Mary Schmidt Marketing Troubleshooter

It’s that time of year again - when many of us look back, think forward…and wonder why the world is such a mess. Well, folks - guess what? The world has always been a mess. We’ve always been one madman (or comet or disease) away from annihilation. And, people often find a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory - we’re contrary that way.

But, here’s the good news. Innovation (albeit, sometimes silly) continues. Cures are found for diseases. Courage shows up in the most unexpected places and times. Otherwise meek people will keep protesting even when the bullets start flying. Desperately poor women risk their lives and familes for a dab of purple ink on their index finger.*

And, as Michele Miller blogs, many of us are finding we want to make a difference - not just money. Time’s recent choosing of its persons of the year - the Gates and Bono - is a great example. Of course, some note that these three aren’t perfect. I’ve heard people sneer that the Gates are “just doing it for the publicity.” Some say Bono makes a lot of noise but not much difference. To all of which I say so what? None of us are perfect. Who cares why the Gates are giving away billions? They’re doing it, when they don’t need or have to do so. Bono has got a lot of people to thinking (and talking) about scary, hard subjects - which is the first step to resolving any issue, from your local sales tax to African debt relief. And, country’s leaders will meet with him, when they won’t talk to each other. It’s a start.

So, where are you going to start (or continue) to make a difference this coming year? And, remember, life truly is too important to be taken seriously. (Oscar Wilde)

*No political commentary here. I’m simply recognizing the incredible courage of people who risk death (and worse) for the right to vote. This when less than 1/2 of the eligible U.S. citizenry voted in the last presidential election - and we didn’t have to worry about getting shot.