President's Message

e-Communiqué
August/September 2006	Published exclusively for members of ACCED-I

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: LIFE
- Barbara Romano, President
(607)255-6290 / br20@cornell.edu

You may often read about how we should enjoy each moment and live in the present. Solely by the shear nature of our work we are more likely to hear ourselves say we work in the past, present, and future and that time flies.

Conference planners may be in the midst of debriefing and wrapping up billing from a conference, managing multiple conferences on campus or preparing a contract for a conference arriving in 2007, 2008, even 2009. Special Event Professionals may be debriefing this year’s reunion, coordinating details for a prestigious dinner being held on campus this evening or preparing for trustee weekend or an inauguration. Due to the various stages involved in our work it can be very challenging to even get in the mindset to think about living in the present.

In 1992 I experienced a life-altering event that opened my eyes and quickly taught me to live in the present. Within a few months of that experience, I quickly pinpointed answers to a couple of questions, which helped me work towards accomplishing this.

The first question, what is most important to me and to my family? Second question, what truly makes me happy? The top three priorities identified were: family and friends, work, and civic participation. Over the years spending time focusing on each area has contributed to enhancing the quality of my life.

Family, Friends and Children: There is nothing more in life than cherishing relationships.

Have a healthy conversation, debate and create memories.
Sit in a park and watch innocent children play and giggle.
Turn the waiting at a ballet or music lesson from a chore into your social time.
Friends - who better to enjoy ones company, share stories and laugh with.
Don’t wait; make time.

Work: This is a must-have in my life. It provides daily interaction, exciting challenges and allows for learning opportunities. There is not a day that goes by that I do not learn something new.

Remember clients, students, faculty and staff have hired you for your expertise, feel good about that.
Interact with student staff; they can help energize and teach you.
Mentor and assist in educating students outside the classroom.
Interact with attendees from around the world and learn cultural differences.

Civic Participation: Fulfills a sense of meaning and contributes to increased connections and networking opportunities.

Become involved in an association (ACCED-I) where your interests lie. You’ll benefit from having colleagues around the world who have a shared interest.
Explore a variety of volunteer opportunities in your community. You can often assist with a one-time need, not locking into a long-term commitment.
Such involvement contributes to personal enrichment, professional development or may lead to a new hobby or interest.

I must admit, living in the present is the most challenging act to live up to. And, it is very easy to falter and get caught up in the fast paced day-to-day activities causing us to forget about living in the present. Once said, “Remember, what we don’t know is what tomorrow will bring, but we do know there will be 1044 minutes to choose how to spend our time.” Enjoy the gift of life!