Felt compelled to share a msg like this, after the last post abt all the violence & division going on in our world – even amongst kids in K-12.
If you read a # of the comments, many asked: Then what do we do to bring abt greater connection?
And w today being Super Bowl Sunday, I thought it was appropriate to ask this question: when you look back on impt memories that stick w you, how many were in the presence of others, vs individual accomplishments? May sound like an obvious question/answer, but w tech – being buried in our phones, kids playing video games or on movies & Snap all day, it’s impt to use a day like today where crowds of ppl will be together (in-person at a gathering you’re going to or on TV watching 60k together), to course correct a little & refocus.
Random memory for me but one of the greatest group memories of my life was: watching Game 7 of the Devils playoffs against the Panthers in 2012. It was only Round 1! But our team needed a win in the biggest way. Hadn’t had playoff success in a while. Staff needed the morale boost. Fans needed a reason to believe.
It was double OT, Adam Henrique scored for the Devils to win. My CMO, Michael -who was 6-7, 310, jumped up as I did & tossed me like a rag doll in excitement. I’ve never felt so little, at my size. And our staff was all together, in a lounge at the arena, all hugging & celebrating, together.
That’s one life moment of many. On a path towards the Finals that yr, it was just a first rnd game…no biggie. But it was a biggie looking back. We weren’t on our phones…or checking social. We were GLUED to an event, together, expecting a low low, or a high high. And it’s just one example of many…but it sticks w me. And sticks more than any individual events or accomplishments (as far as feeling raw emotions go).
We’ve gotten so disconnected from GROUP, in the moment experiences, that that description almost seems foreign now.
Take advantage of the spectacle today. Ppl watching together w you. Or fans at the stadium holding up signs for a sponsor promo, or locked into the halftime show. Watch for & FEEL the connection. This world needs it!