A decade ago, I started writing this blog. It was just after my father’s passing, and I needed a place to tell a few personal and professional stories. I thought writing a blog was worth trying and would be helpful therapy. I named it MomentSlater because, for decades, I have been keenly aware of the precious moments in my life. And, a Dad pun is a terrible thing to waste.
Thirteen hundred blog posts later (postslater), I’m still writing to help me express what I believe about marketing but also how I am feeling about life and the moments that give it meaning. By writing three blogs a week, it helps me stay mindful about what matters and to let go of the meaningless stuff that we get attached to by habit.
Nine Moments of Zen
Here are nine moments from yesterday that marked my day.
- Toasted, buttered rye bread is something to be savored and slowly enjoyed. It always gives me pleasure.
- Enjoying my morning dark roast coffee is like the day saying hello to me. I slowly sip it and savor the fragrance, color, and aroma.
- Our beautiful Persian cat named Shazmina doesn’t believe in privacy, so she meows at the bathroom door, fearful of being alone.
- My almost 93-year-old mother, Bea, before our daily phone call, texts me a photograph of herself wearing a sweater my wife sent her with a bee on it. I get some much nachas (pleasure in Hebrew) when she texts me a picture.
- I participate in an online house party (like FaceTime) with Sarah and Bodhi, our daughter and grandson, who live in Hawaii. We watch Bodhi take a hose and wash the little Buddha statue outside their house.
- Fanny, our younger daughter, texts me a photograph of pork chops marsala that she is making for her husband for dinner. I facetiously tell her that was my nickname in high school.
- My wife Ra El and I watch Roman Holiday and practice waving as Audrey Hepburn did at the beginning of the movie as she visits people in Rome.
- I walk in my neighborhood for 40 minutes and hear stillness and birds chirping, and observe how the nasty, yel
low pine-pollen seems to be gone. Above all, I breathe easily now when walking.
- Through the wonders of texting, I share an old black and white family photo from 1961 with my siblings, Diane and Mitch, and we enjoy a brief momentslater memory we hold in our hearts. That’s me in the plaid sports jacket.
Goodnight Moon
Finally, when I turned out the lights last night, I can’t believe how bright the full moon is, illuminating the room. I say Goodnight Moon and look forward to reading that book to Bodhi in person.
What moments did you enjoy today?
P.S. Here is a bonus video message from my Mom that my brother recorded standing 12 feet away. Mitch asked Mom what three people she would like to quarantined with besides family. Her answers will make you smile.
You can set up a time to chat with me about your marketing challenges using my calendar. Our initial conversation is free. You talk, I listen. Email me jeffslater@themarketingsage.com or call me. 919 720 0995. Visit my website at www.themarketingsage.com. Let’s explore working together today.
