Be the socket of positivity

Remember when we used to take notes on paper? Back during my MURP days, I took a leadership seminar and had the fortune to witness Carl St Clair speak and doodle on my notes (arrows, musical notes, positive negative chart and the word DREAM). He spoke about leadership through the lens of emotion. While other speakers mentioned the importance of drive and spirit, St Clair manifested passion and inspiration. What imprinted in my mind were the following words: “Be the socket of positivity.” The ‘pay it forward’ if you will of everyday living. That’s the kind of thinking that transforms neighbourhoods into communities, spaces into places. I’ve tried to emulate that mantra in my life and I hope my friends and colleagues can attest. Sometimes, however, you just can’t always be the ONE. On days when I need a little recharge, I plug into the stories and actions of others.

There are 7.3 billion people and counting. An infinite number of stories and actions that can inspire the urban imagined. For example, I’ve had Katie Sokoler’s chalk walk hanging out in my bookmark folder. Colourful footprints always brighten my day and I suspect many others who stumble upon them. Thank you Katie for listening to the boy who wanted you to make more. Simple, random act with illuminating effects.

via Color Me Katie

This will be a reoccurring series as there are kindred spirits all around doing their everyday thing. Be on the lookout. You may very well be featured.

(Above photo by Vivian Romero, bottom photo by Katie Sokoler)

A video and five links

Soft City (part III) is playful.

Holler Back. Stephen Powers collaborates with NY Department of Transportation to create colourful city streets.

Sign trees made me look.

Gibbs Farm commissioned Neil Dawson to create Horizons.

A bus stop with skies for shelter.

A lonely section of pavement was declared Interval Island

Yay Melbourne

The Economists Intelligence Unit once again published its Global Liveability Ranking 2015. Thirty indicators are used to assess 140 cities across five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. Based on this benchmarking system, Melbourne, Australia retains the position as the world’s most liveable city. Perfect rankings for healthcare, infrastructure and education. Irrespective of your four seasons in one day, I concur.

Hello there

I like this picture. It says, “Here we are.” It manifests the possibility for discovery, connection and growth. Most importantly, it captures such occurrences outside in the sun(shade). It inspires me to write.

This endeavour is a work in progress. It is a reflection of my inner most; my imagined. The potential for great urban spaces and places exist and I am set to discover and recover them. Join me and imagine your own urban however realised.

(Photo by Vivian Romero)