September 4, 2013

ISIQ-0243

“Friendship… is not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.” – Muhammad Ali

I know, this is the second time in two days that you’re seeing my face peering out from the IQ image. After the last week or so of technology nightmares, please allow me a little indulgence in some things that are close to my heart :)

Firstly, I hope you enjoyed my “Father’s Day Address” from yesterday’s IQ. If you didn’t click through and watch the video, I really encourage you to check it out. It’s only 2 minutes long, and is a deeply felt declaration of how much I love my kids, and love being a Dad. If you ever doubted that a big, tall guy can be a crumbly mushburger, doubt no more.

Secondly, this week I’ve been thrilled to be spending some time with my dear friends AJ & Melissa from Misfit Inc (pictured above, either side of my massive grin). These are the two crazy cats who produced the conference in Fargo that I went to earlier this year. The pair are visiting Australia for a couple of speaking engagements, a pre-book launch, and (I’d like to think) some R&R time Down Under after a hectic time launching about 8,000 projects in Kenya and around the world.

The thing about these guys is this: while I’ve actually only known them digitally for about a year, and only met them in person for about 4 days, just over 3 months ago, it feels like a friendship that has lasted forever. There’s a simplicity, an instant-ness about the connection with these guys, that is more comfortable and honest than some of my long-term friendships.

It’s given me a whole new appreciation for the beauty of a good friend – or in this case, two good friends. It’s made me realise how absent I’ve been from the other good friends in my life, and how much I value them as well.

I’m relishing the joy of friendship, and committing to making more time for the colour, beauty and diversity that friends bring into my life. Funnily enough, if you look closely at the leaves in the Israel Smith chandelier brand story, this is almost word-for-word what we created for our brand about friends and their place in our lives.

So, here’s my challenge to you:

Call a friend. Every day. Say hi, make plans to catch up,  chew the fat (i.e. chat), and spend some time connecting. Facebook/SMS/Twitter doesn’t count. Facetime (not the Apple version) is the best thing ever, but a genuine human voice at the other end of a phone line is a close second.

You’ll be a richer person for it, and your friends may give you that extra bit of love that you didn’t even realise you needed.

With LOTS of love,
Israel. xo

 

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