I have it. Not mentally...mentally I write all day long. I see these words fall to the screen and make so much sense. Then, my fingers try to move and they freeze. It's just not as beautiful when I put it into words that can be read.
Until it can be - it will stay in my head.
xo
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Is Social Media Really Just a Nudist Colony?
The title of my blog was inspired by a Twitter exchange between Chris Brogan and I. Although I had no intentions of using it and the mention was purely in jest, I thought about the validity of it today driving into the office. It makes sense because well, aren't we all really somewhat 'naked' in this world of social media, hence, creating a community (or a colony) of nudists?
Social media allows for a 'rawness' that previously hasn't been available in the world of how we communicate. It's now acceptable to befriend your CEO, colleagues and acquaintances on Facebook, and the like, allowing them insight into your personal life, your personality, those that you choose to surround yourself with and what you find interesting. It's a world in which diversity is celebrated and promoted. The geeks, the intellects, the witty and so on. We're all here, dancing around somewhat naked letting others peek through the window and be voyeurs into our lives.
Why? How is this effective? It's simple; it's a lot easier to listen and to exchange when there is humanity. When interaction is brought to a more personal level we tend to find commonalities. For some, that's easy, for others, not so much. Personally, I'm an open book. What you see is what you get and if you can't see it, I'm more than happy to share with you anything that you'd like to know. I am sure there are some secrets and skeletons but I don't exactly have bones falling out of my mouth every time I open it. I'm not actually yellow as my picture might suggest, but that's just me having fun with my Mac. Befriend me on Facebook and you can see me in full color.
We're continually reading all of the recent studies regarding how companies are adopting Web 2.0 and social media. Within these metrics exist a variety of companies that still haven't. My only conclusion is that they are afraid to take their clothes off. When we stand raw and naked we open ourselves up to not just approval but criticism as well. That frightful moment of wondering, what do they think of me? Perhaps executives and employees alike have yet to find their voice or have no interest in hearing what others have to say - but they should, it's truly inspiring. By allowing people to network, connect and communicate your only increasing their abilities and tools to learn from one other. When has knowledge ever been a bad thing?
I'm having a blast hearing what others have to say, more importantly, I'm learning things that I otherwise may not have known. I also am utilizing this avenue as a means to have a voice for companies that I work with, as well as for myself. I have no problem being naked with ya'll. Flaws and all.
Cheers!
Social media allows for a 'rawness' that previously hasn't been available in the world of how we communicate. It's now acceptable to befriend your CEO, colleagues and acquaintances on Facebook, and the like, allowing them insight into your personal life, your personality, those that you choose to surround yourself with and what you find interesting. It's a world in which diversity is celebrated and promoted. The geeks, the intellects, the witty and so on. We're all here, dancing around somewhat naked letting others peek through the window and be voyeurs into our lives.
Why? How is this effective? It's simple; it's a lot easier to listen and to exchange when there is humanity. When interaction is brought to a more personal level we tend to find commonalities. For some, that's easy, for others, not so much. Personally, I'm an open book. What you see is what you get and if you can't see it, I'm more than happy to share with you anything that you'd like to know. I am sure there are some secrets and skeletons but I don't exactly have bones falling out of my mouth every time I open it. I'm not actually yellow as my picture might suggest, but that's just me having fun with my Mac. Befriend me on Facebook and you can see me in full color.
We're continually reading all of the recent studies regarding how companies are adopting Web 2.0 and social media. Within these metrics exist a variety of companies that still haven't. My only conclusion is that they are afraid to take their clothes off. When we stand raw and naked we open ourselves up to not just approval but criticism as well. That frightful moment of wondering, what do they think of me? Perhaps executives and employees alike have yet to find their voice or have no interest in hearing what others have to say - but they should, it's truly inspiring. By allowing people to network, connect and communicate your only increasing their abilities and tools to learn from one other. When has knowledge ever been a bad thing?
I'm having a blast hearing what others have to say, more importantly, I'm learning things that I otherwise may not have known. I also am utilizing this avenue as a means to have a voice for companies that I work with, as well as for myself. I have no problem being naked with ya'll. Flaws and all.
Cheers!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Random thoughts while getting my car fixed...
I haven’t written in awhile. Surprising because of the myriad amount of thoughts that stampede around my head on a daily basis. Wait, I retract, I did write this whole 2008 wrap up piece but it was all slimed up with cheeze so I opted not to share.
I’m sitting at the car dealership while they fix my putt putt up – they have no wireless so I figured why not do some purging? Maybe it will help me to focus on something else besides hacking up a lung all over the place. I’m sick. Again. What else is new? If my state of being could be measured by my health these days – or more so over the past year, well, that would say enough.
I’m in this ‘transitionary’ place – where I have been for a while I guess. There is a kind of solace about it all. I’m not overwhelmingly giddy about anything but I’m also not overwhelmingly depressed about anything either. I just am. I know that I am secluding myself from all things that I see as a negative impact on my spirit. For now, that’s enough. I believe I have been ‘privatizing’ my thoughts a lot more. I don’t feel the need to share where my life, or me, is at with most. Because it just is what it is and it is mine.
In some ways, I guess I’ve just sort of given up on a lot of things and people. Not in a woe is me sad sort of sense but in a realistic ‘weeding my garden’ way. Life is short. If I’m not getting what I’m giving, well, then I’m not going to give anymore. Easy peas.
My sister and I were driving last night and we talked about my life long search for ‘the one’ – I’ve given up on that too. On many levels I’ve had many ‘ones’ and at the end of the day I don’t believe that the perfect ‘one’ exists. You work with what you have. If you have a few key elements such as passion, forgiveness, loyalty and humor – well, the rest you can figure out along the way. Or so I tell myself. It’s sort of like giving up the belief in Santa Claus. Soul-mate Santa. Ha. It’s fun when your young but doesn’t work so well when you’re an aging soul like myself - and I guess I’ve stayed young for a bit too long.
I just think too much. I think I’m done thinking. I just want to live. Be simple. Be good and surround myself with those that want and believe in the same. For now, that’s enough. I think.
I’m sitting at the car dealership while they fix my putt putt up – they have no wireless so I figured why not do some purging? Maybe it will help me to focus on something else besides hacking up a lung all over the place. I’m sick. Again. What else is new? If my state of being could be measured by my health these days – or more so over the past year, well, that would say enough.
I’m in this ‘transitionary’ place – where I have been for a while I guess. There is a kind of solace about it all. I’m not overwhelmingly giddy about anything but I’m also not overwhelmingly depressed about anything either. I just am. I know that I am secluding myself from all things that I see as a negative impact on my spirit. For now, that’s enough. I believe I have been ‘privatizing’ my thoughts a lot more. I don’t feel the need to share where my life, or me, is at with most. Because it just is what it is and it is mine.
In some ways, I guess I’ve just sort of given up on a lot of things and people. Not in a woe is me sad sort of sense but in a realistic ‘weeding my garden’ way. Life is short. If I’m not getting what I’m giving, well, then I’m not going to give anymore. Easy peas.
My sister and I were driving last night and we talked about my life long search for ‘the one’ – I’ve given up on that too. On many levels I’ve had many ‘ones’ and at the end of the day I don’t believe that the perfect ‘one’ exists. You work with what you have. If you have a few key elements such as passion, forgiveness, loyalty and humor – well, the rest you can figure out along the way. Or so I tell myself. It’s sort of like giving up the belief in Santa Claus. Soul-mate Santa. Ha. It’s fun when your young but doesn’t work so well when you’re an aging soul like myself - and I guess I’ve stayed young for a bit too long.
I just think too much. I think I’m done thinking. I just want to live. Be simple. Be good and surround myself with those that want and believe in the same. For now, that’s enough. I think.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Things
Are evolving. The holidays are approaching. I don't have as much dread about them as I did a few weeks ago. It is what it is. You do what you need to do.....and so it is - the rally.
Monday, December 15, 2008
A Retort
Due to an “Anonymous” commenter – thoughts of religion were triggered. I am not a religious person. Spiritual, yes. Religious, no.
I was brought up in a very ‘devout’ Catholic family. I was baptized. I made my first communion and confirmation. I went to church every Sunday. I was in the damned choir. I ‘itched’ my entire way through it. After my confirmation my parents told me that I was now old and educated enough to make my own decisions about religion. I never went back.
Here’s why.
I believe in me. I believe in those that are my family and friends. Those souls that journey with me through all of the ups and downs. I believe in blades of grass, human behavior, and reactions to actions. Things that I can see and touch. I believe that you get what you give. I believe in karma and energy. I believe in reincarnation. I have seen the soul of my deceased friend in his nephew’s eyes. I believe that you will come back time and time again until your soul finally gets it right and can move to the next level of spirituality that the human body cannot possibly contain.
I don’t believe that religion; that my religion is about being told what to do. I don’t believe that a church should govern choices of the soul or that any human or scripture should tell a soul there are commandments to live by because it is our own journey, our own lesson. I do not agree that anyone should judge whom I do or not sleep with or love. My soul is not to be coveted. I do not believe in guilt. I believe in consequence. I don’t believe that there is hell. We do well enough creating that in life. There are a million reasons that I don’t believe in a formalized ‘religion’ and I sure as hell don’t believe that 5 Hail Mary’s and 3 Our Father’s will make wrong right. Ever.
All that being said, I respect religion and the belief that others have. I will pray to the god of others for them – and for myself, I will seek clarity through action – I don’t pray. That is my right. My choice. I do not purge my thoughts; ideals, ideas or spirituality onto others and what I don’t appreciate about so many organized religions is the entitlement that they carry. I didn’t ask for your opinions – I don’t give you mine –.
But what does your God teach that I don't already practice? I am honest, I work hard, I love, I help, I give, I give back, I do unto others as I wish to have done unto me....what is it that you offer that I don't already know. Chances are - my enlightenment far surpasses any firey bush on a mountain.
I know perfectly well what will ‘save’ me and it does not exist in a book, or a church, or a prayer. It exists in me. It is knowledge. I don’t knock on your door handing out flyers. I don’t comment anonymously on your blog telling you to save yourself this way or that. I would come to you, hold your hand, hold you if you were hurting and offer my spirit – offer my shoulder and anything else that I had to offer to help give you light – not anything more or less because that is what we as humans need. Humanity. Not the idea of something better – because this is it and this is what we are. I wouldn’t hide. I would tell you this is I, and I will help you – I will listen. Me. Not God. Me. In all of my fucked uppedness. Me. And I would show my face because I am not afraid to stand raw and naked here. If you are so confident in what you believe and you stand by your truth as I stand by mine, why do you hide? What are you afraid of if your God is all knowing and real and you clearly have no problem stating his case – what are you ashamed of?
In the end, it’s about personal choice. Ever heard to not talk about religion or politics? There’s a reason. It’s a personal right. One that should not be disrespected. Respect me as I am and how I choose to navigate through this life I have chosen. My religion is of the self. My church is the ocean. My church is where I find peace and it has nothing to do with statues, crosses, pews or books. I don’t tell you where to find yours. I am good in my skin and my process. I didn't ask for guidance on another way and I am left feeling confused as to how writing about my life, my process, my 'self' transitioned into someone believing that it was their right to project their own ideals?
I could go on and on. Enough said.
(if you're wondering where this stemmed from - see comments on last blog)
P.S. - Anonymous - I don't judge you for your opinions. I appreciate your belief. Don't be deterred from sharing thought and emotion - just not religious belief. If that makes sense? To me, there is a difference.
I was brought up in a very ‘devout’ Catholic family. I was baptized. I made my first communion and confirmation. I went to church every Sunday. I was in the damned choir. I ‘itched’ my entire way through it. After my confirmation my parents told me that I was now old and educated enough to make my own decisions about religion. I never went back.
Here’s why.
I believe in me. I believe in those that are my family and friends. Those souls that journey with me through all of the ups and downs. I believe in blades of grass, human behavior, and reactions to actions. Things that I can see and touch. I believe that you get what you give. I believe in karma and energy. I believe in reincarnation. I have seen the soul of my deceased friend in his nephew’s eyes. I believe that you will come back time and time again until your soul finally gets it right and can move to the next level of spirituality that the human body cannot possibly contain.
I don’t believe that religion; that my religion is about being told what to do. I don’t believe that a church should govern choices of the soul or that any human or scripture should tell a soul there are commandments to live by because it is our own journey, our own lesson. I do not agree that anyone should judge whom I do or not sleep with or love. My soul is not to be coveted. I do not believe in guilt. I believe in consequence. I don’t believe that there is hell. We do well enough creating that in life. There are a million reasons that I don’t believe in a formalized ‘religion’ and I sure as hell don’t believe that 5 Hail Mary’s and 3 Our Father’s will make wrong right. Ever.
All that being said, I respect religion and the belief that others have. I will pray to the god of others for them – and for myself, I will seek clarity through action – I don’t pray. That is my right. My choice. I do not purge my thoughts; ideals, ideas or spirituality onto others and what I don’t appreciate about so many organized religions is the entitlement that they carry. I didn’t ask for your opinions – I don’t give you mine –.
But what does your God teach that I don't already practice? I am honest, I work hard, I love, I help, I give, I give back, I do unto others as I wish to have done unto me....what is it that you offer that I don't already know. Chances are - my enlightenment far surpasses any firey bush on a mountain.
I know perfectly well what will ‘save’ me and it does not exist in a book, or a church, or a prayer. It exists in me. It is knowledge. I don’t knock on your door handing out flyers. I don’t comment anonymously on your blog telling you to save yourself this way or that. I would come to you, hold your hand, hold you if you were hurting and offer my spirit – offer my shoulder and anything else that I had to offer to help give you light – not anything more or less because that is what we as humans need. Humanity. Not the idea of something better – because this is it and this is what we are. I wouldn’t hide. I would tell you this is I, and I will help you – I will listen. Me. Not God. Me. In all of my fucked uppedness. Me. And I would show my face because I am not afraid to stand raw and naked here. If you are so confident in what you believe and you stand by your truth as I stand by mine, why do you hide? What are you afraid of if your God is all knowing and real and you clearly have no problem stating his case – what are you ashamed of?
In the end, it’s about personal choice. Ever heard to not talk about religion or politics? There’s a reason. It’s a personal right. One that should not be disrespected. Respect me as I am and how I choose to navigate through this life I have chosen. My religion is of the self. My church is the ocean. My church is where I find peace and it has nothing to do with statues, crosses, pews or books. I don’t tell you where to find yours. I am good in my skin and my process. I didn't ask for guidance on another way and I am left feeling confused as to how writing about my life, my process, my 'self' transitioned into someone believing that it was their right to project their own ideals?
I could go on and on. Enough said.
(if you're wondering where this stemmed from - see comments on last blog)
P.S. - Anonymous - I don't judge you for your opinions. I appreciate your belief. Don't be deterred from sharing thought and emotion - just not religious belief. If that makes sense? To me, there is a difference.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Can social media keep you young?
I was driving to work the other day listening to an interview with an author discussing our obsession with 'staying young' - this is primarily an issue with women as we contemplate ways to somehow maintain a lineless face exhibiting no history of our stories - as if this gives us character or beauty? However that's a completely different blog so back to the topic at hand (as I lovingly apply anti-aging serum).
So, this whole fountain of youth discussion got me thinking about ways to 'stay youthful' and obviously, social media came to mind. I truly believe that social media is a tool to 'keep us young'. It's by no means a fountain of youth but in many ways, it does in fact keep the mind and the spirit 'youthful'.
Look at the content that we as a collective group share across all boundaries regardless of age, title, status etc. - Often times the content might just be silly, mocking politics, the state of the world, or it can be pertinent to the world of social media marketing that I exist in. Regardless - we are sharing - the conversation never stops. It keeps my mind tuned and active on a constant basis. That has to beneficial? How many people, friends, relatives and colleagues do you know that now participate in communities, blogs, have a Facebook page, etc.? Most I presume. I even saw my mother had created a Facebook page the other day (she'll be 60 on Friday)! Social media engages people and although many of us use it at a vehicle for education, many utilize it for fun as well.
Point being - social media is bridging a gap between generations and cultures. It allows for the older to connect with the younger - stay in tune and 'hip' to what's current and it allows for the younger to learn from those who have broader experiences to share. There's a flow as opposed to a barrier.
Each time my 'Twitterrific' pops up and I see an interesting post or note, I read. My mind is constantly being stimulated. The best trick to keep the mind and body young is to remain active - and so in that regard I'm doing my best to stay fit - wouldn't the assumption be for anyone utilizing social media on a regular basis that you would reap the benefits as well? So perhaps on some level, social media is one of the answers to the long sought after fountain of youth? Drink from the cup - (even though it often times might over flow-eth), and you just might be around a bit longer...
Now, if I could just figure out a way to burn some significant calories and get my heart rate up while blogging, Twittering, Facebooking and the like....hmmmmm
So, this whole fountain of youth discussion got me thinking about ways to 'stay youthful' and obviously, social media came to mind. I truly believe that social media is a tool to 'keep us young'. It's by no means a fountain of youth but in many ways, it does in fact keep the mind and the spirit 'youthful'.
Look at the content that we as a collective group share across all boundaries regardless of age, title, status etc. - Often times the content might just be silly, mocking politics, the state of the world, or it can be pertinent to the world of social media marketing that I exist in. Regardless - we are sharing - the conversation never stops. It keeps my mind tuned and active on a constant basis. That has to beneficial? How many people, friends, relatives and colleagues do you know that now participate in communities, blogs, have a Facebook page, etc.? Most I presume. I even saw my mother had created a Facebook page the other day (she'll be 60 on Friday)! Social media engages people and although many of us use it at a vehicle for education, many utilize it for fun as well.
Point being - social media is bridging a gap between generations and cultures. It allows for the older to connect with the younger - stay in tune and 'hip' to what's current and it allows for the younger to learn from those who have broader experiences to share. There's a flow as opposed to a barrier.
Each time my 'Twitterrific' pops up and I see an interesting post or note, I read. My mind is constantly being stimulated. The best trick to keep the mind and body young is to remain active - and so in that regard I'm doing my best to stay fit - wouldn't the assumption be for anyone utilizing social media on a regular basis that you would reap the benefits as well? So perhaps on some level, social media is one of the answers to the long sought after fountain of youth? Drink from the cup - (even though it often times might over flow-eth), and you just might be around a bit longer...
Now, if I could just figure out a way to burn some significant calories and get my heart rate up while blogging, Twittering, Facebooking and the like....hmmmmm
Friday, December 12, 2008
Rambles
It comes in waves. This process. Good days, bad days, mediocre days. Just days. I feel very ‘hazy’ lately. Not in my actions, but internally. My friend Holli tells me that I’m ‘blocking’. I know she’s right. Something isn’t getting through that’s supposed to. I’m not sure why but I have a complete inability to ‘open myself up’ to the universe.
I am blocked.
How do I know what to do about that? I’m not sure. I’ve tried all of the standard approaches. Maybe what I haven’t really tried is just being. Just accepting. It’s clear that my path right now is getting right with this so called solitude but I am resisting it at every turn. Why?
There’s this rage lately. Like, I could smash everything to bits. I am not a person who feels rage. But its there. Like a burning fucking inferno its there. I feel completely filled with this unpronounceable rage.
There are seven stages of grief. The anger bit is only stage 3. I’m screwed. 4 more? Seriously? This process feels like a million miles and there isn’t an end of the road in sight. I am trying to get it – but I just don’t.
And for inquiring minds, yes, I’m smoking again. I suck. It’s disgusting. I feel like shit, they taste like shit but it is what it is right now. It’s stormy here these days. What can I say?
I am blocked.
How do I know what to do about that? I’m not sure. I’ve tried all of the standard approaches. Maybe what I haven’t really tried is just being. Just accepting. It’s clear that my path right now is getting right with this so called solitude but I am resisting it at every turn. Why?
There’s this rage lately. Like, I could smash everything to bits. I am not a person who feels rage. But its there. Like a burning fucking inferno its there. I feel completely filled with this unpronounceable rage.
There are seven stages of grief. The anger bit is only stage 3. I’m screwed. 4 more? Seriously? This process feels like a million miles and there isn’t an end of the road in sight. I am trying to get it – but I just don’t.
And for inquiring minds, yes, I’m smoking again. I suck. It’s disgusting. I feel like shit, they taste like shit but it is what it is right now. It’s stormy here these days. What can I say?
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