These are some excerpts from an interview I gave to Arie Rich of KMP Interviews. I was happy to do it…felt honored to be asked…and it answers some of the questions I get from people about Thirty Seconds.
Q: How and why did you start Thirty Seconds?
A: Thirty Seconds came from the cancer experience. It’s a walking around tool to remind us to live our lives as best we can…because whether you live to be 30 or 95…it must seem like about :30 seconds when we near the end.
What does it mean? Thirty Seconds is a way to remind myself (and now people who follow it) that life is short…and we owe it to ourselves and the world to follow that little voice that pulls or pushes us in certain directions. It’s “carpe diem” with a modern twist, I suppose. I’ve always found carpe diem to be too broad. I get it on one level…seize the day…but it lacks urgency.
Thirty Seconds adds an urgency that compels me to quit whining and LIVE. We really do have freedom to choose…and I think we should all choose our actions NOW…because the future we keep waiting for may never arrive.
Q: How have you used your emotions/feelings about your loss and turned it into something positive?
A: I guess it’s positive in the sense that I get emails and comments from people I’ve never met…telling me that I’ve helped them come to understand a part of their life that they’re not thrilled with…or that I touched something inside that made them feel grateful for what they have. That’s the best for me.
Q: What’s your dream goal?
A: My ultimate goal is to have Thirty Seconds Events throughout the country.
The events are little more than a time for people to take a breath from a life that on the surface seems hard.
If life sucks at the moment…I would hope that it’s a much-needed reprieve before you have to plunge back into “reality.” If it’s great…I want it to be a time to feel how great it is…and have that energy translate to the people who are having a tough time of things.
We all have burdens. Wouldn’t it be nice to acknowledge that and raise a glass to each other and say, “Good going! You’re hanging in there and I’m proud of you. Go get ‘em!”
You can read the whole interview at KMP Interviews. And Thank You again Arie. What a nice surprise to be asked…
Excellent interview! I love your idea of a 30-second event. Count me in to volunteer to do anything you need to do to make it happen. Your answer about helping others is so very true. Its almost as if there’s an energy coming from your words. The 30 second concept is powerful because its true! You bring it to life with your honesty and wisdom when you share from your pain and experiences.
Barbara you’re the best! I will certainly get in touch when we’re in your neck of the woods. Have a terrific day! (And I think it’s true too…)
Thanks Andy!
Well, yeah. Of course Karen. Thank YOU for reading;)
“we owe it to ourselves and the world to follow that little voice that pulls or pushes us in certain directions”
Absolutely!! Great thought Andy!
Thanks Bob. I wonder how different the world would be if we followed that little voice instead of the fast track. Like…if millions and millions of us did that. Hmmm…
Thanks for taking the time to do the interview Andy! Your responses were very inspiring. I enjoyed reading your interview! Thanks!!
Arie Rich
Arie you’re so great for asking me and I hope people go and visit your Interviews blog often. (Well…in addition to KMP of course.) Take care and I’m sure I’ll talk to you again.