Leaping Life with Liz
Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia.
Thank you for listening in.
The search for excellence is intertwined in the story of humanity. Consider the Chinese philosopher, Confucius who said centuries ago, that “The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential… these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.”
In our world, there is a plethora of books that guide us on our search. My question is – will we ever find excellence? Or will we be able to know when we have reached the exalted state of excellence? For answers, I turn to my dear blogger friend, Liz from the blog Leaping Life. Once again, we are linking Edinburgh and Vancouver, which is 7,059 kilometers or 4,387 miles.
So, put the kettle on and join in the conversation. We would love to hear your thoughts on TeaToastTrivia.com. I am your host Rebecca Budd and I’m looking forward to sharing this moment with you.

Thank you for joining Liz and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. The search for excellence is ongoing. It is a state a mind that celebrates being “excellent in the moment.” As Liz said, “I’m so pleased that I persevered with it all. Those few weeks of trial and much error now seem totally worth all the irritation and frustration.”
And a very special thank you to you Liz, for sharing your insights and wisdom. I’m looking forward to our next conversation coming up in a few weeks.
Connect with Liz on Leaping Life!
”Pause, Breathe, Live!
Until next time, dear friends, safe travels.
19 replies on “Episode 39: Liz on Finding Excellence”
I really enjoyed listening to you two again! It’s a great idea, to make podcasts with other bloggers 😀
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Elisabeth! I’m planning to head over to Edinburgh next year and have mentioned that we should take a short flight in your direction. Who knows. Would love to visit your town.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Who knows! And I can try to come to Edinburgh when you’re there. That would be wonderful!
LikeLiked by 2 people
That would be absolutely wonderful! Can’t wait!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellence vs Perfection. I like everything Liz has said here today!
Thank you for the chat, and a lovely tea time!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Always a joy to have you join the conversation! Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely to hear you 2 together! You are both inspiring!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I am delighted that you joined the conversation! How wonderful to read your heartwarming comments. We belong to an amazing, compassionate blogging community. I am truly grateful for the friendships that have been formed over the years.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Indeed Rebecca, I love being part of this community and I have made such lovely friends including you and Liz.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We are heading over your way next year! Will keep in touch!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yay, let me know!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I so appreciated Liz’s perspective on excellence, using her knitting experience. Upon reflection, I’m reminded of my mother, who was an accomplished knitter all of her adult life. In the last few years of her life, she had serious problems with her eyesight, becoming blind in one eye and nearly so in the other. I remember last year her being upset with herself for dropping stitches and not creating the quality she wanted to. Yet at her memorial service last weekend, one of her friends told me how important and appreciated her knitting by the people going into skilled nursing who received one of her hand-knitted lap robes to make their recuperation (or final days) a little brighter and more comfortable. I would say she had achieved excellence beyond measure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your mother’s life was the quintessential definition of excellence. Her thoughtfulness allowed others to move forward into the unknown of last days. Frances and I were discussing the idea of how to contribute when you are final years of life, when strength, sight, and dexterity are diminished. It is an ongoing conversation. A few years back, Vancouver Art Gallery had a Monet exhibition featuring his later work, which was in stark contract to the paintings of his youth. The light colours had transitioned into the darker colours of autumn. What moved me was the idea of resilience, of courage to move forward despite his failing eyesight. I have been thinking of your especially this past days. Sending hugs and love your way.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Rebecca. I appreciate that you’re letting me work through some of my grieving process.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Coincidentally my daughter-in-law, Britt Skrabanek, recently blogged about perfection. The pursuit of excellence is its own reward isn’t it? Each step in the pursuit, each ‘failure’ or ‘success’ is excellence in real time. I like that vulnerability is essential for sharing our pursuits with others. It encourages us to realize that often little steps are also excellent and necessary part of the human spirit which is inspiring to self and others. Thanks to you both.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my goodness, I know Britt through blogging and follow her twitter and blogs. She is a wonderful writer. I featured her on a post a few months back. I must get in contact with her for a “podcast from a distance.” I love serendipity. https://ontheroadbookclub.com/2019/03/27/author-britt-skrabanek-reveals-why-she-writes-about-strong-women-in-history/
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is exciting exciting news! I love connections.
LikeLike
And I became acquainted with you through her blog and her Life Enthusiast Chronicles! https://brittskrabanek.com/2016/06/09/the-life-enthusiast-chronicles-with-rebecca/
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was honoured to add my thoughts! I just sent Britt an invite to join me on “podcasting from a distance.” She is a marvelous and joyful presence in our blogging community. Life has so many wonderful surprises!
LikeLiked by 1 person