Michael Griffin

The Present Is A Gift

admin — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:53:08 +0000

Dear Friends –

As our nation solemnly remembers the devastating acts that traumatized our country just ten years ago, I have taken this day to reflect on life and the preciousness of time. Making every day count is important. What you think you have today may very well be gone tomorrow.

Listening to the names of the over 3,000 loved ones being called out today at the New York Ground Zero memorial left me to wonder how many people took their life — and the lives of those they loved — for granted. How many of them — either those that perished or those that survived — had wished they had said “I love you,” or say they were sorry for being inconsiderate of past pains or upset? How many said, “I’ll wait until tomorrow?” or “I’ll put it off another day.” I know that I have lived for many, many years not seizing the moment, not making the move I knew was the right course of action for me. Maybe I’ve thought that time would make those decisions for me, or maybe someone else. I have missed tremendous opportunities for my delay in not taking action or seizing the moment when I had the chance. I can only hope those same opportunities return another day so that my new found awareness to making a decision can be exercised swiftly and with a focus on not ever letting them slip away again. Second chances are hard to come by.

If the tragedy that forever, indelibly marks this day in history can bring forth meaning, it’s that the “present” is a gift. As shooting victim and national social worker Michael Segal writes, “The present is a gift — that is why it is called “present” — it’s a gift to you — remember that and live life accordingly.”

None of us know what the future holds and we cannot control it. But we can control doing what needs to be done today — so that today’s opportunities don’t pass us by.

I will be visiting the Forest Park flag memorial today with my two children. I don’t want to miss the chance to see over 3,000 3-foot flags pay tribute to our nation on Art Hill. Whatever journey you take — whatever opportunity comes before you today or tomorrow — take hold and be strong. Second changes are hard to come by.

Attending Your Own Funeral

admin — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 22:08:34 +0000

Ever wonder what it’d be like to live through your own funeral and see who shows up or what they have to say about you?

Earlier this week, I got that chance, and boy was it amazing.

I’m not talking about a near-death experience kinda thing. I’m talking about a surprise party held in my honor among people I’ve had the opportunity to work with over the past 15 years in the advertising biz. From the moment I walked through the door of The Wood, in Maplewood, Missouri, a rush of emotions came over me that I’m still trying to understand. They were there to celebrate over a decade of togetherness, memories, and achievements; they were there to celebrate me.

Life coaches, psychologists, ministers — they all say it’s the number of people who attend your funeral, or the comments they make after your passing, that becomes your legacy. It’s not the money, the cars, the homes, the material things that make up who you are after your death, it’s the people you affect and the lives you’ve been able to touch along the way. Most people go through life never knowing their impact on others. I have to be honest, I never gave it much thought prior to Thursday night.

My father had an overflowing crowd attend his funeral 11 years ago this month; people had to stand in the back of the chapel and gather in the parking lot. He was a good man, and he always made a point to be kind to everyone from all walks of life. I can’t say that I’ve lived up to that same expectation, but I’ve certainly made an effort along the way despite my failings.

I’ll never forget speaking to one man that showed up to his funeral. He was a front office clerk who worked at a film processing company in downtown St. Louis before computers and commercial printers worked together. The man recalled how my father always went above and beyond to treat him with respect and courtesy despite his low position within the company. That’s how my father was. And it was clear that his legacy was formed by the impact he had on others.

Seeing old friends and colleagues earlier this week was an eyeopener. Stephanie Sullivan and Sara Stuebgen organized an amazing party. You never know who you really touch in life until that moment when someone comes up to you and tells you thanks for impacting their life. Looking at a video of over 300 pictures cataloged from years of events, business meetings, outings, and fun, was like looking at your life all over again. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place when that video ended. It signified an end of an era for many in that room. It also meant the beginning of a new and challenging journey.

My friend Melanie Wilcox said it was like attending a funeral. In fact it was. But unlike the unfortunate people who never get to attend their own funerals, or see who shows up and what they have to say, I got a preview of what’s hopefully to come. The responsibility is on me to live the remainder of my life helping others be successful. Their success will also be my success. Their gain will be my legacy.

Very rarely do you get a second chance to make a first impression. Even fewer get a report card along the way. Blogger and life coach John Sherry is right when he writes it’s the difference you leave behind that’s the most important.

Last Thursday I got a preview of how I’m doing.

First and Foremost…

admin — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:05:49 +0000

For those of you who haven’t done it, writing an initial blog entry is a difficult task. It is your grand entrance into the world of web communication on a personal level. And it’s not easy to pen just the right words, convey the appropriate message, and draw people into what you hope will be a continual portal of communication and intrigue for those you hope to win over, and ultimately capture as return readers.

I’d like to say that this personal website was recently produced — but the fine work of Tyler Dunn of Chicago was actually completed months ago. It’s taken me that long to draft my initial commentary and go live.

My idea for a personal website was born out of my general interest to share aspects of my life and offer up my own commentary on various topics — some minute, others global and still others of little influence or interest to most people — but are self medicating to a certain extent.

Reviewing the personal websites of others, I was most impressed with sites by such influential figures as Tom Cruise and Marc Ecko — spectacular design and even better content. I won’t be starring in any movies soon — and my advertising efforts won’t allow me to produce a viral video of the tagging of Air Force One, but perhaps in my own little way, I’ll have influence or commentary over something or someone.

Please join me on this journey and return back soon. The next entry should be just a bit easier to write…at least the site will be up.