Talk To Me
I had a really nice, fun, enlightening drinks/dinner night out a couple of weeks ago and the topic of my “business” came up. My friend brought up a few topics that seemed to complement my idea of letter writing/mentoring, mainly about COMMUNICATION and WRITING in general. He talked about how it’s unnerving to see the decline in people’s writing skills, even in emails, where there are real rules, protocol and “etiquette” like letter writing used to. I asked him for a suggestion in a name for my endeavor and he said “Talk To Me.” Well, I did a basic Google search and there are waaaay too many uses for TTM.
I still love the idea of letter writing but I am intrigued by my friend’s idea of expanding letters to a more general “mentorship” of communication in general. I did a very short search for “how to improve reading and writing skills” and they’re mostly geared towards children, which is normal. But what about adults who can’t read or write properly?
Maybe I need to change or confirm my focus. Am I trying to improve literacy rates? Am I trying to help youths with reading/writing skills? Am I trying to focus on Millenials and adults who have grown up typing and lack interpersonal skills?
There’s a lot to think about. Would my mentors write letters discussing their own communication skills and methods? What are they teaching us?
Food for thought…
Random FYI about me: I modeled my signature after Jackie Robinson. I saw a photo of a baseball he signed—probably middle school?—and I loved the elegant script of the capitalized “J” in Jackie. I still sign my name the same way.
life:
January 31, 1919: Jackie Robinson is born.
For most of Jackie Robinson’s long journey, from 1947 Rookie of the Year to prematurely aged Dodgers veteran (his major league career lasted only 10 years), LIFE magazine was there, chronicling his baseball triumphs — including Brooklyn’s only World Series title, in 1955 — and his life and achievements away from the diamond. See more photos of Jackie here.
(J.R. Eyerman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)
Doesn’t look like much but I finally took the first step in drafting what I’d like my website to look like. My friend suggested buying drawing paper from Michael’s and transferring my ideas directly onto paper (big sheets, not 8.5 x 11) to visualize my outcome.
Alas, I was there.
Vince Young scores the game-winning touchdown to beat USC during the Rose Bowl in Jan. 2006. (Robert Beck/SI)
BCS CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENT: SI previews the national championship
The “R” Word
Like many people, I’m not a fan of setting hard resolutions for the new year. I’ve been reading around on different blogs and I love that while people still want to set some goals for themselves, they now say things like “the theme for 2013 is…” or “these are some things I want to work on and do more”. It’s January 3rd now, so I’ve taken a few days to think about some things that I’d like to accomplish and do more of this year. In no particular order:
Incorporate new fitness classes and techniques into my regimen. Travel to another state I’ve never visited before. Make a new friend. Read more books and magazines. Blog more. Put real effort and energy into LTLOWL. Lay the foundation for my next job/career plan. Declutter. Find a charity or philanthropic initiative to become involved with. Write more. Take more photos and frame a few. Stay in touch with the people who are most important to me in all walks of life.
17 years, 12 Pro Bowls, Super Bowl MVP, 2-time Defensive Player of the Year. This is the way to do it, kids.
Wishing I could go back to a happier time. View from the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Recently
Baby steps.
A piece of advice: “Don’t hide the fun”
Stole this book from Mike: “It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be” by Paul Arden
Another piece of advice: draw it out
Cut a check for almost $3,000 today.
I’m starting to feel something click.
I got a fortune cookie over the weekend that said I would find success at home and in business next month.
I need to save more money.
I’m learning and researching every day.
I don’t believe in telling people I’m “grinding” or “hustling”. Yet.
#LettersToMyYoungerSelf
I’m slowly wrapping my head around this idea. Starting a revolution is so damn complicated!
