Andy Andrews’ new book, The Noticer, will be published April 28. He says it’s rooted in the belief that our time on this earth is a gift to be used wisely and one of the best ways to use that gift is by noticing those who have made an impact on our lives.
In the lead up to publication, Andrews has launched a social media campaign – The Noticer Project – encouraging us to take time out now to notice the five most influential people in our lives. Too often we wait for a formal occasion like a wedding or graduation to recognize someone. Sometimes, it’s too late.
I love this concept and I’m looking forward to reading the book to find out more. However, I’ll confess I’ve been procrastinating about writing this post because I can’t choose the five MOST influential people in my life. Yikes! What if I don’t mention someone and they’re offended? What if they have passed away – are we supposed to be recognizing people still living? One of the emails I received about this, described it as naming five influential people and I liked that idea much more. Of course, then the difficulty is limiting the choice to just five.
I think Andrews’ message is to stop holding back and spend a few moments thanking someone who perhaps you haven’t said thank you to explicitly. Well, enough debate – here are five people I’d like to recognize:
Jan Wilson – we’ve known each other for almost 30 years and even though there’s been thousands of miles separating us for more than 20 years, I still think of you as my closest friend. You’re always there for me, never judgmental, always accepting. Don’t know what I would do without you.
Claire Cahir – when I took severance from my corporate job five years ago, I told you I was thinking about a career change and becoming a journalist. You encouraged me and introduced me to the folks at the local newspaper. You showed me the ropes and with your support, I went back to school. Now consider myself a journalist, writer and audio producer.
Shelley Schlender – you have willingly shared with me your expertise and knowledge of audio production. You are never too busy to answer my questions, proof my story or check my pronunciation. Even when I flub on air, you still find something positive to say and make me feel less irritated with myself.
Dawn Macy – you were the first person I interviewed for my blog even before I had the blog up and running! You had faith in me and believed in this project. Once I’d interviewed you, then I had to make the blog happen. Now when I start to have doubts about where this is leading, I can see us sitting in your office and I know I just have to keep going – just have to make this happen.
Pat Murphy – you are a community builder. When my family and I first moved to Niwot, within days you had arranged a play date for my children. You’re always willing to help, reaching out and being a friend. It’s people like you that make Niwot such a special place to live.
Who would you notice? Is it easy for you to name the most influential? I have been promised some copies of the The Noticer to giveaway – they haven’t arrived yet so I don’t know how many I have. However, if you go to The Noticer Project, post your five people and then leave a comment here, you’ll go into the drawing for the book.
***
I would definitely include the names of people who are no longer alive. One of my very best friends, and a huge influence on who I am now, died four years ago. He would be one of the top people on my list. The mark he left on me is indelible.
This is a very, very cool idea. Thank you for pointing me to Andy Andrews’ book. Sounds like a definite must read.
My great uncle left an indelible mark on me. I was in high school when I met him and he passed away many years ago. He was an administrator at a university (I think) and he tutored me in study habits and test-taking. Those habits have stuck with me my whole life and I often reflect on what a valuable gift he gave me. I do have a stack of old snail mail letters stashed away – I’m going to go through those and see if I still have his. Would be fun to read them again.
Hope you’ll visit again,
Mandy