Welcome to Binky Town! That's my new name for this "adult pacifier" capital of the world. They've got all the popular binkies -- alcohol, gambling, gluttonous buffets, tobacco, and "escorts." The past few times I've visited Las Vegas, I couldn't wait to get out of there. Other than the beautiful people I met and worked with, this visit was no different.
I was invited to deliver a key-note address at the Wynn Hotel for the national meeting of ARCOS -- The Association of Residency Coordinators in Orthopaedic Surgery (that's a mouthful). Other than experience with three knee surgeries, you may be wondering what a dude with stinky feet has to offer such a group. I spoke with them about the lessons I've learned from my work with kids, and how approaching everything in life in a childlike (not childish) way can lead to great success -- at home and at work. Kids have always had the key to living joyful lives by being present and full of wonder and astonishment. So, we laughed and sang some songs and all vowed to start thinking and acting more like children. Ahh, wouldn't we all be better off?
And, as for the city of Las Vegas, it could use a little injection of childlike energy -- something, anything, to offset the adolescent frenzy of it all. Lights, smoke, blaring music, t-shirt shops, billboards, silicone enhancements, gold chains, and the incessant clanging of bells -- enough already!! The sensory overload left my brain a bit jittery. I did get a lot of excercise, though. Gone are the days of crossing the strip like you used to. Now, to get across the street, you have to walk two blocks, go up an escalator, cross a bridge, down another escalator, and walk another two blocks to reach your destination.
What a relief it was to see the majesty of the Grand Canyon out the airplane window on the way home -- something naturally beautiful to bring me back to reality.
1 comment:
Amen to that, Jim. It's the Roman Empire with neon. But congrats on your keynote. (where's my link, bro?)
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