This year I am trying something different. Instead of striving for the seldom achieved BHAG, I accepted the challenge of noting and recording moments during the day that made me think. What made a difference in the way I see the world? It is incredible how noticing the small stuff can impact my perspective.
Day 1: Walking along the beach, I noticed the pattern, or the set, of the waves. Seven is the magic number. Today was also the day I took my first dumpster dive to rescue the box of water filters that had made the trip because I was too quick to toss the day before. Add that to the life resume.
Day 2: Don’t believe everything you read. I sleep best at the beach due to the salt air and the time I am outside. The forecast said cloudy, so I elected to skip the sunrise walk and sleep in. Not much to see if the skies are gray.
Going back to sleep was not an achievable option so I got up. Coffee in hand, I walked to the sliding doors, anticipating a lackluster event. The sky was painted in brilliant violet, tangerine, and shades of pink. It was one of the more magnificent openings, and I missed watching it unfold from the beach. Lesson – there is beauty behind the clouds – see it for yourself.
Day 3: Steven Wright taught me to the wonder of travel. We met while working at IBM. To some he was perceived as arrogant, but not by me. To me, he was brilliant. On each trip, he knew where to visit and why. He was our travel guide with our international trips mapping out the “must-see” and regaling historical commentary with each one. He had a kind soul buried under a pleaters of fun facts. During a five-day SKO in Lisbon, he realized I had not set foot outside the hotel and rented a car to show me the city. Thank you, Steven, for showing me the splendor of a peacock fan his train. Rest in peace, my friend.
Day 4: Back to the hours of Zoom, the audience listened to my proposal. My executive gravitas is taking hold. The room at the beach is ready for decoration and maybe painting the dresser blue is not such a crazy idea.
Day 5 – Ikigai – The Japanese word “ikigai” means a “life purpose” or “raison d’être.” Ikigai refers to defining your personal meaning of life in relation to your talents, passions, and profession and what you can give to the wider world. How about that? I learned a new word and am enjoying the search for my ikigai.
Day 6 -Health. Today I spend hours, literally hours, in doctors’ offices. The results are a frozen shoulder and cataracts. At least I have answers and a plan.
Day 7: Driving down to the island I listen to podcasts or call my mother. Today, I heard Ron Rivera, head coach of the Washington Commanders. He lives by the mantra; life is created through attitude, preparation and effort. I should pass this onto a few people but they need to figure it out on their own.
Later that afternoon, a friend from the club spotted our truck and invited us to join his family for dinner. His daughter is a joy. I love meeting new people, Rich, not as much, and hearing their stories. Teachers with two young daughters and such a positive attitude give me hope.
foursetsofeyes 