There’s a lot going on around the world. This Friday thought is not tech related – but moreso about our human nature. We should be more considerate to those around us and those who are being effected by the events that are taking place in a number of areas around the world.
And then there’s people locally to us, who may be going through struggles that may not be as evident to us.
We just need to be kind to others.
Who’d have thought. As a technology advocate, I’d be suggesting you switch your tech off for a while?
Well… I am.
Bal… are you going crazy?
No, not in the slightest. I am noticing that we are ever so becoming more and more dependent on technology – and yes, we’re surrounded by it. But I’ve written/blogged about it before. We should always take a break from it. And there’s some method behind the madness (of what I’m suggesting!)
Firstly, when you take a break from the tech – you’ll appreciate it more when you come back to it.
Secondly, when you take a break from tech – and when you come back, you can be more focussed on what you need that tech to do or what you want from it. Make it work for you.
Thirdly, when you take a break from tech – you’ll notice other things. What I mean about this is – you won’t be scrolling and seeing a device – when you look up you may notice something different, something unique, something that then gives you an idea! (you may need to return to tech to then progress – but take that break).
We now have smart cars, smart homes, smart tv’s, smart watches, smart… well, everything is becoming smart! And that’s with the advancement of technology. Which is great. Because it’s meant to be quicker and easier to do things. That’s what smart means, right? – the smarter something is, the quicker or easier it is to do something.
But I’ve noticed that whilst there’s alot of talk about AI (Artificial Technology) – we’re very reliant on technology to do the basics for us or become, dare I say it… lazy (er).
I’m sat at my macbook writing this blog. I’ve not written for a long time. Yesterday, I met a friend of mine – Craig. We had a coffee. No device in sight. For an hour. It was great. We had lots of ideas and things we want to do. The great thing then was, we picked up our phones, made notes. Productivity. On your mobile phone, you can see what you have used your phone for… productivity, social media, etc… Have a look at the data – and what it’s telling you.
Data-led decisions can then enable you to be more productive.
Data-led decisions can then help you be more adventurous.
So, maybe it is time to switch off for a while – take a break and look out the window for inspiration.
Saw this wonderful quote on a poster, and thought it’s too good not to share with you.
There’s so much to digest… but for me, the last line is soooo important and the one that hits hard.
Time goes quick.
Tomorrow, in the morning… I’ll be attending the funeral of a young man who passed away.
Then tomorrow evening, have a wedding reception of a close family friend (who recently got married). I’ve known him since he was a little kid.
Got me thinking, how time goes so quickly…. And mostly around wanting to do things which unfortunately stay as wants and aren’t ticked off the list…
An old colleague recently reached out to me. He said, ‘Bal… I need some advice’.
I was more than happy to share whatever elements of wisdom I had and also provide him with not answers but questions for him to come to the answers.
You see, for me, I love to see people succeeding. It’s not a competition – it’s about everyone getting to where they want to get to and if I can help folks on that journey, then that’s only a good thing, right?
Summer is here! Well, the weather has been a mixed bag… some days have been awesome lovely sunshine, some cloudy.. but that’s ok.
So Summer is kind of here! and thank you to Koen, who part of this Summer Book Club, always sends me a book for the summer to read. He provides me with a list of great books – and asks me to choose one. I’ll be honest – look forward to the Summer Book Club email… because a) I know I’ll be going on holiday soon, b) I’ll have a book to read and c) it’s nice to be part of the club.
So which book did I go for this summer…. well it was a difficult choice! There were so many great books on the list. But the one I ended up going fo was ‘The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down’. It’s by Haemin Sunim – and I’ve already started reading it! It’s brilliant… my favourite part of the book is my Friday Thought for today. I shared it on my Insta and got plenty of likes… even Gurpreet Singh (aka Sikh Dad) privately messaged me reflecting on this.
Here’s my Friday Thought… a Buddha see’s Buddha, a pig sees pigs… what do you see?
I’m not going to apologise to the folk I spoke to for the last few days and kept referencing Ted Lasso.
It was the final show on Wednesday – and yes, one was a little emotional.
Absolutely brilliant! The best show ever! And if you haven’t had the opportunity to watch it – honestly, you should! There is so much we can learn from Ted. Like… be a goldfish!
Bal…. what’s your favourite quote or part of the show?
Well, there’s so many to choose from, but if you pinned me down and asked me to say one, it’d be the one below…
I’ve even got the quote saved on my phone.
Have a great weekend folks!
One snippet, one moment… is all it takes for someone to form an impression. To form that opinion. To form that picture by which they’ll judge you.
Usually, there’s much more going on. Much much more.
Social Media has made it so easy for us to assume from a persons single post or comment.
Whilst everyone chooses different things to share at different parts of the day, week, month… just remember, what we see isn’t always the full picture.
First and foremost – apologies.
I know a few of you have reached out to me, asking – where’s my blog posts, where’s my Friday Thought… can I share an update on particular tech, what do I think of the latest gadgets, etc…
I’ll be honest. It’s not that I had too much going on. It’s just someone, made a few comments, that seemed to suggest, I shouldn’t be posting as much.
I started this blog several years ago. I know I don’t have millions of readers – and you know what, that’s absolutely fine. Because, what I do know… is there are some readers. And they engage with me. And I know I’m making a difference.
So, I had to re-collect my thoughts. Think about, the purpose of this blog – and then do what I want to do.
And with that, I give you my Friday Thought… I’ve been following Steven for a while, and really do like his perspective on life…
Here we are. In 2022. Hoping, I suppose, that’s all we can do, is a better year than some of the previous years we’ve had.
Let’s be honest. We just want a bit of normality. We just want it to be stable, no drama – and letting us enjoy time with friends and family.
So, my Friday Thought, is in line with ‘The Out and Abouter’ who recently tweeted – let 2022 be like a Toyota Corolla.
