Well, I am just back from vacation, and still catching up on work, so this post will be mercifully short.
It’s about perspective, people.
Amanda Congdon leaves Rocketboom.
North Korea launches missiles.
Yeah, both news items are about rockets, sort of, but let’s get real: a business split, of a small though high profile tech business, versus ongoing proof that our fearless leader picked the wrong "axis of doom" when looking for weapons of mass destruction.
Sure Amanda is cute and Rocketboom was fun and the ongoing soap opera is like the proverbial train wreck. But, let’s have some perspective.
Troops are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan. North Korea is marching irreversibly down a nuclear path. Gas prices are horrendous for consumers as Halliburton and other Cheney friends line their pockets. Tomorrow is the one-year anniversary of the London subway bombings.
Think about it.
Then hug your kids, pat your dogs and cats, kiss your spouse, call your mother. In whatever order floats your boat.
Rocket who?
Peace out.
Tags: Rocketboom, North Korea
Yes, indeed. And, this appalling lack of perspective – throughout our society – is one reason I don’t watch much of the so-called news. It’s terribly sad that a young woman disappeared in Aruba and the Duke rape case is appalling (regardless of whom you believe) – but c’mon people, there are many, many more stories and much worse world-class, global tragedies out there.
Then there’s the cheery fact that we could get hit by a killer asteroid at any minute! Or, that cliff in the Canary Islands could finally fall and create a wave that would wipe out the entire east coast. And, what about that big ol’ methane bubble that could pop out of the oceans and kill all life. So, yes – savor the moments, treasure the small things – hug the kids, dogs, cats. And, let’s not get too obsessive about all the “business stuff” After all who will care in five minutes/days/weeks/years?
And, no, I’m not terminally depressed or hiding under the bed with a gallon of vodka. Rather, I’m very, very appreciative of my life and opportunities.
TGIF!
I totally disagree. Rocketboom was never fun!
Perspective is everything. I just got back from vacation, too. It’s amazing what a break will do. I did not check my email or answer phone calls for 5 days and my world survived just fine without me stressing about every minute detail. It’s true that
“A penny will hide the biggest star in the Universe if you hold it close enough to your eye.” (~Samuel Grafton)
Sometimes I worry about our world and even our profession. We are coerced to sweat the small stuff. Yet, I feel guilty when I sweat the small stuff when I see those out there struggling with true problems. “If you do not raise your eyes you will think that you are the highest point.” (~Antonio Porchia, Voces)
I guess as long as we remember perspective, we (detail-oriented, PR-minded people) will be just fine. Thank you for this reminder. Sometimes “gaining perspective” is easier said than done. It is nice to see professionals encouraging us to sieze the day!