A Personal Reflection
There was always homemade cake. And beautifully wrapped gifts. Tons of cards. And plenty of games. And a kickass party.
I have warm, powerful memories of my childhood and the love showered on me as a child. Every day, I’m mindful of the privilege and gift that I had loving parents who were present with presents. And as readers of my blog know, my 94-year-old Mom Bea is still doing great, streaming movies on Netflix and waiting for spring training to start in Florida for her beloved Mets.
For every one of my childhood special occasions, there were photographs. In fact, there were photos for some ordinary occasions too. We just loved to take pictures to record every moment of joy.
Oh, so many pictures because my grandfather George was a commercial photographer. I thought his camera was attached to his hand permanently. And then my father, Jack picked up the habit and snapped away with a many “say cheese” moments.
And then, I picked up the Nikon and Hasselblad too and became a commercial photographer from age 15-23.
Mom always made such a fuss over our birthdays every year. She thought of details like picking a theme (sailor, pirate, cowboy, king, repeat) to the exact food I wanted to eat. (Roasted chicken legs).
My best friend at age seven was Philip Norulak, who lived on our street. He was seated next to me. Cousins and neighborhood friends were omnipresent – and my cup runneth over with a tsunami of birthday presents.
Games. Toys. Clothes. All Perfectly Wrapped.
I’m no longer seven years old, as you might deduce.
Today, January 23, 2022, I’m 68 – a number that is just a number, yet a reminder that no matter our status in life, we all have a clock ticking away the moments of joy.
Like you – the passing of a friend, a well-known celebrity, or influential leader is like a subtle tap on the noggin – just reminding us that time is fleeting. Those deaths are little wake-up call reminders, like the kind that come on your iPhone – that keeps making noise, until you tap it to silence.
No Gifts, but Do Me A Favor
Every year on my birthday, I tell my mother Bea, my wife Ra El, and daughters Sarah and Fanny, over and over, that I don’t want anything. And fortunately, I don’t need anything with the exception of a little FaceTime with the beautiful little face of our grandson, Bodhi Kai.
As a child, I’d have a lengthy list of things I wanted as long as my arm, but most of us quickly pass through wanting things and instead need more time to love, have meaningful experiences, and to refresh personal connections.
But I’m making an exception this year about gifts.
I do want something from anyone who reads my blog post today.
It is simple, won’t cost a penny, and requires a few minutes. Actually, it isn’t for me, but for you.
Text, write or call someone important to you – a friend, a family member, or maybe a former colleague you worked with years ago.
Or, send a message of love and thanks to someone who has passed on to the next journey. Close your eyes and send them love- no iPhone required.
Tell them what they meant to you and that you love them. Please use that word – Love. It won’t bite, and it will bring a few moments of joy to someone. Tell them you are thinking of them and send them some loving kindness.
Please do it right now. It will only take a few minutes.
Say thank you, I love you, or just hello to someone who could use a little kindness. A simple – I’m thinking about you – can make someone’s day. This isn’t trite or cliche. But true. Deeply true.
Send them moments of joy.
Moments of joy – now there is a phrase.
Can you string moments of joy together every day about kindness, compassion, and appreciation? Are you capable of writing someone a tiny little note of thanks, love, and gratitude? Thank you for indulging me and giving me this gift of spreading joy.
I wish you moments of joy today and every day.
You can set up a time to chat with me about your marketing challenges using my calendar. Email me jeffslater@themarketingsage.com Call me. 919 720 0995. The conversation is free, and we can explore if working together makes sense. Watch a short video about working with me.
Photos courtesy of Poppa George and Jack Slater
