On the Road Again

               On the Road Again

Sorry there were no ARTicles the past two weeks: I just couldn’t find the inspiration.  Or maybe I was distracted with finally moving everything from New York City back to Las Vegas.  But alas, while walking these big city streets for the last time, I found an inspiration.

Isn’t it always the case that we see things most clearly when doing them for the last time?  It seems we take the things we know for granted and then tend to miss the beauty and importance of them. Walking (as opposed to driving) puts us much closer to our surroundings, and stimulates so many more senses beyond just seeing, and these flooded me with renewed awareness, awe, and nostalgia as the reality (and finality) of another change set in.

What a treasure this New York adventure has been: because I was here on a long-term assignment, these past 2 years have been filled with exploration and wonder.  It seemed more like a vacation, so I was always restless to see and do more.  And it was this trying-out-something-new attitude that gave me a much better feel for (and perspective of) the ordinary things that surrounded me.  Friends, home, family, hobbies, goals, favorite things – they all are more meaningful to me now.

And this adventure has rekindled my passion for life’s changes.  There’s a lesson here: don’t be afraid to re-pot yourself every now and then to let your roots grow and expand. And that the passage of time can be put too much better use than just getting older. 

So, if you get the chance, I highly recommend getting back on the road again!

My message this week is about being and showing your enthusiasm when life makes you feel that way:

“Enthusiasm is the electricity of life. How do you get it? You act enthusiastic until you make it a habit.” Gordon Parks

I’ve noticed that most people don’t show excitement or enthusiasm at work because they think that’s unprofessional.  But why shouldn’t you show enthusiasm when something excites you? Learning something new or doing something really well certainly is cause for excitement. But when’s the last time you felt like pumping your fist in the air or letting out an enthusiastic exclamation and didn’t because you thought it might be inappropriate? Here’s some advice: when you feel like that, show it; it will be infectious because enthusiasm is the electricity of life – when you act enthusiastically so will those who are around you.  Make it a habit today to act out your enthusiasm and passions, and watch how it affects your colleagues.

Stay well!