Insights and Ingenuity

Undoubtedly, Chris is a popular guy. He’s speaking here, blogging there, writing most likely everywhere, and promoting his book from here *to* there.  He’s often referenced, lauded, and criticized all over the social media landscape. And I hear he can’t attend an event without being glommed by those who just want to share his cool kid space.  At SXSW earlier this year I caught glimpses (may have even been at the same soiree once), but was too much of a fraidy-cat to say hello. It would have been just awful if he hadn’t had some modicum of recognition of who I was (from Twitterville), plus I didn’t want to add to the glom-ness.

But none of these reasons which suggest his stardom are really why I’d like to be more like him. Sure, who wouldn’t be (at least for a short while) on cloud nine for a chance at the limelight. But the real reason to muse about this person I’ve never actually met? Simple.

His Human-ness.

Like most, Chris was probably within the first 100 people I started following when I joined Twitter. Then I started reading his blog. Finally I figured “what the heck” and friended him on Facebook. I mean, he wouldn’t have put the button right there if he wasn’t willing to have folks in backwater Iowa say Howdy, right?

Those interaction points (plus things picked up on by knowing folks who know Chris, and reading the good/bad/ugly others write) helped me develop a sort of profile. Yeah, I realize I don’t have first hand experience with his listening skills, punctuality, etc. like a true friend or associate would. But I think I’m probably in the ballpark of The Real Chris.

The Real Chris followed me back on Twitter, right away. The Real Chris read my @ reply to his tweet, checked out a blog page I referred to, and RT’d that to his entire crew. The Real Chris writes with an approachable, self-deprecating style. He updates his Facebook status with statements that suggest a vulnerability and sensitivity most Webraties (web + celebrity) wouldn’t dream of.  He doesn’t strive for perfect punctuation, rigid yet flawless prose. And in my opinion, for all accounts, seems like a regular guy with the charisma and know-how that just naturally draws folks in.

Pause for Reflection

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about who Heather is, what she’s about, and where I want to go. I’ve been re-thinking past events and scenarios where I felt or acted strongly as X and am maybe wondering if there should have been some Y there too. I’m too young to be in a mid-life crisis, so maybe (hopefully) I’m strengthening my self-awareness and learning to hold up a mirror. Maybe fewer absolutes and more gray space where possibilities exist I wouldn’t have otherwise recognized.

At any rate, I admire Chris for accomplishing so much professionally.  I’ve always wanted to be published and even have 200 pages of contemporary fiction sitting on my desktop. Calling me with its little blue W icon song. I’ve always wanted to present (if nothing else, but to conquer a self-confidence fear) but my largest audience was about 45 (and they may have been there for the following presenter).  Those are two objectives I still have to chew on. I’d like to regret as little in life as possible (a little, occasional yelling at the kids doesn’t count. It can’t.)

Which brings me to a whole host of other folks I admire, and wish I was a little bit more like.  They are unique, beautiful souls who have given me much to think about.

Watch, Listen, and Learn

• Connie, one of the most practical, hardworking people I know. She’s the kind of friend you call when your car is in a ditch in Omaha, and your Visa is maxed. Plus she’s smart, serves as a terrific role model for her children, and strong enough to survive any obstacle placed in front of her with aplomb. Without uttering a single curse word.
• Sara, who’s trying to improve a growing county in NW Florida one issue at a time. She’s dedicated her life to helping others, from grief counseling to community service, to making it her personal mission to support people dislocated by Katrina by helping them find clothing, toys, and hope. She often struggles between self-doubt and an unwavering zeal to lead fundraising efforts. She’s my mom, and I’m proud of her.
• Robin, the gentle, sensitive soul with a head for numbers and a knack for disarming others. She’s the smartest in the room but never carries an air or seems unapproachable. She’s patient with the best dry wit you’ve ever heard.  I was a pretty crappy sister to her growing up, and I simply thank Heaven every day she lets me in her world.
• Lynn, a relative newcomer in my life, but someone who simply commands respect. Early in life she identified goals for herself, and come what may (and there was a lot), she she not only persevered but excelled. A brilliant mind, a gentle manner, and a smile that always says “I’m listening, and I’m thinking.”
• Michelle, a dynamo who balances pioneering work, growing family, and a sense of philanthropic duty.  She’s an author, grammar queen, and carefully considers each word. Her countenance is regal and knows how to maintain her boundaries like nobody’s business.
• Megan is the consummate professional, ready with a smile and a listening ear. She’s beautiful (and you’ll want to dislike her for that) but one of the most genuine, authentic people I know. She can teach us all something about being circumspect, and letting a good job speak for itself.  Look up ‘good person’ and you’ll see Meg’s picture.
• Sabra is a diva with a D, unabashedly comfortable in her own skin. The outer package gives way to a creative, artistic soul with a passion for art and literature. She’s never let anything stop her, not when the wolf was at the door and uncertainty abounded. If there ever was a strong, proud, and deserving woman, it’s Sabe.
• Amber of the deep thoughts, with the wonderous gift with words many of us enjoy daily. She coached me through a dicey situation before we’d even met. And I have seen her occasional displays of uncertainty and gained personal assurance that even the most collected, talented folk have a vulnerable side.
• Beth is incredibly accessible, having always been there when I had a question, wanted an ear, or was in search of a group to learn from and commune with (SXSW – I would have been lost without you!). She’s a big thinker and can be very passionate about subjects that intrigue her analytical mind (don’t ask her about ‘personal brand’). I’ll venture she’s one of the best professors a student could hope for (I didn’t say ‘easy’, but best).

Grow Forward

If we’re really lucky, we’ll be surrounded by talented, generous people during this life, people we can observe and learn from. Life’s doors won’t open by themselves, but if I can be a little like Lynn, Sabra, Beth and the other shining stars then I will have truly grown – I will have taken the opportunities God and life have afforded me, and learned from them. And walked on through to see the other side.

This entry was posted on Friday, October 23rd, 2009 at 8:49 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.