.  Perspective is powerful; long live the frame!

Momentum - Create it & Don't loose it

The principle of momentum is critical in business (just like mechanics) - it is perpetual and progressive motion, the power residing in a moving object, a steadily increasing pace, a stream of energy that runs through many actions.  One key in leading others is certainly driving momentum...there is more power in something (or someone) moving than in that which is standing still.   Few things zap conversation, energy, productivity or morale like the loss of momentum. 

First, be aware of momentum in any endeavor, be sensitive to its pace, and be prepared to inject some momentum building ideas, comments and energy when needed. Next, make sure you aren't a momentum-killer (even if the momentum is propelling something or someone down the wrong path, don't stop the momentum, redirect it).  My dear friend Nadia Bilchik (who is an awesome speaker and co-author on our upcoming book) has always said..."it's not about the event...it's about the event after the event".  This is the essence of momentum;  one thing leading to another and so on. 

Strong momentum ensures every positive difference you make lives on, goes farther, and reaches more people.   This is the central component of viral marketing, building relationships, creating ROI for initiatives, and keeping meaningful relationships.  So often we put energy into a project, initiative or group, and then the momentum just seems to scatter - as if it is siphoned off over time (because it often is).  Great leaders maintain and grow momentum... how good at it are you? 

Be a momentum sensor and a momentum builder in your own life, and help others do the same in theirs.  Sometimes, momentum makes all the difference in the world.  Remember, Energy is neither created nor destroyed - it is only transformed from one form to another.   It's your choice - keep energy transferring into something productive or it will be leveraged by someone else who will!  Keep the momentum going...pass it on...