Archive for December, 2011
Monday, December 19th, 2011
For Our Hart
We work.
It’s what we have to do.
We have no choice.
But is that how we are judged?
Listen:
“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”
Sir Winston Churchill
Dedicated to the sacred memory of Suzanne Hart.
Imagine being remembered for your smile.
Imagine being remembered for the way you lit up a room.
Imagine being remembered for the positive life force that you brought with you wherever you went.
Suzanne.
No need to imagine…it’s her legacy.
There is so much about her work ethic, her work efforts and her work accomplishments that I could write. I could list her work legacy and fill columns with projects that will always be associated with her. But that is how she made a living.
The smile; the warmth is how she made a life. And how she helped us make ours.
Listen:
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” Robert Byrne
She followed her heart. And Hart to Heart she shared it.
Her love of horticulture – growing beautiful things – sharing them was core to her soul. She followed that passion. Made it her own. Took time off to learn more and then shared the learning and the passion with her friends, making their lives that much more beautiful.
Bringing beauty into the world is a purpose – a special purpose.
Listen:
“It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving.” —Mother Teresa
I’d only add – it’s how much love we get back – without asking – because of the unconditional love we gave to the giving.
May Suzanne’s way too short in time but incredibly long in purpose life be a blessing and an inspiration to all.
- Never met Suzanne, but you described her qualities beautifully
- "It is far too short a time we have, before we hear the sound of wings." RW Hubbard
- Being part of the Y&R team from Jordan, my deepest condolences to Susan's friends, colleagues and family. It was a tragic story to hear, may her soul rest in peace.
Monday, December 12th, 2011
Tis The Season To Be Jolly…
‘Tis the season to be jolly…
And I have no doubt wherever you live in the world, no matter what your own personal beliefs, there are people, you know, who are “getting into the spirit” of it – as they say…
And part of that spirit is helping others in need. Our mailboxes – snail and e – are crammed with solicitations to help those less fortunate and those solicitations all use the same basic formula – big “hero” picture of starving children; hungry adults; tragedy and text guaranteed to bring tears.
But…
‘Tis the season to be jolly…
We give money; we go to shelters and volunteer; we wrap gifts and donate them – we honestly shed those tears and in that moment of catharsis we feel good – really good – we fulfilled the seasonal need.
Let’s be clear – I do this too. And I get the same good feeling.
But here’s the thing – what do we do to alleviate the need?
What do we do to eradicate the cause?
What do we do to ensure that people don’t go hungry; don’t get killed; don’t die needlessly…you get the picture…
Listen:
“Usually when people are sad, they don’t do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.” Malcolm X
Same for all of us too – no?
When we cry over another’s condition we act – but we act for ourselves as much as for them. Don’t get me wrong – it’s noble – it is – but are we doing enough?
My sense is no.
It’s time to get angry – angry that children still die of hunger; angry that people are killed because they are different; angry that injustice is overlooked for politics; angry that in our world of 24/7 connectivity and promise there is injustice at all.
So in this season of good cheer – let a little anger creep in – directed anger – channeled anger – anger for change… not for anger’s sake – but for making a positive difference in the world. And when the seasonal joy fades to a pleasant memory – let the anger remain….
‘Tis the season to be jolly…and a little angry.
What do you think?
- I think that passion about realizing a better future state is more positive motivation than anger at a current state. Becoming upset about what you see around may be the catalyst, but you can only stay angry for so long without become disenfranchised from the world around you. In any campaign, playing on anger or shock may be the kindling ...
- Resist The Usual -- directed anger – channeled anger – anger for change… not for anger’s sake – but for making a positive difference in the world
- Anger at injustice has the potential of doing a lot of good and the advertising fratenity with its creative capacities can play an immense role in helping bring about change in attitudes. Thanks for focusing on this in the holiday season, David.
