Who I’m Sitting Next To
I had this incredible experience on Thursday. This woman sitting next to me at the Landmark commitment seminar stood up. I have to admit that judged her to be someone I wasn’t that interested in knowing more about. I don’t know why. So she stands up and goes to the microphone, something I have yet to do (I stood up and asked a question with the mic at Affiliate Summit and wasn’t a bit uptight about it, which was a breakthrough, but I still think I don’t like getting in front of groups for some reason).
She shares this incredible journey from feeling boxed in by her life feeling surrounded by the mundane. I relate to what she says. She is a mother to small children. Then she saw the possibility of following a dream and talent she has and she is inspired. She chronicled how it all went down. I was astounded.
I’m completely moved by what she says then she comes and sits down. Next to me. And I’m in awe when I realize who she is.
That is a metaphor for me lately. I keep inadvertently bumping up against the greats. Incredible minds or spirits. They aren’t always distinguishable. How did I end up sharing space with them? Anyway, thanks for the presentation Jeff Barr, and for talking, Wayne Porter. And for those trying to see what is ethical. And for those showing women they are believed in. And for those willing to share what they know.
I’ve been remembering the community projects I have done. The large groups I have mobilized. I want to do that online. I’m not sure what that means. I’m intrigued by what my friend is doing with Thurl Bailey (basketball star). That’s why I’m interested in community sites and how web 2.0 facilitates and enhances and rewards collaboration and community. In the seminar we explore our commitments, the ones that run our choices when we don’t even realize it. My commitment seems to be to isolation lately (like working on computers often is) but that’s not the game I want to play in…
One Response to “Who I’m Sitting Next To”
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February 14th, 2007 at 10:50 am
Hi Janet,
You are very welcome for the presentation!
Jeff;