I was just sent this video by Chris Brogan I really love it, I probably only disagree with point 2 where Picasso says something about all that matters is you, I would tend think that all that matters is how you treat the people in your life.
It reminded me of a "Thinking Cycle" I created during my first Business broadplace.com
I am convinced that we have to options for operation in life..
We can operate out of love, passion, fun or excitement
Or we can operate out of obligation, bondage, rules or fear.
Many people in the world do not have a choice and that is wrong and something I am committed to see change but whilst I have the choice I want to operate out of FUN as much as possible
The Circle moves clockwise.
I believe the best thinking comes from Fun which leads to new ideas, which either fail or succeed but either way – you learn something new which leads to job, life or social satisfaction.
I took a lot of my inspiration in the early days from the book "How to have kick ass Ideas" a Brainchild of the What IF guys, Buy it on amazon from your Amazon iPhone app and stick it on your coffee table.
A few Sundays ago I found myself experiencing one of the most special days of my life so far.
It reminded me intensely of the film the Lion King which I have always loved and felt connected with since I was small, watch the song "The Circle of life" again just to remind yourself before you read on…….
Firstly in the Morning I was asked to read a verse out at Ray Johnny George Gills dedication…..my Godson!
My Good friends Andy and Jeni Gill have trusted me with the privilege of looking out for Ray for the rest of my days. I was so excited to be an active part of the celebration of new life.
Ray is a wonderful child and I hope that we as a community help him become all he wants to be.
In the evening I went over to a family of friend's house called the Moore's
They are one of the most exceptional families I know, a family in which all the members live a life for others in wonderful and creative ways! – I could go on for hours about them, maybe another day!
A few days before this Special Sunday Alan Moore a Pilgrim Giant, Father to the Moores, bedrock for every bit of life that comes out of that family unexpectedly fell down some stairs, hit his bed and died later in hospital.
I was privileged to be part of about 20 people to go and eat, share cry and celebrate Alan's life with the family just days after his shocking death.
The families response has been like none I have ever experienced, refusing to be angry or take offense whilst being open about their grief and tears shed for their loss of a rare breed of man with ultimate integrity and perseverance.
Whilst at the Moore's in the evening dear friends Matt and Meg Naylor came and showed me with their brand spanking new born baby, beautiful Evie May. Another new and wonderful life.
A day Life, Death, Life.
A Son of Alan, one of my closest friends Michael Moore painted the picture to the right and labelled it Dad after Alan died.
I weeped and weeped in silence when I first saw this painted it is amazing to me.
If my Son or someone that looks up to me ever paints a picture like this and labels it Dad in reference to me I will feel like the job was done.
Well done Alan
Why do I tell you all of this?
On that Special Sunday this feeling of the Circle of Life hit me and I cant shake it.
Life starts, grows and inevitably leaves us.
We must celebrate life in all circumstances, choose appreciate rather than take offense.
Love is a higher law.
Life is fragile and we can't be sure when it will end so I for one want to live like Alan so that if my turn to complete this circle of worldy life comes tomorrow or in 100 years I am ready, ready in terms of living the life I believe in everyday.
Give someone a Fish they eat for a day. – That's Good
Give someone a rod and they can provide for their family. – That's even better
Teach them not only how to fish but how to teach and nuture others and you give them a few fishing rods so that they can employ others then you are on to something – THAT'S THE BEST!
Yes its harder yes it takes longer!
Be patient!
The ongoing ripple effects through the generations and through creating jobs, hope and dignity are much much bigger than we could imagine. The best part is if you do it right you can eventually move out the way and they will continue to grow without you!
My Great Aunt Philly taught me this rhyme as a child!
"Good, better, best. Never let it rest, till your good is better, and your better best!"
I can't find anyone saying it on Google so it must be original.
One of the biggest reasons start ups fail to reach potential is because the founder won't let go of their baby and they end up squeezing the life out of the thing till it dies, gets overtaken or limps on like a wounded dog.
With our world moving quicker and quicker it becomes harder and harder to get projects away, to see them flourish and hit that Gladwell coined Tipping Point.
The only way I can see around this in my experience is to give it away.
Find people you like, people who share your vision, people who are going in a similar direction who are different to you and disagree with you and give it away to them.
Break bread with them.
Sink with them.
Swim with them.
Give away authority not just responsibility.
On the rare occasion I have managed to do this effectively my overheads are lower, productivity goes through the roof and the adventure gets into full swing.
The Charter for Compassion has just launched in a bid to promote compassion in every country!
Brilliant!
I want to be someone who is moved by compassion to act, and act well.
I would love to see a Charter for Grace alongside compassion.
I think we can all check ourselves and see where we are falling short in this area.
Its interesting that I didn't see any obviously Christian organisations in their partner list.
I don't believe that "all ways lead to god or enlightenment" but I do think the message of true compassion is among the most important that I want to carry as I journey.
I like to write about things I see and stuff that happens to me. I spend a lot of time doing web agency stuff, Web start ups, I love Africa and love challenging whether things really need to be the way they are today. Read more...
