Tuesday, August 25, 2009
wide awake in America…and beyond
When I take stock of my life, I realize that my most prized physical possession is my passport. To me, it represents the great fortune I have in being an American, while also giving me the ability to see the world and meet the other 98% of the global population we tend to forget are living their lives outside our borders. One recent night I was awake when I should have been sleeping and as I stared at the walls I began thinking of the places throughout the world where others were awake and of all the people I have been blessed to meet around the globe. It then got me wondering what they were up to at that very moment. So with trusty BlackBerry in hand, and a few short messenger clicks later, I was instantly chatting with someone just arriving in her office in the UK, and another enjoying dinner in Sydney. In that quiet moment, I was virtually on 3 continents simultaneously, with dear friends beside me. Then, remembering great people I’ve met and maintained a tie to across time zones, I reflected on the rich blessing that the sun never sets on people who I care for and who care for me. I couldn’t sleep, but I could be virtually anywhere. This contemplation not only reminds me of my good fortune but energizes me for what I do every day to help the world take advantage of ways to reduce distance and make great people succeed together.
People matter more than things and when we take advantage of technology to link us together, we realize the strength of the virtual community.
I treasure the bonds I’ve been able to keep with these friends through the ease of a few keystrokes, mouse clicks, webcams, social networking sites or voIP packets that makes all this “virtuality” possible. Around the world, people are working smarter, harder, and more collaboratively than ever – without even seeing or meeting up on a daily basis. We are tapping into the human mind, their culture, their capabilities and their possibilities. I am astonished at the potential this has to change the way we work together – even when we’re apart. To me, it’s a great teacher, it’s great fun, and it’s great for the human condition. This excitement creates energy, even though sometimes I still need some sleep.
– Jim
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