Let's Have a Parade
Hi Friend
What a fun week! I've mentioned to you before I'm finally writing a book about Ownership. I love my editor. We are about 92% of the way done with the manuscript. We zoomed this week to talk about the next "last edit." I've had a few of them because I keep wanting it to be better. I think of the Will Smith quote "90% done is halfway there."
Even more fun was my July 4th. My lovely wife Michelle has been a big fan for decades. We went to the parade in Delano. I didn't know what to expect, because I literally can't recall the last parade I went to, and whatever it was, was not that memorable. THIS WAS DIFFERENT! I had no idea. This parade lasted over 90 minutes! Whaaaaaaaat?
Delano is a smaller community about 25 minutes west of us. The sun and sky were in full summer mode blasting heat, without clouds. Though a breeze would roll through on occasion. I had no idea a parade could go, or would go, that long. It's been so long that I've been to one, I forgot people threw out candy as they went by.
I loved every minute of it. It's the best advertising system in the world. It's a microcosm of civic, commercial and community aspects of the town and surrounding towns. It gives a platform to honor young men and women, market local businesses, spotlight veterans, display humor, and assure the population there are enough fire trucks nearby to squelch any blazing fire.
FLOATS
Floats were my favorite as a kid. The decorated trailers were magical. In this parade, they mostly carried young ladies who were either ambassadors for communities or organizations, or had won a title in agricultural, government or business. Platforming teenagers and honoring them for their whole town to admire and acknowledge is amazing!
How could we do a similar thing in our life or work? Not just teenagers, but those in our sphere whom we care about. It may be a bit awkward because people don't like to be in the spotlight. They've even turned the term into a negative "I don't want to be paraded around..." But those standing by love it and want to cheer for those in the parade.
MINDSHIFT
What if every month you became a Parade Master of Ceremonies and spotlighted a handful of people you know &/or admire?
COMMUNITY
The cool thing about a parade is that it's not just an effective means of exposure for those participating, but it's incredibly valuable for building community and camaraderie with people you otherwise wouldn't interact with. Community is such a lovely human experience. Seeing and being with people with no expectations or objectives is weirdly refreshing.
A parade is different than attending a sporting event, theater production or concert. Somehow the gathering creates a sense of unity, despite very diverse backgrounds and beliefs. It could be patriotism, but it feels much smaller than that. It's local. I guess that's the "common unity" we experience in community.
MINDSHIFT
What if you created or participated in a community event monthly?
START A PARADE
Coordinating a parade must be a herculean undertaking. From marching bands to local arborist to VFW members, the cast of the parade reaches far and wide, as do their hopes from participation. It reveals the beauty of cross-pollination. The work to integrate so many diverse elements that then takes 90 minutes to showcase is astounding.
I want to be in a parade, watch a parade, and facilitatea parade! Is there a way you and I could do that this month? I want to be generous, be in community and honor others. What forums presently exist that don't require shutting down city streets?
There are platforms in your life currently that enable all three options. Use them.
SHIFTING
I hope this week you notice how others are using their influence to spotlight someone or create a space for community; and then you do likewise. We need more parades in our life! #ShiftAway
