“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” Jawaharlal Nehru
After finishing a program in DC, I hung out with the client to listen to a couple of additional sessions. I was done by 2:00 and my flight wasn’t until 7:30. Part of me just wanted to go to the airport, pull up a table and work for five hours. But there was another, more convincing voice that said, “Explore your nation’s capital.” And that’s what I did.
I spent several hours at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. They featured a beautiful display of photographs of heroes who served our country, as well as many who were killed in action. It was a powerful time to honor and reflect upon the people who gave up so much so that we can have all the freedom and blessings that we have.
Two of the displays really touched me. One was photos of the bedrooms of service members that were taken years after their death. The rooms were untouched since the day they left for duty. It showed their human-ness, off the battlefield.
The other was by an artist who sketched the photos she saw of servicemembers in the obituary columns. To date, she has drawn more than 5200 of these pictures. There was a wall full of her work. Amazing! This experience was an emotional one for me. And I’m so glad I did it.
After the Portrait Gallery, I walked to the White House for a couple of selfies. A day well spent.
What about you? Do you take the time to appreciate and experience your surroundings? Or do you focus too much on the day-to-day work that needs to be done? Here’s a hint – the work will always be there – the chance for adventure may not.
Have fun,
Lisa
PS – Live your life to the fullest!
PPS – When you treat your employees fairly, you increase engagement: https://youtu.be/uLcYycveGew
