Beyond 254

The Celebration of an Amazing Life

Last Thursday, we lost an amazing icon in the history of entertainment. Michael Jackson's death was a total shock to everyone around the world. Over the past few days, I have been listening to the tributes on radio stations and TV shows that celebrated the life and music of this highly gifted and talented man. This reminded me of the sudden death last year of Tim Russert and I wrote about "Where Will Your Gifts Take You." Like Tim Russert, Michael Jackson was living out his passions. He had an amazing gift for creating music unlike any other. Also, he was an extraordinary dancer and invented dance moves that shocked and amazed everyone. Since Michael Jackson was doing what he was born to do, the creativity flowed easily and freely. No song was too hard to compose and no dance was too hard to invent. When you are "where you are supposed to be," ideas, creativity and visions come easily and naturally. Being creative is not a struggle when you are living out your passions. Michael Jackson's gifts brought him before heads of state and royalty. He was known not just in the U.S., but around the world. Also, he influenced so many artists and entertainers today. You can see his influences in everyone from Justin Timberlake to Usher. In the end, Michael Jackson just wanted to make everyone happy whether it was through his music or his humanitarian efforts.

I hope the media will pay homage to the tremendous contributions that he brought to the entertainment industry, instead of focusing on the negative aspects. Michael Jackson will be truly missed by family, friends and fans around the world. But his music and legacy will live on forever.

Rest in Peace Michael Jackson.

Tip of the day: I have many favorite Michael Jackson songs, but one of my all time favorites is "Off the Wall." The main chorus in the song offers great advice to anyone out there that dreads their job and not living out their passions. So, I will leave you with this one line that needs no explaining you just need to listen and take heed:

"So tonight gotta leave that 9 to 5 upon the shelf and just enjoy yourself"

Well Said!

Link: Michael Jackson - Off the Wall

We are Human After All

Today I read an article on MSNBC.com titled Empathy Can go a Long Way at the Office. It talks about treating employees as human beings with respect instead of nameless, faceless numbers that affect the bottom line. Late last year, an Account Manager that I worked with from another company mentioned that she was being laid off. This announcement was made to her department before the Christmas holidays. I wrote a posting about it Layoffs before the Holidays?! I thought to myself, they could have at least waited until after the holidays. Now their memories of Christmas 2008 will be tarnished because a group of insensitive executives had a total disregard and disrespect for the lives of their employees and family members. These companies fail to realize that not only is the worker affected, but the people around them (family and friends) are also impacted. Yes, I agree that companies should show more empathy to their employees. Not only will morale improve, but productivity will increase. But most importantly, it is the humane thing to do.