LEAP FIRST----Seth Godin's New Book

I've mentioned Seth Godin's Blog several (many?) times. Today's post is entitled "Ruckusmaker Day". Seth's position is that each and every one of us is intended to have a point of view. A point of view that we articulate clearly each and every day.

I was raised by older upper-middle class parents and in a strict convent boarding school where the Victorian principal of children should be seen and not heard had not been forgotten. I basically did what I was told; thought what I was taught (brain washed (?) to think; tried with all my being to live up to the expectation of being a perfect person.

Obviously, that HAS NOT worked for me in a long time. But I kept trying to be that "seen and not heard" perfect little girl. 

It is impossible to create; it is impossible to connect; it is impossible to grow; it is impossible to be receptive and adaptable; it is impossible to be open to the gift of being present when you are a "seen and not heard" perfect person and it is definitely impossible to thrive in the 21st century with that antiquated Victorian mantra.

We are in a period of constant and rapid change--which, of course, means perfection (which implies permanence) is impossible. We need to adapt to envision and to survive; to connect in order to be heard and inspired; to be receptive of the present. Fear of failure and playing safe have lost their attraction. (Just look at the Crash of 2008-2009)

(I could go on for hours about the last sentence)

I admit I was dragged into the 21st century and iphone-hood (my daughter gave me one for Mother's Day) and I bless the moment it came into my life. Who knew that texting could be an amazing vehicle to connect so easily (a lot of the time I think it also is used as a substitute for true communication--but that's for another tirade). And about Istagram--a phenomenal waste of time or the best marketing tool ever? (Don't even mention Twitter with 100 ft. of me)

Today I received the ultimate compliment via text. My friend David helped me organize most of Saturday. David is a character; loving, generous, opinionated; an extremely skilled restoration specialist with encyclopedic knowledge; he is definitely old-school East Coast and an "old soul". One of a kind in so many ways. David texted: "we are both outsiders". I texted back: "Yep, I'm finally embracing it". David texted back: "I see myself in you".

What an amazing compliment to have received. To have some one acknowledge oneness and unity in the face of so many superficial differences (and to feel safe enough to express his thought). Isn't that what Christ taught? Oneness? Isn't that the way forward in the midst of immense geo-political turmoil; socio-economic imbalances that are seemingly worsening; continued attacks on women's (and all other minorities') freedom and equality... and so many other examples of injustice, discrimination and hatred.

(I know that the period is supposed to be inside the quotation mark--but I don't like it that way)

So, anyway, I'm ordering Seth's new book "Leap First" tonight. You can go to sethgodin.typepad.com/seth_blog/ to order a copy (either in book form or as a down load). I think I'll get the real book, as much as I like my Kindle (another tech present from my AMAZING DAUGHTER--and I love it after first bitching a bit) I want to underline this book and be able to access favorite pages in my old school brain (real books are very sexy,too).  RAISE A RUCKUS.

Jones is doing better--maybe back to work on Sunday? Wish me luck on my West Hollywood move--another "Leap First" adventure.

Blessing,

Mary & Jones & Cole

INSPIRATION

Inspiration arrives on quiet wings from so many miraculous (as in God orchestrated) connections. As I was coming home tonight after taking everyone out for sushi and sashimi, Seth Godin was being interviewed on an NPR program. Seth Godin just happens to be one of my motivators and speaks truth to my soul. He was speaking of the transformation of the role of artist from that of a lofty spot to the role of the artist in every one. I fully believe that we humans are called to notice the details of life so that we can conceive of new ways to live and create beauty in our world. He talked about the concept of success and how it is changing from being measured in units sold or profit earned to being conceptualized by how an artist (which is anyone of us) makes a unique and positive impact on those he comes in contact with. Success being not about quantity, but about quality. What is the quality of good that we bring to the world? What is the quality of integrity in our lives or work that has an impact for good on another. Isn't art that one positive word said to another that inspires change or growth in that person's life? Good art has always been considered to be memorable. How memorable would it be if we listened attentively to "the other" and were able to say that one word that freed her to create her life anew. 

That's what my secret designer did for me this week. I'm pretty sure that he is not aware of his positive impact. He is a creative being and I think that he is unconsciously extending his artist's hand into other areas of creation, leaving his ego behind in the process.

Truly great art does involve a loss of ego: for it is only by loosing our false pride can true creation result.

Fortunately Jones doesn't have an arrogant bone in his  body--but he knows he's handsome.

Be well.

Mary & Jones (& Cole)

NEW YEAR'S FOCUS

     

I am a faithful reader of Seth's Blog. Today's post is one that I'm going to keep foremost during 2013. I'm quoting a few lines, but you can read the entire post at  sethgodin.typepad.com.

    DO YOU REMEMBER?

    "....Are you more trusted? More skilled? More

     connected to people who care about your work?

     How many people would miss your work if you

     stopped contributing it?

     New Year's resolutions rarely work, because good

     intentions don't often survive a collision with

     reality. But an inventory is a helpful tool, a way to

     keep track of what you're building. Drip by drip....."

Seth usually blogs about small business related topics. But I extend his blogs to my personal growth. I think that we are called to be positive forces in this world, called to leave a positive imprint.

I'm late with taking inventory today (I ate something that I shouldn't have and am suffering the consequences)---but tonight I'm taking personal, as well as my small business inventory. To me "drip by 

drip" is a rephrasing of step by step. One positive action, thought, contribution leads to another. The small step approach to growth means sustained measured growth with roots that grow deep and will weather passing storms. (And all storms, by their nature, do pass)

I'm not too sure what my inventory will reveal, but now is the time to find out and adjust for new roots and resulting sprouts.  I think that 2013 is going to be a fantastic year for all of us in the design field--but everything is constantly (and has always been) in a state of flux. I only know that to be prepared for the future I must become more pliable and open to what is presented: bending with the flow so that I can reap the benefits. THIS IS NOT AN EASY TASK...BUT SO WORTH THE QUEST.

I took Jones back to the Park for the first time since his ACL incident--boy is he a happy guy. Hopefully, no more messes (there is one waiting for me right now).

Wishing all of us the best in 2013!!!!!!!

Mary and Jones (&Cole)