On doing what makes a difference for a living
I just sent a quick update to a friend.
I have another teleconference today at noon-thirty. And I’m starved. The cat is asleep on my lap, and my ponytail is lopsided. That’s all for now.
He replied back with a very quick note.
And I am saving homes.
My friend’s note about how he was spending the morning at his job really hit home to me. Earlier in the day, I re-discovered one of my favorite poems:
What Is Success by Ralph Waldo Emerson
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.
One of my clients focuses on energy efficiency. Another group supports “green” efforts at conferences. I make a living being helpful. It’s good that I have friends who help remind me what’s important, and it’s not my ponytail orientation.
Moonbeam McQueen on 19 Dec 2007 at 11:58 am #
Sigh…I finally had to hang up my bulletin board, so I could have a place to put some of these words of wisdom. The Emerson quote is now pinned under a thumbtack, next to “Desiderata.”