So, what's the above picture of me at a 'brand camp' with young marketing students got to do with my mother and her birthday today (Jan 31st, NZ time)?
Well, I guess it's all about reflecting on all the things she's 'taught' me.
And how, on this day, I think about how lucky I am because of everything she does and has done for me to bring me to a point in my life where I'm in an office in New York City teaching young students about how creativity and creative thinking can connect people.
My Mum's special in so many, many ways.
And as inadequate as this blog post is to pay her a little tribute (she'll also likely be somewhat embarrassed) I did want her to know that she means so much to me.
'Cos that's how I look at birthdays these days. A chance to pause and reflect on the impact a person has made on your life. (This is even more true when you've faced life-threatening illness.)
Birthdays are certainly not about 'what present can I grab from a department store' or 'shall I mail a quick pun-filled card?'.
Conversely, you think about all the gifts the birthday boy/girl has given you throughout your life and how important it is to take those gifts and commit to do everything you can to put them to good use every day to help inspire, motivate, excite, drive, challenge and nurture others.
Which is just what I'm trying to do.
Every day.
A bigger, real-life game of pass-the-parcel.
Happy Birthday, Mum!
Love
Your wee boy
Philip
1 comment:
Thank you - that was lovely to read. Miss you though, Mum X
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