I Cannot Believe I Watched This…

OK – I have a confession.  As a general rule of thumb, I do not watch any reality TV, as I have enough in my own life to focus on other than to watch other people’s live through the sanitized presentation of a television station looking to boost ratings.  With taking on the president’s role at my synagogue, my time commitments have obviously changed.  Keep in mind that I still have a full time, outside interests, some semblance of a social life, and most importantly, my family.  Blocking off time to do something as a family means exactly that – blocking off time; time that leads to conversation and hopefully some shared memories.  Over the last few months, that thing that was shared time… - “Big Brother.”  Yes, that is right – a reality TV based game show that lasts 90+ days, requires watching TV 3 times a week and following either feeds or reading others postings on the going on within the “house.”

The thing that is interesting to me is that there are two levels of game play – one competitive and one social.  The competitive aspect includes memory, skills, strength and endurance.  The social game is on interaction, whereby friendships are formed, alliances are agreed upon, decision influence occurs and romances can start.  The ones who advance and the winner are chosen by their peers, which depending on how you treated them in the game can affect their vote. 

Image that I did not start with the first paragraph.  You would not know that I am referring to a television show. What if I had a single sentence to open with “Sometime, it feels like my life is one big game.”  I had done consulting work at a large, multi-national tobacco company, that had interest in the food business and owned a brewery.  As a company, they did not have to worry about revenue streams, so the internal employees were constantly jockeying for positions, manipulating people, forming internal alliances and attempting to “win.” There is the line in the Pink Floyd song “Dogs” that captures what I saw:  “You have to be trusted by the people that you lie to so that when they turn their backs on you, you'll get the chance to put the knife in.” 

I could have been referring to politics, where it can be an endurance test, alliances are definitely made and manipulation occurs; elections can seem sometimes like our decisions are based on social game play as opposed to what candidates really stand for.  This could refer to a High School experience, where sports (endurance and strength) and being popular (friendships) formed many of the cliques we were in or avoided.  Following people that have to spend 24/7 living in a petri dish is a microcosm of life, how we live and how we survive.  Not a new topic, as the literary example would be “Lord of the Flies,” which if you have not read, this is a great chance to do so.  The slick television presentation provides a filter for viewer share, while the behind the scenes you view the emotions, the living aspects, raw (sometimes inappropriate) actions and thinking that occurs. 

While it was fun to watch, as my daughters refer to this as a social experiment, I am looking forward to going back to my own game of life…

We Call Upon Our President

This upcoming week, I am giving my first speech as the president of my synagogue.  Traditionally, the president speaks to the congregation on Kol Nidre, the night when Yom Kippur starts; this is generally a State of the Union type address.  I began thinking and writing ideas about this for weeks.  While I have spoken before, it has never been in this “official” capacity. 

Timing is everything…As the timing would have it, a friend this past week asked me about Toastmasters, what I learned and the benefits.  I am a big fan of this program, even though I have not attended in many months, but keep my membership active.  The questions were simple, “Has it been effective…in becoming a better overall speaker,” and “Would I recommend it?”  My answers were, “Yes and yes.  It has been a big help in how to structure a talk and engage the audience.”  Many years ago, I had dreamt about having the opportunity to speak publicly.  Yes, having been a consultant, speaking in front of people, giving what is known as a persuasion speech was part of the job.  However, with proper guidance and feedback (as with any type of education and mentoring), one can better hone their skills, receive guidance and focus, and advance his or her capabilities.

As I am finishing up preparing my speech, I keep in mind what I have learned:  introducing too many points (some speakers add too many points, have limited support), use an example or story as that helps to visualize, use vocal variety (monotone does not engage) and engage the audience.  While this is a lot to remember, practicing is key.  Yes, you can wing an off-the-cuff speech (i.e., back pocket speech).  However, a formal oration has to be tight with points well-made and not too long.  I am used to practicing 5 to 7 minute or 10 to 12 minute speeches.  That should be more than enough time to convey the points.

When the cue comes, “We now call upon our President…” I just have to remember to take a deep breath, step up to the lectern and enjoy the experience.

L’Shana Tova 2018

It is once again the Jewish New Year!  This means that I will be spending a lot of time going to services, to atone for my sins and pray for next year to be a good one.  As the President of my synagogue, I will be sitting front and center, where everyone will know if I am there, what time I arrive and every itch that I scratch.  The seat came along with the job title.

As we start the new year, it is time to reflect on the past year and contemplate the year ahead.  As this is a religious season, it makes sense (to me) to look at my inner self and reflect on that. 

I have noticed over the past year that as the calendar moved forward, so did my belly.  I was less diligent about what I ate and went weeks without exercising.  I seemed to follow this formula:

Eat not so healthy + No exercise = Weight Gain

(Sigh)

I will not make excuses for this condition; it would be too easy to pass the buck onto someone else or some event.  The fact of the matter is that no one said to me, “Wayne, follow the new non-healthy formula.”  I did that all on my own.  I took that first step down the slippery slope – thinking it would be OK this time, and then “Ah, what’s a little cheating gonna hurt” to “I can skip today.”  Bad habits are easier to create because it is easy.  Good habits sometime include the things that we might not think we like and become harder to create.  As a fella named Bilal once told me, “Be consistent and persistent,” which is the way to succeed.

As I will be sitting in many services over the next week or so, it will give me plenty of time to contemplate myself.  Yes, I know it is corny, thinking of treating my body as a temple while praying.  With a new year, it still lends the opportunity to think of new things to do to better myself, improve where I am at and focus on things to accomplish.  My health and being around for a long time is important, for myself and for my family.  I will, therefore, develop healthier habits related to eating and exercising in the new year.

Here's to a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!