Hi Friend
After I wrote you last week from the diner in NYC, I had another day before I headed to Atlantic City. I ran in Central Park, as I love to do and thought I exited on the south side, but actually came out on the east side. The left turn I made which I thought was heading east took me much further north, turning my 4-mile run into a 5.5-mile run. I love visiting that city so much.
In Atlantic City I was speaking at the New Jersey SHRM Conference. I had such an incredibly fabulous time. The closing keynote speaker was a guy named Geoffrey Klein. I had never met him before, but we connected pretty quickly. I hung out with him and my good friend Louis Lessig the whole time. I laughed harder and more frequently than I have in a while.
There were several unexpected moments, mostly around meals, that created laughing seizures. It was uncontrollable and constant. A few times I was exhausted after the fact.
They say laughter is the best medicine. I didn’t have any ailments that I was conscious of, but all the hilarity did cleanse my system and refresh my soul. Geoffrey is quick-witted, funny and has good timing – in person. I didn’t see him speak from the stage. My team said I have a man-crush on him. I guess I now understand when all the single ladies say they want a man with a good sense of humor. It IS attractive.
After being gone for a week, being back home, sitting out here on my back porch has also been rejuvenating. Our team came here for #ScrambledFriday and I laughed a lot with them too. How great is that?
THE RIGHT PEOPLE
The adage about being the average of the top five people you hang out with, makes me feel extra funny this week. I don’t know if that’s how it works, but I hope so. I do know the caliber of people we hang out with reflects a bit about our own character. I suppose it says something about those who let us in their life too.
On top of the travel and conferences, this week I’ve had a deeply meaningful text exchange with one of my best friends that has created a necessary filter for some big decisions. I had dinner with another great friend where the time flew by because I just love being with him. I had coffee with another bestie who talked me through some important financial decisions I’m making. I had a dear friend join me for navigating my new house build sagaand offer wisdom. Finally, another super friend ran with me early morning at Mitch Park.
In 3.5 days all that occurred. Having the right people in our life doesn’t just make all the difference, they literally make our life!
PERSPECTIVE & CONTRIBUTION
My mom and I were talking and she mentioned what good people I have in my life. I told her I was the least of my friend group – that for the most part they are all smarter, wiser, better decision-makers, etc. She doubted that. I told her it was mostly true and that I’m not sure I bring much to their lives like they do mine. In classic mom mode she was like “I bet they get a lot just being around you.”
In your friendship circles are you more of a giver or receiver? Do you contribute more to others or benefit more from them?
I know I am deeply loved and valued by my closest friends. I esteem each of them with the highest regard. That perspective gives me a boldness in life. The security of unconditional love is a catalyst for risking living big.
Instigating Ideas…
1. Who needs your unconditional love?
2. Engage with a close friend this week.
3. Get around people who make you laugh!
4. Take a big risk…
Besides all the silliness from New Jersey, one of the reasons these thoughts are in my mind is because at #Scrambled, John, Monica and I discussed the loneliness epidemic. It’s staggering how many people FEEL alone. Even if they have folks all around them, there is an isolation that disconnects.
There is something about loneliness that grief attaches to. When the innate human need to be connected feels absent, sorrow shows up. If unconditional love is a catalyst for audacious courageous attempts, loneliness is a catalyst for doubtful restricted smallness.
SHARED
Tik Tok, reels and memes can generate a lot of laughter; however, it doesn’t have the same healing impact. Shared laughter is what is medicinal. Sharing our experiences is strengthening. Sharing our thoughts is encouraging. Sharing our life is transformational.
I hope this week you share a laugh and share your life. You might just be the friend someone really needs in their life right now!