Today I woke to hear the news that Penny
Marshall had died. I had witnessed her talents and humour throughout my life
with 'Laverne & Shirley' and 'A League of Their Own' that created great family memories. I read through numerous tweets that acknowledge her as one of the
most successful female directors of all time; a trail blazer, a role model for women. Not to mention, funny, fearsome and fearless. I wonder why we don't acknowledge
people who inspire us NOW…why wait until they are no longer with
us?
Today, everyone is busy. Time is a precious commodity and with work, family and/or study, finding time for friends is challenging.
Staying connected is assisted with technology, however, it's important for me to meet and connect with friends. My friends
re-energise me and when you truly engage in conversation, time passes instantly.
When I leave these conversations, I have more clarity and I feel more confident in myself. And yet, I believe this must be reciprocated. If not
simultaneously, in another time, place or situation. I am reminded of quote from the article: Michelle Obama and Tracee Ellis Ross
on the Power of Women’s Stories, '... when I
leave people, I ask myself: Do I feel better or worse?' I am conscious that
relationships are give and take. This week @mesterman reflected my
thoughts in his tweet:
Your actions should be authentic and your interest should be genuine. Surround yourself with people who are supportive, not sycophantic. Invest in your friendships but be cautiously selective, as it is a two-way street.
Becoming more reflective with
age and experience, it is my view that we need to make time for those we
appreciate, those who inspire us and we should let them know now, not wait until we are remembering them. Acknowledge
those who lift you up, inspire you, and encourage you to follow your
dreams.
Always learning,
@stringer_andrea
The lyrics of Laverne & Shirley
Making Our Dreams Come True
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight
Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated
We're gonna do it!
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight
Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated
We're gonna do it!
FYI- A Schlemiel is an inept clumsy person and a Schlimazel is a very unlucky person. (Yiddish sayings)
Read us any rule - we'll break it
We're gonna make our dreams come true...
Doin' it our way
Nothin's gonna turn us back now
Straight ahead and on the track now
We're gonna make our dreams come true...
Doin' it our way
There is nothing we won't try
Never heard the word impossible
This time there's no stopping us
We're gonna do it
On your mark, get set and go now
Got a dream and we just know now
We're gonna make our dream come true
And we'll do it our way - yes our way
Make all our dreams come true
And do it our way - yes our way
Make all our dreams come true
For me and you!
source: https://www.lyricsondemand.com/tvthemes/laverneandshirleylyrics.html
I have found myself writing letters personally thinking colleagues who have left this year. However, you really have me wonder whether that is in fact too late?
ReplyDeleteHere I am reminded of Matt Esterman's challenge
(https://medium.com/@matt_esterman/of-giants-and-wisdom-f2b7a71eb35b) in receiving the Dr Brock Award:
"We all stand on the shoulder of giants, even when they’re seated. Even when they’re no longer with us.
I challenge you in the next week to identify someone who has had a positive influence on you, who has coached you, mentored you, challenged you, scared you, into being a better version of you. Find them. Thank them."
I wonder what it is that holds us back? Is it fear? Career progression? Has me thinking, but maybe I'll just start by saying thank you.