I Just Love This!

There were a ton of college graduations this past weekend that you may have missed this gem by Tom Brokaw who gave the commencement speech at the College of William and Mary in my hometown of Williamsburg, VA.  I wasn’t there, either, but when I read this one statement he made, I just had to share it with you:

Speaking to young twenty-somethings who are the most technologically connected generation to date, Tom Brokaw said:

“It will do us little to wire the world if we    short-circuit the soul.”

I

          just

                        LOVE

                                         that!

Having joined AOL in 1988 at 23 years old right out of college, I dove into the online world without even knowing it.  I embraced what was then revolutionary - e-mail, instant messages and downloading. 

Twenty-one years later and I still embrace technology.  We all do.

You and are connecting this very second because of our wired world and for that I’m grateful.  But, there’s a reason I schlep myself on a plane or drive hours to city to share with groups of women live.  Because face-to-face, in person, does something more for the spirit and more for soul than technology ever can.

In person, you can look someone in the eyes and smile.  They can feel acknowledged.

In person, you can give someone a compliment or say thank you.  They can feel appreciated.

In person, you can listen to their story or concern.  They can feel valued.

Technology can facilitate such interactions, but to date, in my opinion, it doesn’t completely replace being there.

So, today, as you interact with co-workers, meet with a client, drive the kids around, or walk up to the cashier, take the opportunity to encourage their spirit, and yours.  With a smile, compliment, thank you, or your listening ear. Doing these actions is a BoMo - bodacious moment. 

It’s been my honor and privilege to be asked to speak to several groups lately, including the Richmond Junior League Book Club and at the Junior League Mid-Atlantic Leadership Conference hosted by the Junior League of Northern Virginia (I even created a special nail color for them called “Junior League Red-E to Go”). 

Thanks to Tinky Scott of the Richmond Junior League Book Club.  Here's a fun photo of the entire group:

And thanks to Tamara Ashford, President of the Junior League of Northern Virginia, and her right-hand gal on conference day, Erica McCants, for all your help.  Had a great time! 

Tomorrow I leave for Columbia, MO (another college town, think Mizzou) to speak to the Women’s Network of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.  The gals there don’t know it yet, but they are getting a nail color I created for them called “We Mean Business.”  I’ll post a few photos from that adventure when I return.  ;D

Cheers,

P.S. - I highly recommend you take a quick read of Tom Brokaw’s entire commencement speech.   It’s quite poignant, moving, and funny. 

Comments

[Tara Reed]

Great post Mary - thanks for sharing. And hopefully you don't mind that I "shared it forward" on my blog too!

Tara Reed
www.ArtLicensingBlog.com