I just flew in from Raleigh; man are my arms killing me.
Did I ever mention that my oldest son is a special effects and lighting professional with a leading video game company? He is.
Matt graduated from Bowling Green State University four years ago with a BFA. At the time he was leaning towards a career in pottery. I told him then what I had always told him and what I continue to tell him today. Follow your heart. Do what you love. Make a contribution to the world by being happy.
Matt is the happiest young man I have ever known, and I hope it lasts forever!
I, on the other hand, have been rather grouchy lately. Some might even say downright crabby. Okay, the truth is several people have made that observation. And they were right. I found myself going to Carolina in my mind more than once a day. And signs that might be omens say I’m going… so I figured I might as well make the trip and get it out of my system.
North Carolina is my secret place where I escape from the daily grind… where I have been escaping for nearly 20 years. I love North Carolina. The beaches, the water, the sunshine, the moonshine, the people, the trees, the red clay, the food, the breezes… I love everything about North Carolina.
Anyway, while Kathy and I were there, spending every waking minute with Matt, he finally asked me the magic question: “So, how is work these days; are you still enjoying it?” You see, the student had turned the tables, asking me if I was still following my heart.
So, I told Matt the truth. “Sometimes I wonder. I love the business in its purest form. I love the research. I love the strategic planning and the problem solving, I love the creative process, I love the writing. But sometimes I wonder. I love the people I work with – my fellow employees and our vendor partners and the media and some (but not all) of the industry associations and our clients (especially the ones who value marketing and PR as highly as we do).”
So I told Matt the truth. “Yeah, I still enjoy it. I learn new things every day. I challenge myself every day. I am excited about the possibilities every day. I still enjoy it.”
But I must also admit that every now and again it is still a good idea to go to Carolina… even if it’s only in my mind.
