“Everybody needs to take it down a notch…” —Brandon
equality
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 456: “A Better Version Of Yourself…”
“I think the biggest or the most important words I can find right now is just to be yourself, and try and wake up every day and become a better version of yourself…” —Moises
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 455: "The Power of One Is Remarkable" (a few faces of our YouTube trailer)
Hundred of people have we met through Operation-365. Years of meeting strangers (all of whom have become vicarious friends in growing us together), months of hearing your comments and days filled with challenges calling us to engage in the 365 experience.
The sum whole of what we are doing is ever-expanding as our awakening progresses, as one by one our subscription base (and better yet, the knowledge of others who embrace our cause) continues to expand into new borders.
Yes, the world is shrinking as we grow our community; and although we are connected in a rather voyeuristic way, we are joining hands as a living and breathing society of the involved and aware. We are a population with no limits on what we can achieve in seeing each other for what we each have to offer. A statement that is not derived from the rumbling of my own brain, but more powerfully, one that can only be credited to true authors of what drives our thesis of unity. Mainly, the 100s of real people who have so graciously shared their real wisdom with us.
In listening to these 1000s (and hopefully growing to become 10s of thousands) that have embraced our mission, we have joined hand in a call to action. Empowered. Uplifted. Dedicated the likes of an elite athlete. Our minds and spirits strengthened as we raise our chins towards our fellow humans in declaring… “You matter, and you have something unique to offer.”
Straight forward and to the point… Our work (no, our joy) at present, are in a state of infancy, yet our timing is perfect. For as we develop to our highest heights, we can be assured that in these modern times of Instagrammed texts, Twittered comments and YouTubed dialogues there is a tool greater than there net worth. That is, as we use them responsibly, that we make take pause to look into the eyes of each other. “And that, my friends, is indeed a beautiful thing.”
For the last several days I’ve been in stranger meeting overdrive. Journeying, from sunrise to sunset, the 100-mile radius that surrounds my home. Many a rejection have I weathered and, happily, many an open conversation have I had. But, all in all, (as Operation-365 has proven over and over again) the majority of people are ready to be heard, and better yet, excited to listen.
No doubt, 365 is here to stay. My stubborn Taurus self keep pushing me into the ring of stewardship. A role that inspires me to do whatever I can to sail us forward to look at each other as human of great worth, and a motivation that is pushing me at breakneck momentum over the next few weeks to produce our first viral spot (the trailer for #O365blogumentary). One that I hope will do justice to the true contributors of Operation-366… you, (better yet, us… and we)… the silent majority.
You and I, everyday people living everyday lives… and absolutely, we have something to share!
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 452: Ted’s Liberty
“Life’s too short… Don’t blink, you’ll miss it…” —Ted
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 451: “That’s The Way It Ought To Be”
“Nope, I just live by what I just told you…” —Hal
“How’s the essay coming?” she says, looking at me with a youthful, I’ve got it covered reassurance. Editing time for #O365blogumentry is 3 feet to my left and at the helm of episode 451 is Amalie, our guest editor for the day. Hailing from Denmark she is beginning her path to theatrical fame and today she is part guest, part collaborator, in Operation-365.
Calling today a speed run would be somewhat of an understatement in explaining the meeting of today’s stranger now friend. Here is a quick timeline of our account.
2:00pm: The question arises, where should we go?
2:01pm: I lean on all of my well-aged wisdom and reply an eloquent, “I have no idea.
2:15pm: Into the car to begin our search for new friends.
2:20pm: In traffic conversation commences… Topic, how strange it is that in a city of so many, how sad it is that we are so easily isolated through windshield glass. A place where the comforts of air-conditioning, the convenience of speed and the mindlessness of GPS has temptation to direct us away from each other; and even though we are surrounded by 100s of humans as we drive, even they are unaware of our presence. The sidewalks are full of stories, expressions and possibilities for interaction. But from a car saying hello to a pedestrian would scream of abduction. So other than the occasional get out of my way honk, we keep our eyes stared forward without the slightest gesture of unity towards any our foot propelled friends. Now, I’m not suggesting that we start a hello from the car campaign. I’m just making an observation to modern society and its affects on the old neighborly good day. That’s all, an observation. Yet in, there is a call to action. One that does affect our decisions in the way we pace our daily routines. I see in in my life and I’m sure you’ve felt the rush stress in yours. Bottom line, do we allow ourselves the time to slow for a moment. To take the proverbial challenge to, what is it they say, “to smell the roses, or enjoy the day.”
2:30pm: Endlessly drive, North, South, East, West… Boy to I dislike being trapped in a car.
2:35pm: Conversation is halted when both Amalie and I turn to each other. “Let’s talk to him,” the solitary man sunbathing in the park. It’s as if he reached out to us through his sun washed slumber to whisper, “I have something to share.”
2:36pm: Short of coming to a screeching halt, we find parking 100 or so yards from our UV radiated stranger.
2:38pm: Hal opens his eyes to our introduction, and with to the point warmth and kindness (and as he offers us water), he offers us his succinct words of wisdom.
4:23pm: I look back to my left, and as Amalie works on the last pass of editing, we realize the symbolism of today’s experience. It lies in Hals gesture of a weekday in the light of the park. The message is loud and clear. We’ll just let Hal explain it.
Talk soon my good friends,
Richard
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 450: “Life… The Continuum”
“We are hung up on politics, race relations, all these little things that we feel like we have to overcome…” —Simba & Saundra
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 449: “I Think Adults Should Listen To The Children”
“Help the earth, protect it or nothing can happen, so like…” —Kacy
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 448: “A Land Called Cobb County”
“I am a direct descendant of two people on the trail of tears…” —Beal
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 446: “Everything Else Falls Into Place”
“One singular word… just respect. Respect one another; and why…?” —John