We're Listening.

An evolution seems to be underway in my personal Twitterverse - which is composed of the 190 tweeps I have carefully selected to follow (and includes the peeps they follow and RT). It is changing from a ego-centric platform leveraged to "brand" oneself to this warm, kind, gentle, self-depricating, accountable, and conscientious world - that not only pushes messages, but also receives them. This makes me wonder, is this what listening is in 2011?

I am honestly a more aware, informed, and human person for having logged on today and reading (or "listening" to) the tweets of my "tweeps". This community is one in which I feel priviledged to be a part of (as it is "invitation only" in regards to mutual acceptance), and one in which leaders and followers co-exist in the old-fashioned and appropriate "best people rise to the top" manner.

However, I also control this universe. If I feel someone's tweets have become too self serving or perhaps have moved too far in the self-righteous direction, or are just mean-spiritied or unfunny, then I simply "unfollow" (stop listening) them. But all in all - it seems to be popular these days to be sending out messages that help, inspire, and oddly, bring us together in a more human way. Of course, hilarious pithy comments are enjoyed by all - but I am really digging that Twitter provides that and a little something more.

Facebook, although it seems to only be evolving as fast as actual people can, still helps us to listen better. Particularly to ourselves.

Facebook is the mirror reflecting the number and quality of your friends, a personal history of your hair metamorphises, a public account of your triumphs and failures, and a diary to record it all and remind us that we are all too human - and none of it really seems to matter without someone else to hear about it. It's a reflection also of the world we can't control. I mean, Facebook is made up of the people you actually do know. The ones that you chat with in the copy room, perform with on stage, wake up with in the same house, pass gravy to at the Thanksgiving table. These are the people that, like it or not, you can't "unfollow" (or stop listening to), without some unsavory consequences anyway.

But like a rudimentary tin can telephone, reception is only possible when both ends of the string are pulled tight, and an ear is open to hearing. And with more talking - albeit in the form of tweets, status updates, blogs, pings, texts....there is more listening. And that's always a good thing.

Announcement: Twitter Your Life! Get More Connected.

Whoever said that technology would be the demise of human connections clearly doesn't have a Twitter account. You can find deeper understanding and strengthen human ties by embracing the multitude of electronic platforms by which to reach out, reach out and touch someone.

Yesterday I was checking Twitter when I learned of Diablo Cody's pregnancy, Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy's breakup, and Mo Collins' recent heartache. Now, I don't "know" these people, but I see that they are just human, like me. I somehow feel like I'm more a part of the universe simply, because I learned about these things that they obviously wanted to share - from them - not Billy Bush or TMZ.

Making me feel even more connected, I saw that I had received some new comments on a very personal blog I wrote a couple of weeks ago. Posted yesterday was a very profound and touching comment from a cousin I don't think I've ever really spent more than several hours with over the course of both of our lives.

I was completley humbled and grateful for her honesty and courage to share her story. I see that we have so much in common - and feel closer to her than I ever thought possible.

A simple blog has brought us closer together, and forged a relationship based on common interestes and feelings - some of them that we'd probably never bring up around a Thanksgiving table.

There is a whole world of people that share their lives (everything from burning their morning toast to relationship woes and medical struggles). In some cases - I wonder why (even for myself) anyone would choose to "air their dirty laundry"?

But I always find myself thinking - maybe there are others that feel the same way I do? Maybe there isn't another person brave enough to say what isn't being said? Maybe I could help?

Here's the thing - in most cases - it's not even really dirty laundry. It's just life. And "social" media is all about connecting and sharing. All you have to do is put your story out there - and you'll soon find out (sometimes in the most surprising places, like in your very own family) that there are other people with wonderful advice and wisdom to impart.

Go ahead and share. It's good for your heart, your mind, your well-being.

mm

Day 2!

Hello friends! It is Day 2 and so far my day has been fairly interesting in both domestic and career fronts.

First, my dog decided to not complete a "business" transaction which meant tossing the morning schedule for a butt bath and de-pooping session. Ha! You think it's gross to read about? I had to actually deal with it!

Second, an old boss (quite high up) asked for a little assistance in connecting with someone. Ah, social media - you are such a powerful creature. I was very happy to pass on his name and glad that I could help. It's just funny how one day you're a lowly contractor, the next you can help someone out in (very) high places.

Today's agenda (thrown off a little):

Blog
GayCo Fall Show Marketing Calendar and Brainstorm graphics ideas for show.
Target (yikes - without disposable income - terrifying!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Sketch Writing (at the beach)
Grant Writing Meeting(?)
pH Rehearsal (Ride bike there so I get some much needed exercise)

Update on yeserday's events:

I had an audition but when I got there and saw the show dates I had 2 conflicts so I didn't end up going in. However, I did run in to one of my old castmates from Rx Rated and he is also focusing on his acting career now. We agreed to set up a time during the day - natch! - to write/talk improv, comedy, etc.

A little advice to anyone else on sabbatical:

1) Structure your day.
2) Do NOT and I mean do NOT turn on the TV for any reason. I just wasted 30 minutes watching some family clear their house of antiques and sell them at auction so that they could buy a big screen TV. They would have been better off keeping the antiques and riding their bikes around town looking for more crap.
3) Procrastination still exists even in la la land. (Crap.) Bite the bullet and do the things you least enjoy first. (Like writing a marketing plan - yuck!)


Even without the absolute dread of going to a job I don't like, it is still hard for me to get up in the morning. I usually stay up until about 1 or so and often can't sleep through the night. But I can't justify sleeping in when I'm not really taking a break from anything.

Also, I find myself fighting some sort of cold/flu thing and I wonder - how does someone with no 9-5 job take a "sick day" without coming off as a sloth?

Now I know why Stephen King still makes himself write 8 hours a day. Well done creepy and imaginative rich guy, well done.