Musings for Memorial Day: Remembering and Being Remembered

Musings for Memorial Day: Remembering and Being Remembered

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

– Helen Keller

“Writing is the painting of the voice.”

– Voltaire

Memorial Day is upon us, which has morphed into a long holiday weekend for many Americans; some of whom have missed the point. Maybe it’s a chance to refine your digital avatar and content curation, or thank those who’ve helped you, if you’re in entrepreneurship. Maybe it’s a chance to do some social listening and tinker with the tone of your social media campaign if you’re in marketing.

Maybe it’s a chance to catch up on paperwork and professional development if you are a teacher or therapist, especially if you are a special educator dealing with parent meetings AKA “The Annual Review”.

Maybe it’s a time for doing a “digital detox” and reconnecting with friends and family; outdoors, away from your desk. Maybe it’s a time to ponder your legacy, what you’re building; professionally and personally. To rethink what it means to lead. To rethink what it means to raise a moral child in today’s economically and technologically globally connected society. That is still a psychologically fragmented society, on an individual level.

Memorial Day means different things to different people, many of whom will be doing these various things; all productive and necessary.

We need to remember that this day was originally meant to be a time to remember American soldiers; past, present, and future.

To give thanks to those whose military service make the world a better place; especially those who died in action. To honor those who find opportunities within the crisis and trauma to survive and then thrive. Who inspire us to ask ourselves, “What can I do with my life today?

I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given, because of the military service and personal sacrifices others have made. Who have preserved, and still do, the freedoms and way of life that so many of us take for granted; especially today. I would like to humbly acknowledge the American troops; stateside and abroad, who will be forever remembered for their heroism. Who have taught me what resiliency really looks like. I would especially like to thank our other unsung heroes, the military wives, for their selflessness, sacrifices, and their strength. For teaching me the true meaning of the terms “pivot” and “legacy”. For teaching me what it means to live a life of purpose.

I don’t define “legacy” and “success” using the parameters most people use. To me these words connote living a life that matters, that impacts others for the greater good. They convey an understanding of one’s role on this earth. They convey an understanding of the importance of using that knowledge to craft a life and career, where the mind and heart are in sync with daily routines and bank accounts. It’s about knowing that your story positively intersects with the story of others, creating a ripple effect that you may never know but others do.

What do you want to be remembered for?

Penina Rybak is the founder/CEO of Socially Speaking LLC, and the creator of the Socially Speaking™ iPad App. Penina is a national speaker on the topics of social communication development and strategies, iPad App integration into professional workflows and educational curricula, and practical and psychological aspects to female entrepreneurship. She is the author of The NICE Reboot-A Guide to Becoming a Better Female Entrepreneur: How to Balance Your Cravings for Humanity & Technology in Today's Startup Culture. To learn more, visit her websites: www.niceinitiative.com and/or sociallyspeakingLLC.com, and follow her on Twitter: @PopGoesPenina.

ARLENE NEWBIGGING GRADY

Digital Marketing, Managing Creativity and Innovation, Marketing Communications, MBA Digital Marketing at University of Glasgow

9y

Mental & spiritual reflection at times like this is a positive step Penina 💭

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