I met Randy Siegel at a conference in California to years ago.  I think he’s a nice guy, very honest, and he's clearly smart.  I've been reading his newsletter for the past two years and was particularly impressed by his article yesterday on silence.  

Randy went on a 24 hour retreat to a mountaintop in Asheville, but only after an advisor challenged him to give himself some quiet space.  He writes, “I knew I needed time away; I needed time to be still and listen. But to give myself permission to take that time seemed almost impossible. There was always something to be done, or so it seemed.”

There is one aspect of giving that most of us forget.  To be an effective giver, to be a better human being, to have a greater impact, it is really important to give to ourselves. 

I don't mean give ourselves a Rolex watch, a new car, or even possessions at all.

I mean giving time and attention to ourselves so that we grow both in our minds and our hearts. 

After just 24 hours of walking, eating, listening, and enjoying the view in solitude, Randy could already feel the effects, subtle though they were.  “I left with no brilliant insights or flashes of inspiration. Instead, I left grounded, knowing that I can return to this peaceful place at anytime, if only in my mind.”

I will write lots more about this in the future but today I encourage you to subscribe to Randy’s newsletter to give yourself time to think, and feel. 

I need to do this much more often.  And I know that both I and my family will benefit.