Networking this a.m. over coffee with a fellow PR professional the topic of control arose. I am in fact a type A overachiever, which has during the course of my professional career presented challenges. Trying to accomplish as much as humanly possible in as little time as possible. I have always stretched myself and encouraged others to relentlessly push the envelope of thinking outside the box. And, for the most part, have accomplished a great deal in my career in return.
But, I was reminded today and hence the urge--of something my father told me a number of years back. This isn't brain surgery. (A comment he made to me while I was lamenting about work.) I thought about calling my father to tell him that not only had I actually listened to his sage wisdom, but that I was also repeating it out loud to a peer. But, the urge was fleeting as I hustled off to the next meeting of the day.
Now, I do think that brain surgery is a serious matter and this is not at all to make light of those that actually work in a life or death profession.
Just had the urge to contemplate why so many of us live our lives as if every moment held such importance? And, in doing so, what did we miss along the way?
3 comments:
Most of us do not have such important roles in the world as saving someone's life...such as brain surgery. We do tend to go about our daily tasks as if the world would crater if we did not respond to that "oh so important" email at that split second it came through! I was sitting next to a man on a plane today who said he actually leaves his Blackberry at his office now. On one hand I thought, then what is the point/convenience of a Blackberry if you can't access it? On the other hand, kudos. He did have a cell phone and actually apologized for using it (gasp!)....I know, I know! But his point was well taken, we are all on our phones and checking our emails like it was "brain surgery." It's not...we need to get over ourselves. And those moments we spend being all self-important? Well, maybe we could gradually try trading in a few of those moments...practice not grabbing the Blackberry the second we hear it buzz....sometimes breaking just one of those habits could be the "fresh air" we need.
ellen says.. some of us have so much energy that no matter how perfect it is... there is always room to improve. I believe that is true when one is in a relationship that we want to grow. But when it comes to tangible items I have learned that they are replaceable. Sometimes we decide we don't want to own something anymore. Other times life decides you are gonna change your surrounds -- as in New Orleans after the storm. It is amazing how upset I was afterwards. But the stuff we have now is fine. It is the photos of your childhood and your child's stuffed animals, artwork, school projects... that we morn.
So Nicole goes to college in a few weeks. I am waiting to see what will remain in her bedroom. She going through sorority rush... will she join.. will she make her grades, will she keep her now boyfriend...
Johnny & I are talking about getting married..yes the Catholic church will have to give their permission with an annulment..
It is like a whole new beginning for me-- alone.
No cats, no dogs... just laundry, groceries & a garden that has to be maintained.... oh yeah paying bills.
I totally agree with ellen when she says "some of us have so much energy that no matter how perfect it is... there is always room to improve"
This totally describes me exactly.
I believe in taking care of myself and a balanced diet and rigorous exercise routine.
People always tell me "you're kidding right?" when I say I'm on a diet. But I think, you can always be thinner..look better.
Well, at least that's me, and this made me think of that. I don't know, it might be a stretch, but that quote really rang true to me.
Thanks ellen!
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