All posts filed under: Helping others

Stew in Uncomfortability

Published by Colin Nanka

A Friday throwback post from the summer of 2009. The first time I can truly say I stretched my limits is when I trained for the NYC Marathon in the fall of 2002 with one of my best friends from Edmonton. We took what traditionally is a four to six-month training window and cut it down to three so we could hit the Nov 2nd competition date. There is something about the unknown, fear of failing, that drives you. Unsure if you will be able to complete the goal and in a measure of time that lives up to your standards.  It was hard work! Six runs per week, three hour runs on Sunday afternoon, and when adding in post-recovery time (stretching, soaking, eating, nap), it turned into an all-day event that finished with an early bedtime. We had hilarious side stories and lots of learning that developed through the challenges overcome. The next challenge for me was a move from Edmonton, AB (the prairies) to Toronto, ON (the big urban city) the following year. …

The Artists Dilemma

Published by Colin Nanka

The feedback loop is critical to greatness. We were in Hyannis Port, Cape Cod this past weekend staying with a friend. It’s beautiful, historic and full of character. Our friend spent many family holidays in the area and recently bought a couple nice paintings to take home, reminding him of past summers. Along a morning walk, we came upon the artist sitting by a historic viewpoint working on a new painting. Our friend marveled at how the grey in the ocean blue had changed the whole painting to look even closer to what you see with they eye. As he commented on it, the painter said “yes, I took your feedback from earlier in the week and adjusted the pallet to see how it would turn out. I have been painting this area for many years, and I am always testing and getting input. I’m really pleased with how this one is turning out. It was a request from the Kennedy family to capture this viewpoint. I’d be happy to come by and rework the …

Unemployment Skyrockets

Published by Colin Nanka

South Africa continues to go through transition. The government has started to build housing for those with less means in around major cities. Getting a roof over your head is the first priority. Often housing built for 5,000 swells with up to 60,000 as people take care of friends and family. Unemployment in South Africa is 27 percent! What if one out of every four people you knew didn’t have a job? The good news – I saw at least one example of building job creation. Pinotage Youth Development Academy. In an industry that makes a lot of money, the wine business, they are funding vocational job training for disadvantaged youth. Bridging the gap to finish high school and get training that can turn into a job in a growing industry. We experienced it at one of the wineries we visited and they are doing great work! When those days the job is a grind, be patient, be reflective, be present and be grateful for the living you make. In those moments often lies the …