Dear Reader,
Today’s guest at the book club is Carlos Whittaker, an author, speaker, and storyteller who is bringing hope to humans all over the world. His superpower is creating spaces--online and in-person--where people feel safe to engage in genuine dialogue and be themselves. In a world determined to stand on issues, Carlos walks with people. In his latest book, How To Human, Carlos Whittaker offers a fresh vision for becoming the best versions of ourselves. We can refuse to let disagreements define us. We can say no to becoming upset, rage-filled humans and say yes to fuller, happier lives.
For more information about today’s guest author, visit carloswhittaker.com.
You Matter
In nine months I turn 50. Fifty. I think that means I will receive an AARP card in the mail. That's something I'm fairly certain I'm getting. But do you know what I know I'm not getting? A midlife crisis. And let me tell you why...
Because our worth should never be based on who others see us as and instead be based on how well we see others. You see, at 50, I have more influence than I have ever had. I have more financial stability than I have ever had. I have more deep friendships than I have ever had. So as far as I see it, why in the world would I waste the next 30 or 40 years of my life sulking that my body doesn't look like it did at 25 and instead bask in the greatness that I've been given the gift of another day to let someone know that they matter? Here are two simple words that I hope will define my 50's. You Matter.
Studies show us that, although we are the most connected as a human race we have ever been, we are also the loneliest we have ever been. 10-year-olds. 30-year-olds. 70-year-olds. We are all suffering from the most silent epidemic of our times. Loneliness. And you know what the solution is? Seeing each other. Literally being seen is the single most empowering thing that can happen for someone today.
And what I love about this is that every single one of us can take part in eradicating loneliness from someone's life today. You don't have to have money to see someone. You don't have to have wisdom to see someone. You don't have to have gray hair to see someone. All you have to have is a soul and a smile.
One thing I like to do on a daily basis is make sure that every single person I run across that is wearing a name tag, be it a TSA worker or my local barista, hears me say their name. I look them in the eye and say "Thank you so much ______" I've had numerous people tell me I'm the first person that has actually said their name in months. It's literally that simple.
So I look forward to my AARP card alongside a new decade of letting people know that they matter. Because at the end of the day, everyone just wants to be seen. And you've got eyes to see them.
-- Carlos Whittaker
You can reach out to Carlos at: carloswhittaker.com
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
* This month's Penguin Classics is The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton. I have a copy of the book to share with a lucky reader, so start reading and enter for your chance to win
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