mindful voting

​The hubbub holding our House and Senate accountable at town halls and taking to the streets with crafty cardboard cutouts to have the voice of the people heard - turns out that the government is listening, as reported by a host of news sources, including my favorite @NPR
 
I don’t know why this is a revelation. Reporters and whistleblowers have notified us of this actuality for years. The film Citizen Fouris one of many documentaries highlighting the opportunities in the tech bubble wherein our digital activities echo and are collected by anyone with the desire and know-how. We can all be celebrities to someone in the world of 0’s and 1’s.
 
Acting as if the intelligence community takes note of how many husbands are forced to watch Love It or List Itis annoying, while no one concerns themselves with Nielsen or Accuen utilizing those data collection opportunities to track our eyeballs as we know Google, Apple or Facebook do so very well, with mutual benefits of their business and us, the end-user. Every click is clocked. Known. Not revelatory.
 
If your paranoia gets the best of you there is a way to be warned when receiving a phone call or text without being alarmed - the redaved ringtone “The NSA will begin recording in 5, 4, 3, 2…”
 
Through all of this noise I am learning to listen to myself. The anxiety, frustration, serenity and hopefulness, all being broadcast through my thoughts as I flip channels or chat with friends and family. Keeping it simple is king for me.
 
Knowing I can have a positive impact on those around me; my family, friends, community is essential for me to continue leading a happy, wholesome, healthy life. My FB wall is empty but my life stays full. Lead with a smile today. Lead with a smile.
 
Today if I lead with a smile my day goes well and I am reminded of how infectious smiles can be.
 
Before you answer the phone or tap a text or type a tweet or actually have the courage to look a stranger in the eye today – lead with a smile, your end-users deserve it.