How We Can Change a Moment
How We Can Change a Moment
Posted On: Friday, March 7, 2025
Uncertain times are often very uncomfortable so I wondered what might shift how we feel to help reduce stress?
Being inspired was my first thought.
What came to mind were the wonderful books written by Kobi Yamada Books by Kobi Yamada | Compendium and the beautiful work of illustrators that support the spirit of the stories.
Yamada is CEO and President of Compendium, an award-winning publishing company in Seattle. His books for young people have a way of becoming stories for those of any age. When overwhelm happens it can help to pause and look at one of his stories to change the moment.
A meaningful question fueling a story can shift us to curiosity, creativity, awe, and being inspired. For preteens stories can offer ideas of what they might choose to explore or become.
Yamada’s first book “What Do You Do With An Idea?” was published in 2013. I discovered it walking through a library. I stopped to read it because the title presents a great question that likely interests everyone. The way the question evolves in the book becomes a life lesson for possibility.
So far, Yamada has written more than two dozen books. He often writes in short sentences which makes it easier for especially younger readers to focus on what matters to them.
I bought these three books as reminders about moments that can shift when I let them:
- Maybe (2019) has Illustrator Gabriella Barouch About · Gabriella Barouch
- Trying (2021) has Illustrator Elise Hurst https://elisehurst.com/
- Noticing (2023 also has illustrator Elise Hurst who uses different techniques for each story.
If we think about it, there are many ways to change a moment into a happier one. Sometimes with fantasy, but much more meaningfully with realities like: enjoying someone’s talent, giving energy to our own talents, being in nature, helping others, reading books that delight, and the list goes on.
Words create possibilities that expand our thinking which produce more ideas. Illustrations remind us to look up and around us beyond the beautiful pictures on paper to take time to see what’s happening in our own sky, yard or favorite places, Uncertain times can be difficult! How we change a moment to a better one is up to us.
Gael O’Brien is a catalyst for leaders leading with purpose and impact. She is an executive coach with a corporate and public affairs background. Gael is President of Strategic Opportunities Group.
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I had the great fortune of working with Gael O’Brien as I prepared to give a Ted Talk…. Her positive reinforcement, combined with gentle redirection, allowed me to bring forth a story that even I didn’t know I could tell. The lessons she taught me ….will be carried into my career for many years to come. Importantly, Gael was committed to taking the journey with me to ensure that I put forth my very best self.