Source of Information Versus Source of Energy

Inhaling is a key part of my meaning making mission.

I usually spend the first hour of my day scouring and
learning and reading and annotating from any number of newspapers, blogs and
online publications. By the time I’m done, my desktop is littered with new documents
and ideas and perspective and insight. And my brain is ignited and ready to engage.

I’ve been practicing this daily ritual for about a year now,
and it’s had a huge impact on me, for one simple reason:

I used to view news as
a source information, but now I view it as a source of energy.

First, for me.

Reading it excites the citizen in me because I’m engaging
with what’s going on in the world. Inhaling it expands the thinker in me
because I constantly fill my reservoir with valuable perspective. Documenting
it satisfies the artist in me because I’m making meaning through writing,
organizing and responding to smart ideas.

Then, for others.

Sharing it fulfills the human in me because I’m giving gifts
to people I care about. Discussing it energizes the extrovert in me because I
can contribute to conversations in a valuable way. Referencing it elevates me
as a resource because I can pick from my intellectual inventory at a moment’s
notice and be a resource for others.

What did you inhale today?