This morning I attended a TEDx event in Seattle at The University of Washington hosted by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Bill Sr. was even there and spoke a few words to get it all started.

We were there to be in conversation, globally, about the Millennium Development Goals.  With over 89 countries from around the world participating, we heard from people discussing how to impact child mortality rates and eradicating diseases from the face of the planet.

Often times, I will hear from people that these things 'aren't our problem' and that I am hopelessly optimistic.  After attending the event today, I am glad to see that I am in good company of hopeless optimists!  I figure, since we have this fabulous thing called free will, that given the choice between being an optimist and a pessimist that I will consider both.  After taking a look at the choices, I choose to be optimistic.

Back to the event.  I got to get clear as to why I do what I do for businesses and individuals.  I believe that with each person lies the potential of greatness:  earth shattering, disease eradicating, Nobel Peace winning, courageously leading, greatness.  It can occur locally and have effects around the globe or impact at a macro level and re-verb back to a small village.

I do what I do because in Bill Sr.'s words this morning "We're all in this together".  Wanna join me?

Sometimes we have to listen beyond the words to get what is being communicated.  And this particular insight that was communicated has been what has put me in action.

Here I sit, creating content for the website and my mind is always running possibilities for process and policies in the background.  As usual, my very diverse music collection is set to Random on the media player.

We all very well know that music has a way of stirring up memories and ways of being.  Certain music can take us right back to a particular time and place, and it can also brings out the calming qualities that we have while others bring out the nose to the grind stone let's get this thing done mentality- today I need to be in the latter.  Next song that plays on this professional, Edmonds Band Booster Mom's media player: Don't Take Me For Granted by Social Distortion.  Perfect timing.

I’m your worn in leather jacket
I’m the volume in your fu@%^$ up teenage band
A Pack of smokes and a six pack
I’m the dreams you had walkin’ down the railroad tracks
You and me

I’m your first taste of romance
I’m your first broken heart on a Saturday night
Guys like us ain’t got no chance
But I’m the thing that keeps you and me alive
But not forever

Chorus:
So take me down the road
Take me to the show
It’s something to believe in
That no one else knows
But don’t take me for granted

I’m the blood on your guitar
I’m that wave you caught back in 1975
I’m as strong as a thousand armies
I’m as soft as a petal on a long stem rose
I am love

So take me down the road
Take me to the show
It’s something to believe in
That no one else knows
But don’t take me for granted
I’m with you when you’re born
You can take me when you die
With all the reasons why
But don’t take me for granted

No one knows
Don’t take me for granted

For me, I hear in this song that love creates possibility- that love can look many different ways- it can have you act outside of your preconceived boundaries- it is ever present (even when you rather it wasn't)- it is something of nostalgia and something to live into- but don't take it for granted.

I'm going to let Mr. Mike Ness and the boys remind me to follow my heart and be bigger than I know myself to be... in the name of all that I love.  Thanks guys!