I have had a few family members and a number of other close friends admit that they are not reading these daily posts. It is an interesting conversation to have, as I really am ambivalent about people reading these posts on the daily. The intention was always to begin driving a conversation that is mine, and mine only with those that want to engage on whatever basis and schedule is best for them. The fact that these posts are on your mind is a bit humbling. I know for a fact that some of these posts are going to be largely ignored, and that some of these will likely be shared forward for months going forward.
This was always about the journey, and the cultivation of a bit more authentic conversations with those that are up for it. I fully expect to see a few folks drop off as a result of these posts, and that’s fine too.
You now know my point of view on a number of things, and I am just getting started. The posts are real and likely to magnetize the next conversation we end up having whenever that is.
I am finding that many that are reading this blog are now starting to open up about their current situation. I have had some friends share with me that they are going to restart a side hustle that has been dormant, others admit that they think about death a lot as of late, and still others flat out say they would like a little bit more motivation.
If I were to stop today (not a chance!) – I know for a fact that more than a few folks have started to rethink some things that they had taken for granted previously. It has been awesome to get this feedback in a very unprompted manner – every single time! I have had some surprising moments at work where colleagues have pulled me aside in person and virtually sharing something I would have never known had these 84 days not been started.
The benefits have started to materialize for me personally, professionally, and familially too. Benefits for many of you apparently are coming up as a result too.
This is part of what I thought would happen. That the conversations I would be having in the future would become more authentic online and in person. This is exactly what is erupting all over the place for me at the moment.
People respond to authenticity by reciprocating authenticity too.
Sometimes the authenticity is unfortunately negative and unproductive for all involved. It is authentic though. Sometimes the authenticity is exceptionally raw and candid. Many times that is enough, and incredibly useful.
Sometimes the conversations are happening at 11pm midweek as someone very close to me has discovered their voice for seemingly the first time. I could literally see the energy and fire in their eyes as they recounted their day – what a gift for us both! Prolly a coincidence…
Sometimes the conversation involves medical conditions with an old friend and colleague that stumbled across as a shared condition. When someone says ‘I know what it means to have your adrenals fried!’ – you take note of their journey too. Unexpected guidance, on the spot.
Sometimes the conversation involves a shared sense of frustration around political dynamics and regional attitudes that we both have to operate within as part of our jobs. Agreeing to operate from a sense of healthy detachment in those select situations, because ‘the shelf is empty’ and unlikely to be restocked – fun and authentic conversation right there.
Sometimes an executive leader has reached out with a simple text with an encouraging word to keep evolving the content, and that he’s really enjoying the daily posts. Unprompted.
The benefits are also amounting in terms of my vitality both inwardly and outwardly. The level of useful conversations continues to ramp across the board as well.
I am coming to understand that there are many more people in my life than I thought – as a first step.
Secondly, I’m coming to understand that many of you are genuinely interested in helping me with this journey and beyond.
This has been an especially rewarding feedback loop, as I have only obliquely mentioned some future plans in a post or two. The outreach from a few folks has been incredible, and I have not even followed up with everyone as of yet.
The benefits in terms of engagement are also surfacing across a number of areas in my life too. I just mentioned that a few folks have reached out to help me when I’m ready as a result of these posts. A number of people are looking to get some time to ‘just catch up’ as this whole journey has got them intrigued on some level. The intrigue varies substantially let’s just say.
The engagement many days is about REENGAGEMENT with a number of friends and family. It has been awhile in some cases, and reconnecting with people in my life has been just an incredible gift over the past few weeks. In the past, I would definitely use the ‘too busy‘ excuse, and now that is already off the table. I’m in many ways busier than ever, and still finding the time to get these meaningful conversations in on most days.
Am I engaging with everyone in my life as a result of these posts? Come on, man. Hell no. There are a number of very close friends and family that I have to get on the phone with even as more folks are reaching out to check in on this newfound transparency here on the web.
I can say this though – I’m ever more mindful of the connections and the cultivation required to ensure the connections are strong with my friends and family. One of the main reasons now is actually this blog, and the belief that there is a chance that you will eventually get around to reading a post or two. I always have a few of you in mind when I’m writing for this blog.
Most times it is a mixture of those that I have recently spoken with and those that I am in need of (re)connecting with. Many times, the topics I hit upon here are a direct result of a conversation that I have had with one of you.
I have had more than a few of you say very recently, and repeatedly in the course of our conversations ‘that’s a topic for a blog article if you want!’
It is amazing when someone says that to me, unprompted.
We are onto something here.