If I Stay It Will Be Double
Last week’s post hit a nerve. Struck a chord. Caused a commotion. And hopefully (yes, I have hope) it will stir people into action. Before I take a stab on how best to retain our talent, though, I would like to clarify a few things:
First, I did not mean to imply that those already doing good work are not doing good enough. Quite the contrary. If we see any further, it is only because we stand on the shoulders of giants.
Second, I understand (and ask you to, as well) that I do not speak with authority. Mark Dudlik wrote a great letter concerning the Phoenix design scene that carried a similar tone. He prefaced it this way:
…I don’t consider myself an expert on its past, its current status, and definitely not its future. I mention this because I hope what I say here doesn’t come off as a slap in the face of those of you who have been in this town, working hard, making great things and being part of the community here. However, that being said…
Finally, I think it might be helpful for you to know a few things about me and where I come from. In quotes:
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” Socrates
Stagnation is boring. Whether we’re talking about life, work, or play, doing it better all the time makes sense. And it’s hard to determine what needs betterment without a little honest examination, right?
“You may say that I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one.” John Lennon
Ok, so this is really a song lyric and not a quote. Close enough. Point is, I have ideas that I tend to share. Like keeping people in Phoenix.
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi
This quote might be considered overplayed, but it is one of the most meaningful word groupings in history. Personally, it means that I’m not going to talk about making a commitment to our city without doing it myself.
And if you’re really that interested to learn more about me, I blog regularly here and tweet from here.
Nice to meet you.
It does get tiresome trying to convince people to stay, but I’ll keep trying by reminding people that life is what you make it. Glad to see you’re committed. We will grow old here (and by old I mean turn 40) and keep trying to make this a destination as opposed to a pass through.
Bully
I apologize about the rant-like tone of my comment to your initial Bearded Truth post! I kind of read a lot of stuff into it that you didn’t actually say… I get really incensed about people who complain about this city but don’t do anything positive, and leave. it’s frustrating.
Kumbaya. We’re all in this together. Yes we can!