I’m not crying! You’re crying!
“Look for the helpers.” Those venerable words spoken by children’s television host Mister Rogers have seen me through some of the most trying and challenging times.
It was because of these words and inspiration from my manager Liz Fuller (OK, more like a direction) that I started a new video series hosted on the Citrix YouTube channel called “Highlight the Helpers,” part of the SeanDo Doesn’t Go Series.
Let me be completely honest with you here. Over the years, at various conferences and events, I have had the pleasure of interviewing some amazing people about some equally amazing technology. But, and this is a big but, this latest series has been the most rewarding and emotional experience.
Instead of talking tech I have found a seemingly endless list of people, Citrites and our partners, who are giving back to their communities and helping those who may be struggling through this global crisis.
“Namaste” @HOME
My longtime friend, personal hero and mental health guru Monica Gonzales introduced me to her yoga and guided meditation “for all.” And trust me, I am not the granola crunching, sit silently in my own mind kind of person. In fact, spending time in my head seems like a sadistic roller coaster. But Monica really helped me to see that self care of the mind is as essential, maybe more so, in these trying times. I mean, I know I have to keep my body reasonably healthy but I often undervalue the same care upstairs.
The Fountain of Giving
I also had the privilege (seriously, I actually mean that) of talking to the future Mayor of Raleigh, North Carolina, Ashton Smith. I say that semi-tongue in cheek but to be honest, if Ashton does not end up being the mayor in the future then a great disservice has been wrought upon the people of the Oak City. She is such a wealth of ideas and ways to help out people who may be less fortunate that I am still a bit overwhelmed. You may want to watch this episode twice. Pretend it’s your favorite episode of Parks and Recreation. And remember her name. You’ll see a lot more of her, and I, for one, will be shouting, “I knew her when!”
Please keep tuning in as I talk to more wonderful people about creative ways to give back and inspire others to follow suit. In the words of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “The one thing that matters is the effort.”
