It is pretty easy in today's world to be pretty down. The economy sucks, the weather is generally turning to cold and here in Atlanta it has been downright dreary! The days get longer, work piles up, the kids are either ignoring you or being obnoxious and at times it feels very lonely. Through all of this it is often easy to overlook all the good; all the reasons to smile, lift up you head, breathe in some fresh air and get some positive perspective. It can't happen all the time, and I know there will be dark days ahead but my focus on this season of thanks, into the holidays and then onto a new decade (can you believe that? Already!!!) I am going to continue to try and see the glass is more than half full and allow change happen but not allow it to control me.
So what am I thankful for this year? here is my 'short' list, from the extremely important to the silly and sublime (Why not, it's my list!):
Family - from the girls, to my parents, siblings and extended family who have been so supportive through a very turbulent year.
Work - funny, most people are not very thankful of work and their peers but maybe in a tough economy that will change. In the past couple of weeks I have returned to the 'space' and industry I love and am passionate about. I embark on a whole new challenge that began on the 9th but really takes of on the 30th when I 'relocate' my work life to New York City. While I certainly have mixed emotions about the process, I am sticking to the positives here - New York City --- I really believe that if I can make it there I can make it anywhere. So much to experience and do. The company I work for (www.definition6.com) is dynamic and fun. The technology and thought leadership is on the front line of changing how we continue to communicate as brands and companies with our clients, vendors and partners. I could not be more excited about the world of opportunities that are laid at my feet.
The Gators - yep, I know it...a lot of you will be like "WTF? his University? the sports?, really Gil!!!" and I say YES! really! Whether we are winning or losing, and for a long time now it has been winning, I really do feel pride and joy and a connection to my present as well as my past through the Florida Gators. Partly its the sports but more it is the personal connection, that stirring inside, whether I am at the game or sitting by myself on the couch. For 3+ hours each Saturday this Fall I have found the ability to get away from the issues of everyday life and enjoy kids coming together for one common goal. Seeing them overcome adversity and lofty expectations has motivated me at a very core level.
My body - I am thankful that it is still in tact! I am lighter (though the last 6 weeks have been bad) than I have been in a long time. I am enjoying running, spinning/biking and working out again. Two weeks ago I walked about 13 miles in Manhattan in 2 days and it felt great! After two major knee reconstructions, countless broken bones and sprains over the years this is a pretty nice feat for me :-)
Last on this short list, but never least, are you, my friends - I don't need to name you by name for you to know how you have touched my life, not just this year but every year. You have pushed me to go farther, be stronger, be better and enjoy more than ever before. Whether it is 60 minutes next to me on a spin bike, across from me at lunch during the week, sharing emails and texts throughout the day, letting me in your home and hearts during trips, it is YOU my friends that make my life more full than the average person deserves to have. Time, distance and circumstance have never been obstacles for me when it comes to my friends. I love you all and the time we have been able to spend together. The life lessons you have taught me I share with the girls and a piece of each of you is carried in my heart.
YOU are my inner strength, my peace after a long day. I close my eyes and see my future and embrace all of life's possibilities.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Devices Devices everywhere and no one to talk to!
I have been thinking about the devices and technologies we use more and more these days. I keep meaning to write about the topic but my mind wanders in so many directions when it comes to the subject.
Yesterday I was sitting at a light and a minivan pulled up next to me and I realized it was time to talk about it. What did I see next to me? I saw what is probably today's typical middle to upper middle class family going about their daily life and it made me sad. Picture this, Dad driving (well waiting at the light) whips out his Blackberry and starts typing; Mom in the passenger seat already on her phone, alternating between texting and talking on it. Two kids in the back seat with headsets on, clearly engrossed in a DVD on the entertainment unit. Now, I realize TWO things; one, those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones and we all know I love my iPhone and all the gadgets and I have played this scene out myself and two, I may be 'thin slicing' and this might not be a normal occurrence at all. However, the more I look around the more I see it, and I am just as guilty! Whether it is hustling through the airport with headphones on or 12 people in a meeting sitting around with laptops open, communication has forever been altered by technology and while it is great at times, at other times it SUCKS.
I have ranted before about email and its inability to convey feelings properly so I won't go there, but what bothers me more is we have literally stopped TALKING to each other. Whether it is out of convenience, fear, lack of time or combinations of those and others, we as a society no longer talk. We 'chat', we Facebook, we tweet, we text, we email, we Skype, we IM, we do it all except look each other in the eyes and have a DIALOGUE, a conversation, a meaningful interchange where I share how I feel, how something has impacted me, how much I care about you or a topic and then you share back. You process what was said, get the words, the emotions and the gestures and you in kind respond. I love that!!!! I love looking in your eyes and reading your expression. I love how my words and passion can move a room.
I for one never want to lose that and in fact am going to consciously bring it back. How am I going to do that? Resolution #1, when it is not work hours and I am with another human being I will 'detach' myself from my iPhone. Will I still have it? You bet but it won't sit on the table between us waiting to ring. I won't constantly be hitting refresh on my email to make sure I have gotten the latest right then and there. I think that's a great start. I am still looking forward to using technology to facilitate the important things but I will no longer let it be a crutch to honest to goodness dialogue, or so I hope!!!
Text me next week to see how I am doing :-)
Yesterday I was sitting at a light and a minivan pulled up next to me and I realized it was time to talk about it. What did I see next to me? I saw what is probably today's typical middle to upper middle class family going about their daily life and it made me sad. Picture this, Dad driving (well waiting at the light) whips out his Blackberry and starts typing; Mom in the passenger seat already on her phone, alternating between texting and talking on it. Two kids in the back seat with headsets on, clearly engrossed in a DVD on the entertainment unit. Now, I realize TWO things; one, those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones and we all know I love my iPhone and all the gadgets and I have played this scene out myself and two, I may be 'thin slicing' and this might not be a normal occurrence at all. However, the more I look around the more I see it, and I am just as guilty! Whether it is hustling through the airport with headphones on or 12 people in a meeting sitting around with laptops open, communication has forever been altered by technology and while it is great at times, at other times it SUCKS.
I have ranted before about email and its inability to convey feelings properly so I won't go there, but what bothers me more is we have literally stopped TALKING to each other. Whether it is out of convenience, fear, lack of time or combinations of those and others, we as a society no longer talk. We 'chat', we Facebook, we tweet, we text, we email, we Skype, we IM, we do it all except look each other in the eyes and have a DIALOGUE, a conversation, a meaningful interchange where I share how I feel, how something has impacted me, how much I care about you or a topic and then you share back. You process what was said, get the words, the emotions and the gestures and you in kind respond. I love that!!!! I love looking in your eyes and reading your expression. I love how my words and passion can move a room.
I for one never want to lose that and in fact am going to consciously bring it back. How am I going to do that? Resolution #1, when it is not work hours and I am with another human being I will 'detach' myself from my iPhone. Will I still have it? You bet but it won't sit on the table between us waiting to ring. I won't constantly be hitting refresh on my email to make sure I have gotten the latest right then and there. I think that's a great start. I am still looking forward to using technology to facilitate the important things but I will no longer let it be a crutch to honest to goodness dialogue, or so I hope!!!
Text me next week to see how I am doing :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)