Sometimes when you start to see things in a fresh light, even the smallest things can become big and obvious.
Today I received this Thanksgiving card from my insurance company:
It's cool, it's a print of a painting by Johan Bjurman... but what are these crazy extras? A glossy calendar (will anyone use this?) and a book mark (I think)... Didn't anyone in this company see the irony in depleting the resources depicted in this scene to print thousands and thousands of these odd little "throw aways"? I'm sure most people don't even notice this as they toss the whole thing away. Some will spot the problem and wince as they head to the recycling bin. I felt, well, paralyzed by the absurdity of it.
It's amazing how clear things become when we start to look for clarity in our lives.
So, I stepped out of my comfort zone and made the call. It took about 30 minutes to get to a decision maker, but I did it. And while the irony was completely lost on her until I pointed it out (I think I heard an audible chk chk as the lightbulb went on in her head) she was impressed and seemed to like my ideas for making their marketing efforts more eco-conscious and interactive.
I don't know what kind of change will come from this at the insurance place, but I know that I feel better. 'Think I'll keep practicing this communication thing. It's feeling really good.