Is Anyone Listening?

Vishnu

Sai, a member of our PitchRate community, recently sent me this story his grandfather told him about Saint Narada and Lord Vishnu, the God of creation in Hinduism:

Saint Narada prided himself on being Lord Vishnu’s most devoted follower. One day, Narada found the Lord praising a farmer for his own devotion. Outraged, Narada asked the Lord to explain why, so Lord Vishnu gave Narada a bowl of water and asked him to travel all over the world without spilling a drop. Narada did as the Lord requested and when he returned, Lord Vishnu asked him how many times he thought of Him during his endeavor. Narada replied, “None”; he was occupied with not spilling any drops. Lord Vishnu then asked him to take a look at the farmer. The farmer was a struggling family man working hard to make a living, yet at the end of each daily chore he took the time to thank the Lord for enabling him to accomplish it. Lord Vishnu then turned to Narada and said, “I gave you one task and you could not remember me even once. Do you see the difference?

Sai said, “All of us have a specific role to play in the world; we can’t all be saints and pray all day or leave behind our responsibilities and be something different. But in our own unique way we need to make time to meditate.”

If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll know I believe we’re all connected. But sometimes I forget that. It can be a lonely out there and occasionally I question if what I’m doing is making any difference at all. Every day, I sit at my computer, wherever I happen to be in the world, and I write. And at times I do wonder if my message is getting through. Every so often I even ask myself, “What is my message? Why am I doing this? I already have enough, don’t I?” I have my day job as CEO of Wasabi Publicity, which is a true gift – I get to work with the most amazing people who are committed to make a difference (I can’t think of a cooler way to spend my time, can you?). And now I’m working with students at my rural Serbian IT school, seeing firsthand a difference being made; something that (I hope) will shape their individual lives forever… and who knows how many lives to come?

So why do I continue to write these blog posts? The answer is simple, really. This may sound crazy, but what I write about is exactly what I need to hear along my path. If we’re all connected, the only place I can truly make a difference is with me – which in turn, transforms everyone.

If I’ve lost you, let me simplify my message. If I transform, you transform.

But, like I said, sometimes I forget this and I start thinking we’re all different. It’s only when I get feedback (from YOU) that I’m returned to myself.

So for all of you who let me know you’re out there (like Sai, my clients, my students, and those commenting below) – words fail to express my gratitude. And if you’re ever questioning if anyone out there is receiving your message, I’m here. Thank you for the work you’re doing to transform my life!

author

About the Author:

Drew Gerber

For 30 years, Drew Gerber has been inspiring those who want to change the world. As the CEO of Wasabi Publicity, Inc., lauded by the likes of PR Week and Good Morning America, he sparks "aha" conversations that lead to personal and business success. His PR firm is known for landing clients on Dr. Phil, Oprah, Anderson Cooper, The Wall Street Journal, Inc., Entrepreneur, and other top media outlets. Wasabi Publicity lives to launch conversations that make a difference and change the world.

Comments

  1. Nina Savelle-Rocklin October 10, 2013 at 9:30 am - Reply

    Drew, I appreciate this blog post – and want you to know I look forward to your updates. Your mix of information, inspiration and humor is always a great read. Keep ’em coming 🙂

    • Drew Gerber October 10, 2013 at 9:31 am - Reply

      Thank you so much, Nina 🙂

  2. Zorica October 10, 2013 at 12:49 pm - Reply

    Hi Drew, I love your posts, always interesting and inspiring. Thank you for taking time to write and send to us.

    • Drew Gerber October 10, 2013 at 12:52 pm - Reply

      Thanks for reading, Zorica. I know you’re there 🙂

  3. Kate Kindle October 10, 2013 at 1:44 pm - Reply

    Interesting! At some subconscious level, I must believe what you said today. Why? Because I like to write things that show I have gained insight etc. Consciously, I’m trying to convince others. Yet, you say they transform if and when I write about a transformation within myself. Hmmm. I’ll let that sit till it sinks in. Thanks.

    • Drew Gerber October 10, 2013 at 3:40 pm - Reply

      I truly believe that, Kate. Let me know what you think 🙂

  4. Vironika Tugaleva October 10, 2013 at 2:30 pm - Reply

    What a beautifully wise, refreshingly honest piece. I am touched that this evolution into love for humankind is reaching all levels of society. I often say that the key to a wonderful future is bringing enlightenment to those who have the energy of the present moment. One of those energies is money. If we can bring this message to those with that resource, the world will be saved. <3

    • Drew Gerber October 10, 2013 at 3:32 pm - Reply

      Thank you for reading, Vironika. I truly appreciate you.

  5. Adrienne Mazzone October 10, 2013 at 4:02 pm - Reply

    For all you do Drew, Thank you!

    • Drew Gerber October 10, 2013 at 4:08 pm - Reply

      You are more than welcome, Adrienne!

  6. Tony Policci October 11, 2013 at 4:34 pm - Reply

    Drew, the challenge for me is who, what and where do I invest my attention on any given day. I know the places I make an impact are not necessarily the places I had HOPED to make one. So is anyone listening? The answer is yes…but not to everything all the time. Thanks for the thoughtful post and for being passionate about what you do.

    • Drew Gerber October 15, 2013 at 9:59 am - Reply

      I completely agree, Tony. Thanks so much for reading 🙂

  7. Sondra Smith October 21, 2013 at 5:11 pm - Reply

    Drew,

    Yes, I agree, we are all connected…some people we feel very connected too, although some we have never met. That really doesn’t make a difference, the feeling of being connected is there. You are one of those people in my life and I thank you for all the wonderful, informative, educational, and sometimes funny things you share with us.

    You are thought of in positive ways and I appreciate you. Sometimes, I envy you, then remember I too can make a difference within the world “if” I continue to work to reach my goals. I’m working hard to accomplish that.

    • Drew Gerber October 22, 2013 at 11:29 am - Reply

      Thank you, Sondra. I appreciate YOU. We can all make a difference, somehow.

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About Drew

For 30 years, Drew Gerber has been inspiring those who want to change the world. As the CEO of Wasabi Publicity, lauded by the likes of PR Week and Good Morning America, he sparks “aha” conversations that lead to personal and business success. His PR firm is known for landing clients on Dr. Phil, Oprah, The Wall Street Journal, Inc., Entrepreneur, and other top media outlets. Wasabi Publicity lives to launch conversations that make a difference and change the world.

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