L. Vago of Big Quit Energy interviews me about "Silver Medalists"
My friend L. Vago writes the newsletter Big Quit Energy, about the healthy and less healthy narratives surrounding work, achievement and producing value we inhale from society. Or, as he explains, "the biggest focus here will be on identifying and debunking the internal stories many of us (our bosses included) make ourselves prisoners to. I think of it as firing the boss within, and I find it a worthy goal because life is best when we can shamelessly fill it with leisure."
He became interested in my series on "Silver Medalists" and wanted to learn more. We enjoyed a fascinating conversation. Here's how he describes it:
As part of his excellent blog Solvitur Ambulando (“solve it by walking”), he explores this question in a series called “Silver Medalists,” which focuses one what we can learn from people who did NOT get to the very top of their field but who still thrived and “left a mark.”
So far, he’s covered Fox Conner–a virtually unknown general who, among other things, mentored Eisenhower–and June Carter Cash, a prolific singer and comedian who lived in the shadow of her husband Johnny Cash.
In a bit over an hour, we cover:
Why we benefit more from studying those who labored just outside the limelight than those who made it “to the top”
“Greatness” as a team effort, the honor of figures who lift up those who get the glory, and the joy of preparing for opportunities that may never come
The upside of not getting validation for what you do
The importance of starting where you uniquely are, not trying to copy other people’s circumstances
What it means to “leave a mark” and whether we should even worry about it in a world that’ll be swallowed up by the sun anyway
Why for most difficulties in life, going for a walk is a good start toward the answer
“Greatness” as a team effort, the honor of figures who lift up those who get the glory, and the joy of preparing for opportunities that may never come
The upside of not getting validation for what you do
The importance of starting where you uniquely are, not trying to copy other people’s circumstances
What it means to “leave a mark” and whether we should even worry about it in a world that’ll be swallowed up by the sun anyway
L. Vago asked terrific questions and pushed my own thinking about the "Silver Medalists." I truly loved our discussion and I know you will too. Thank you, L. Vago!
L. Vago
My Walks in Nature continue! I started in late July and am taking at least 30 walks in nature.
Russell Smith
The latest:
Walk 13 -- Karen Lynch Park
Um, Karen deserves better.
Walk 14 – A Walk in 'Nature'
Darn that nature is goo....oood for the body and soul!
Walk 15 – Blackacre Nature Preserve and Historic Homestead
Breath is LIFE!
Walk 16 – A.B. Sawyer Park
I want to wear these boots out.
Walk 17 – Arthur K. Draut Park
Serendipity Sunday.
Walk 18 – Contemplative Garden at Spalding University
Stillness, walking, writing and speaking
Walk 19 – Chickasaw Park
We would not be human without water and wood.
Walk 20 – Half-Moon Green Space
Breathing life to words, calling them into a prayer.
I hope you, too, enjoy a lovely walk in nature today!
Image created by Midjourney.
