“You have brains in your head.
You have feet on your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You’re on your own and you know what you know.
You are the guy who’ll decide where to go” — Dr. Seuss
Today for reasons I don’t fully understand, everything seems complicated to me. Attribute it to lack of sleep, the relentless beating of the rain on the roof, the aches and pains that seem to accompany me uninvited with greater regularity these days. Decisions are playing hide-and-seek in my head (so I’m choosing not to play, for I hate that game), the banal rituals that provide an outline for my day seem purposeless and silly (ok, brushing one’s teeth is always a good thing). So, I’ve decided to write about these last three months or so and see if it can help define my day’s path – even if it’s temporary – something that produces more than my frustration with the NY Times Sunday crossword puzzle.
I started blogging because I was curious to see what would come out of this crazy head of mine, because I now had the time to pursue alternatives which had piqued my interest in the past and because I am driven by this nauseatingly neurotic need to make a difference. Let me clarify – a positive difference. When I was working, so many people encouraged me to write a book – I’m not sure that will happen. Blogging seemed like a logical step towards exploring the feasibility of publishing. I could see if a) I was entertaining enough, b) had a message worth sharing and c) had the discipline to do it. I’m still not sure I have these answers, but I am truly enjoying this experience even though I will likely never be a candidate for ‘freshly pressed’ (not sarcastic or wry enough, don’t use enough media links in my posts and arguably may not write well enough either). But – in less than three months, over 2600 people have checked me out (figuratively speaking of course), some incredibly smart people have commented on my entries with cogent, inspiring wisdom (family and friends exempted ’cause they’re already pretty awesome) and I am slowly beginning to find my uncensored voice about work, life, leadership etc – I can only imagine what will flow from these keys once I feel my own personal FCC beginning to fade into the distance.
I have learned that there is so much friggin’ talent out there, that I’m humbled to be part of a circle of people who truly question and opine with thought and humor. I don’t know any of you, and yet I look feverishly for your responses every time I put up a post. And you never disappoint. Every time someone ‘likes’ a post, I feel like Sally Field during her ridiculous Oscar acceptance speech (“You like me! You really like me!”). When I see a comment, I feel the same anticipation as I did when I used to get my report card in elementary school (that’s when the comments were kinder, but for the standard reminder that I’d learn more if I socialized less).
Specifically, there are bloggers who have kept me going, totally unaware that their generosity, opinions, and ‘atta boys’ were providing me with commitment to this exercise when my spirits began to flag. These are people you should read – for their originality, entertaining perspectives, experience and life stories. Props to them all – and my abundant thanks for keeping me engaged in this process as I figure out where I want to go next. Here’s my list of tremendous writers – I hope you take the time to check out their sites: kungfuleadership; manage better now; david kanigan – lead.learn.live; misunderstood genius; greg blencoe; rlagee; business coach steve; girl on the contrary; the good greatsby; where’s my T-back and other stories; never contrary and the middlest sister. I could go on – there’s truly some terrific talent on WordPress. But I know what I know and I said what I meant/Your talents inspire me 100 per cent.
That you for your shout outs on Twitter, your encouragement and ability to remind me of the beauty and insanity on this little planet of ours. I feel like I have found an invisible, yet powerful cohort group, as understanding and accepting as my friends and family. People who understand that on days like this, sometimes all one needs to do is breathe – and be aware of all there is for which to be grateful. Consider yourself counted.
Waiting for the Karma Truck 
Ah, ‘the places you’ll go”. And kudos for taking the risk. It’s a great big open cyper highway and the Karma Truck just keeps on truckin’. Glad to be one of those who tailgate. Keep the inspiration coming. Keep taking those risks because that’s how we will all learn. And, in my humble opinion, a life-long learner is the only kind of learner. 🙂
Spoken like the wonderful educator you are…and a constant source of inspiration and belief in my – even when I doubt myself..thank you!
Thanks for including me in your circle of bloggers (have you ever written a sentence and then thought, I would have bet a million dollars just a short time ago that those words would never flow through my fingers? Sorry that’s just what popped into my head when I typed that first sentence).
Anyway, where was I?
As much as you anticipate others reading your posts, I look forward to seeing them. Always insightful and entertaining, you consistently raise the bar. It would be a shame if you don’t make it to freshly pressed because many people are missing out on the Karma Truck (I have a feeling you’ll find your way to the front page sooner than later).
I’m glad our paths have crossed, and thankful to WordPress for giving all of us the platform to connect with so many talented people. Great post as always, keep working through those aches and pains and above all else, keep writing!
I can’t thank you enough Frank – without intending to you have provided me with so much encouragement – through your conviction to making people excel in their lives, offering provocative scenarios which engage my thinking in ways I otherwise would never have considered and for your continued support. I’ll keep writing if you keep writing my friend!
I’m flattered to be included in your circle. I enjoy your thoughts. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading. I’m editing my first short book (still title-less) on how I came up with the medical support plan for Operation Desert Storm (the first Gulf War in 1990/1991). It took 20 years for my wife and kids to convince me to write it. Like you, I wonder if anyone really wants to read what I put in cyber space. Your mention keeps me at it. Thanks again.
Whenever I see that you have posted a new blog, I stop what I’m doing, put a smile on my face and read your words of wisdom. I usually reread them a second and third time to totally absorb your thoughts. You have a talent to teach everyone how to be a better mentor, leader and a better person in general. I’m proud to call you my friend, and always keep doing what you’re doing.
How lucky that pride can be a mutual emotion? You who have accomplished so much, worked through life’s challenges with an attitude others would be well served to emulate and a smile that could light up the darkest of days. I am grateful for our friendship..
And am I surprised?? Definitely =) I am fairly new to blogging which started sheerly to share my thoughts and experiences with the world. I equally enjoy your posts as much as you do mine. I would surely be checking out other bloggers whom you have listed. WordPress has ssurely connected me to people who are strangers (in literal sense) yet with shared connection. Thanks again and keep inspiring! 🙂
Thanks – will do…as long as you keep pursuing your path as well. It’s a privilege to be along for the ride!
1) Sounds like you DO need more sleep.
2) “Today everything seems complicated…” Yes, everyday can be complicated.
3) “Never be Freshly Pressed” – really? This coming from Karma Truck…my daily inspiration?
4) This post reminds me of the quote:
“Even if our efforts of attention seem for years to be producing no result, one day a light that is in exact proportion to them will flood the soul.”
– Simone Weil
Giddyap Mimi…there’s work to be done and hills to climb…I can see your flood right around he corner.
David, you put a smile on my face and a laugh in my heart – thank you. And though I would have far preferred to be compared to something other than a horse, I’m ok with it because I happen to love horses. The intent was to remind myself of all that you listed above – within a construct of gratitude (somewhat masked by my momentary blues). You’re still the best at this my friend – I learn from you. 🙂
Sorry, I have been ill so I am a little behind in reading and replying. In my very short blogging career, I have experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It seems like the days I put the most thought in my posts are the days that no one hits the site. On the bad days and the good days, I assure you that your worth as a writer is not defined by your page hits. There are people out there that are offering no orginal thoughts or content that have thousands of followers. That does not make them good writers. Good marketers maybe, but certainly not good writers.
You are a good writer. Very creative and informative. It does not matter what I think, it matters what you think. Write for you each day, just to prove you can. The rest of it will work itself out.
First and foremost, I hope you’re feeling better!! Thank you for your words of wisdom and support – two qualities I associate with your writing and I consider myself a lucky beneficiary. I’ll keep at it because I think that’s where my path seems to be leading. Whether or not I get a lot of readers or not, the fact that I have people with your talent and perspective chiming in, really does make it worthwhile. Thanks so much, me
Brilliant my dear, brilliant. And to read it on the day you ARE Freshly Pressed…so, very perfectly serendipitous. I am so glad you pressed on [pun intended!], and not just because I would not have found you otherwise, but because you ARE making that positive – tremendously positive – difference for so many.
And ps…I got similar report cards. 🙂 xoxo
Why am I not surprised that you received similar comments on your report cards…I told you that you and I were feeling the same things (albeit not at the same time)…xox
These ‘not surprises’ surprises are fun! We would have had fun ‘getting in trouble’ together 🙂 For a shy kid, I still managed to talk too much… And yes, we were feeling the same things – and probably at the same time, just took me longer to put it into words 🙂 xox
Just but one of the gazillion reasons why I love you – we share the same self-doubt (though I would argue that YOU have nothing to be insecure about).xox
Yes, but just one…
And I would argue the same with YOU sweetie…and the best part…we’d have fun arguing 🙂 and at the end of , no, nuh-uh, nope, not you, we’d just laugh and go, um-hmm.. I get it. xox
You’re right!! xox