View From Madison Avenue: I’m Back. Putting Things In Perspective

I am back.  After seven long months of hospitals, rehabilitation and physical therapy, I want to thank my readers for the kind notes and well wishes I received both on my posts and through emails. I especially want to thank those who took the time to come to visit.  This unfortunate time off (I don’t wish anyone the trials and tribulations of spinal damage) puts life into perspective.

I realized that over the years I have been too wrapped up in my own world. Too many friends have been ill, been hospitalized or had problems that I had not handled well, mostly by ignoring the issue.  I was wrong. I understand that many people are awkward about death. illness, hospitals and the like.  I was one of them.  But after seeing people “like” my Facebook posts, calling, texting or emailing me, I realize how positive and good that made me feel.

I will never again allow business to keep me from making a quick call or email. (So many friends felt the need to apologize for not contacting me sooner saying they were too busy at work.  I completely understand because I used to do the same thing.    Even the likes on my Facebook posts made me feel good,)

Life is short and very random.  But stuff happens to people we know, and our jobs should not prevent us from taking time away from ourselves, our family and our friends. The short phone calls, emails, texts and visits I received meant so much to me. We all get caught up in the exigencies of our jobs at the expense of our health, families and loved ones, even our friends.  I have previously written about the importance of time off and vacation time. I am now more committed than ever to reminding people that quality personal time is essential to our well-being.  I cannot think of a single CEO or president who does not take time off even if just long weekends. I feel sorry for those who responded to the aforementioned post that they could not possibly follow my advice. They could not be more wrong. Go through what I just went through and it all comes into perspective.

I love working.  I love advertising and for seven months I missed all of it and all of you.

If you have friends who have been out of touch.  Call them, email or text them.  It will mean so much to them and it will make you feel better about yourself.