The World's Become a Tiny Place!

by Skip Cohen

​It's Sunday, and I'm doing my usual - jumping the tracks and running as fast as I can AWAY from topics like business and marketing...but not without a point I want to make.

Yesterday was what I would consider a fantastic day. What contributed to it being so perfect can be described in three words: simplicity, family, and friendships.

Here's the background - it was my birthday, and I'm only sharing that fact because it's significant in my mindset going into the day. 

Keeping it Simplistic and Family: Sheila had asked what I wanted to do for my birthday, and my answer was, "Just hang out with you and the pups."  We started the day at the Farmer's Market with the pups...hit our favorite vendors, and left with an almost record-breaking amount of new cheeses to try. Then we finished working on our butterfly garden, which is a labor of love in itself. That left plenty of time to float in the pool with Alexa delivering plenty of Chris Stapleton radio.

The day ended with dinner with our son and daughter-in-law, followed by a minor-league baseball game in Bradenton, FL at the new LECOM stadium. It was a perfect night, and while normally I'm not a big baseball fan, it wasn't crowded, and we started with seats right behind the dugout, moving twice during the evening. Each time we moved, it was a different view. And let's not forget the seventh inning stretch and a stadium hot dog!

Friendship: We all have a love/hate relationship with the Internet, but the birthday wishes started flowing on Friday and continued right up until a few minutes ago. But the fun of those birthday wishes is realizing how small the world has become, thanks to social media. As I scrolled through the birthday thread, people came up from all points of my life...a few from high school, Polaroid, Hasselblad, WPPI/Rangefinder, PPA, Platypod, old neighbors, associates, magazines I've written for, overseas friends, and the list goes on and on.

When I started this morning, I couldn't decide whether to focus on what makes a perfect day or how small the world has become. Well, I'm doing both...but here's my big point today...

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“It is your attitude, more than your aptitude, that will determine your altitude.” 
Zig Ziglar

​My birthday set the stage, but it also pointed out how much control I really have EVERY day - it's all in my attitude. If I can tweak my attitude and set the stage every morning, I'll be dealing with less stress, more smiles, and definitely flying at a higher altitude. Of course, I'm being realistic, knowing that some days are tougher than others, but we're all work-in-progress, and I'm no exception.

Wishing you a day that is uncomplicated and filled with the love you have for those people (and critters) most special in your life. It's a holiday weekend, the perfect time to redefine the words "chill out." Go for those long hugs I always write about and make it a day jam-packed with joy.

And to the 350 wonderful knuckleheads (that's a compliment) who, between FB, LinkedIn, email, and even a few calls wished me a great birthday - THANK YOU SO MUCH. Social media is the mortar that keeps the bricks of friendship together, and with each comment yesterday, you added your own touch to my day.

Happy Sunday, and if you're in the states, happy holiday weekend.