360 Degree Self

Musings on well-rounded living...

Archives for November 2010

Re-Blog November 2010

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I’ve been meaning to get to a post with links to some of my favorite blog posts read during November (and before). As always, I’m amazed at all the great content out there. Here’s a selection of blogs and blog posts that stand out to me…

Expressing Thanks and Gratitude

  • I’ve already linked to Marissa Bracke’s November project…30 Days of giving thanks on her blog.  But it’s worth another visit since having a sense of thanks and gratitude is so important to our own peace of mind – in my humble opinion. I have enjoyed how Marissa has explored ways to not only give thanks and appreciation, but also how to receive it.
  • Also worth noting is Scott “The Nametag Guy” Ginsberg’s post on Thanksgiving about how we can cultivate an attitude of thankfulness in our lives.  I especially liked Scott’s point that sometimes a traditional “thank you” is not enough and that there are times thank you is better said through consistent action and not the occasional “thanks” that is spoken or written.
  • Scott Ginsberg mentions Leah Dieterich’s ThxThxThx blog where she gives thanks for one thing every day.  One visit will fill your mind with gratitude and amusement…I had a laugh at her gratitude note to Jessica Simpson and her gratitude about farts.  Sometimes it really is about the little things, huh?

Telling Stories

Truth be told, I’ve always admired people who tell great stories – whether they are bestselling authors or my Uncle Len telling me about his experiences while serving in the Navy many years ago.  These stories entertain, teach us valuable lessons and keep us connected to each other.  My friend Lori at JaneBeNimble has explored storytelling on her blog in her Front Porch posts. One thing is certain, I am grateful for the wealth of blogs and posts on the topic of storytelling.  Here are a few that stand out for me right now…

  • Throughout October, Jonathan Fields interviewed story guru Robert McKee on his blog.  I found the five-part series of videos to be informative and enlightening and enjoyed McKee’s take on where to find the best writing nowadays (hint: it’s not in books). I think Fields did a great job interviewing McKee and helping provide insight into storytelling in ways other than just movies and television.
  • I recently stumbled upon and bookmarked Kathy Hansen’s A Storied Career blog.  While there isn’t one particular blog post that grabbed my attention, I especially like Hansen’s link of storytelling with job search and career advancement.  Having studied and practiced the art and science of interviewing, myself, I can really relate and agree with the importance of telling good stories in the job interview.  Chances are, you’ll also enjoy her take on Donald Miller’s latest book and information on all things related to stories and storytelling.
  • Last week, StoryCorps celebrated it’s National Day of Listening, which encourages all Americans to honor a friend, loved one or member of their community by interviewing them about their lives. I think this is a great idea and is something I’ve been meaning to do with members of my family for a while.  For a PDF guide on how to participate in this, please visit the NDOL site that’s linked above.

Marketing and Social Media

  • I’ve been a fan of Mitch Joel’s marketing blog Six Pixels of Separation for a while.  I find his observations about digital marketing and social media to be very insightful.  His weekly podcasts feature numerous influential and up and coming guests and are worth a listen.  His recent post “Up Your Game” really hit home with me.  It’s a post about marketing professionals trying to get ahead.  Joel argues that marketing has changed so dramatically that it’s necessary (and easier than ever) for marketing professionals to keep learning and upping their game.  I would also add that the world of work in general is changing so quickly that it is becoming necessary for employees in all professions to up their game.
  • Farnoosh’s Prolific Living blog has really caught my attention in recent months.  Devoted to “smart habits for rich living,” I find her musings about travel, yoga, spirituality and Toastmasters to be highly entertaining and informative.  It doesn’t hurt that I’m blown away by her blog design and the beautiful photos she takes for her site.  Recently she attended Blogworld and released an eBook of the things she learned at the event.  If you are a blogger who has read and enjoyed Darrin Rowse’s 31 Days to a Better Blog, you will appreciate her very enlightening eBook.  If you are looking to improve as a blogger, you must pick up her eBook here.

That’s it for this month. If you have stumbled upon a new blog or a post that has you blown away…please feel free to share in the comments.  Thank you as always for stopping by!

Creative Commons photo courtesy of Aunt Owwee.

Weekend Musical Diversion: Buddy and B.B.

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I’ve been a bit reflective lately about life.  That is why this song from Buddy Guy’s recently released CD Living Proof really struck me.  It’s a collaboration between Buddy and fellow blues legend B.B. King.  I really love the reflective tone in the lyrics and the sense of gratitude that these legends express throughout the song.  But I especially like the last minute of this video where B.B. and Buddy exchange some thoughts over the tasty blues licks and the touching statement at the end when B.B. King says to Buddy Guy, “when I’m pushing up daisies, don’t forget you’re still my Buddy.”

Enjoy your weekend!

Living With a Sense of Gratitude

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With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, I am reminded of the key elements that make the holiday special to me: thankfulness and gratitude.  Sure the turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie all make the holiday special too.  But for me, it’s about family and gratitude. Oh, and hopefully a good football game.

There have been plenty of books published on gratitude and I know Oprah has probably dedicated several episodes of her show to this important topic.  I haven’t read any of the books (yet), but I have been incorporating a sense of gratitude in my life for several years.  And it is an amazing feeling.

I also realize that living with a sense of gratitude in the United States can be difficult at times because the media teaches us to want and to have more.  More money.  More hair.  More friends.  More cars.  More blades on my razor (what are we at, four blades?  Isn’t that overkill?).  More followers on Twitter.  More contacts on LinkedIn.  More friends on Facebook.  More shoes.  More clothes.  You get the idea.

Let’s face it…there’s always somebody out there who’s going to make more than you, have more stuff, more blog traffic, more attention, etc.

A few years ago, I started a daily routine of thinking of three things that I was grateful for.  I would do this as I walked from the train to my office.  It could be something as simple as being grateful for the warmth of the sun on a cool day, my health and the ability to see the beautiful blue sky.  But this sense of gratitude comforted me.  And it reminded me that whatever circumstances I was in, it could certainly be worse.

Not to get overly happy and optimistic, but life really is amazing.  We need to recognize this as we approach our day.  I invite you to think of three things each day you are grateful for.  You can do this in your car, in the shower or walking down the street.

I’d also like to invite you to visit my blog friend Marissa Bracke as she celebrates 30 days of gratitude on her blog.  I think it’s a great topic to explore in November and beyond.  To visit her blog, click here.

How about you…what are you grateful for?
Flickr Creative Commons photo courtesy of Per Ola Wiberg Powi.

Re-Post: You Are Needed More Than Ever

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This is another post in a series of best-of posts from this blog on Blogger and was published originally in June of 2009. While time has passed since then, we are still needed more than ever…

A few weeks ago I went to a small, local storefront theater in my neighborhood and saw a play. For more than a year, I have passed this theater on my way to work and had been meaning to check out a show there. Personally, one of my favorite things about living in Chicago is the small storefront theaters. Yes, Wicked and Jersey Boys will attract many more tourists into the city, but my heart is with the small theaters. I’ve had many memorable experiences seeing small productions of some great plays. Ironically enough, I can even remember seeing Camus’ The Stranger in a small church not far from Wrigley Field.

The theater in my neighborhood had two rows of seats, approximately 30 total, and wasn’t more than twenty feet from the front of the stage. Unfortunately the turnout was sparse and there were only about eight of us. Before the show, I spoke with a woman selling tickets at the door and she indicated that the theater was doing fairly well, but the last two productions had been less successful. Perhaps this is due to the specific productions, but more than likely it is due to the economy.

My conversation with the woman at the door made me realize something important: we are all needed now, more than ever. If there is something you care about deeply, whether it be your favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant, a nearby church, the independent record store you love to visit, or that charity that you feel passionate about, your support is more important than ever.

In many cases, funding from the government is drying up. The public radio station in Chicago, WBEZ, has changed its pledge strategy. In the past it would ask listeners to pledge a dollar a day or $365 for the year. Today, it asks for $20 and indicates that if everyone could pledge that amount they would be in good shape.

Now more than ever, our support is needed.

While much of this support involves money, there are plenty of things we can do to support the organizations and causes that we feel strongly about. This includes:

  • Volunteering your time – perhaps you can lend a hand at a special event such as a fundraiser
  • Volunteering your service – do you have skills (e.g. sales, money management, leadership) that can help?
  • Your presence – money usually speaks the loudest, but sometimes your mere presence is a vote of support for the organization/cause you care about

Personally speaking, I feel the desire and need to volunteer and help.   Maybe it’s volunteering my time at my local storefront theater or a food pantry.  Maybe it’s $20 to my local NPR station.  Wherever this may be, I know that my service (or money) will be appreciated.

How about you…what places, groups and organizations do you feel passionate about? How can you help?

Creative commons photo courtesy of Alex E. Proimos.