Margot Shumway
The "t" is silent
Impressions are important. Especially when we want people to like us. Especially when those people have a hand in our future success. Especially when we are working hard to make sure that they are successful in the here and now. Getting caught up in theatrics will only get you so far. People don’t have...
Continue readingIf I had jumped in a boat and immediately started winning races I probably never would have accomplished much in the sport of rowing. I started late. I was always behind. I wasn’t fit. But it made me gritty, angry, and determined. I remember the dismissive things people said about me. I catalogued them...
Continue readingShortcuts Innovate or die Yes, the journey, but Keep up the pace Deliver Bogged down by manual labor Columns and rows, static Why bring something to life If you can create life elsewhere Wish lists Dreams The urgent and necessary course of animation Create something magical Forward, forward, forward...
Continue readingNot everyone gets you. Not everyone likes what you have to say. People miss the point. And then they tell you where you’ve gone wrong. Typically, they do so unsolicited and condescendingly. It’s part of life. How you deal with the bs is what makes you who you are. It would be easy to...
Continue readingI lived in Boston for three years. When I first moved to the city I lived in Somerville, which is on the Cambridge side of the river. That river being the Charles. I was terrified to drive there. I had lived in the greater DC area on and off for almost eight years and...
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People ask me if I miss coaching. When I stopped rowing in 2012 people asked me the same question. Do you miss it? The answer is no. And it sounds weird and harsh to say that but it’s not because I’m callous and don’t care. If I missed coaching or rowing I would still...
Continue readingTime is a luxury. We never have enough time these days. We are busy busy busy. Checking messages. Answering emails. Gorging on social media. I don’t have time to read. I don’t have time to interact with my friends or family. I’m too busy. It’s a moaning pathetic mantra. We chant and rant it...
Continue readingI used to go for long walks late at night with a good friend of mine. This was way back in high school and into college. We’d go for long walks when the air was cool and rich. When we could breath. When the things we’ve built start to shut down. And when the...
Continue readingBaby drool Little breaths Boogers caught In nostrils young Wonder, wonder Baby boy Life was not this rich before you...
Continue readingIt takes vision to shape a shrub. It also takes patience. And the right tools. It takes creativity and thoughtfulness as well. Not everyone can shape a tree or a bush. Wait- everyone can shape a tree or bush but not everyone can do it well. Each cut and non-cut is a decision with...
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