Plugged-In

PREFACE

Finding ourselves “at loose ends” and/or “lost in the shuffle” is getting more palpable and more prevalent in 21^st century America – despite … but perhaps largely because of … Facebook, Linked-In, Twittering, Tweeting, and all the rest.  These superficial triflings create a perceived necessary but nonetheless unfortunate disconnect from the “burdensome realities of life”, along with a virtual sense of forward movement.  (A sensation similar to what one gets sitting backwards in a train moving inexorably toward the end of the line.)  

While the exploding diversity of virtual connections keeps us from being bored, the whole lot contributes painfully little to sustainably satisfying engagement or ultimate fulfillment – leaving us feeling a little like holding an empty bag when things start going south, as they are sometimes accustomed to doing.   

We need to be better, more securely and more intentionally PLUGGED-IN – as in “hard-wired” – rather than just superficially “Linked-In” … and to more substantive engagements.  (Seriously, I can’t put even fractional stock into what anyone else is watching on TV, viewing at the movie theater or eating for dinner.  In fact, I need to be finding investments where the dividends ARE worth MY investing and moving my attention, time and energy into those areas.)

THE CORE PROBLEM

For most of us, and particularly for youth and young adults, figuring out where and how to get “Plugged In” is a matter of great mystery and angst.  Even after graduating from college, many don’t have a clue what they want to do except “get a job” … ANY job … which is getting more difficult without experience and demonstrated technical expertise.  And “ANY” job is not necessarily going to get us headed in the most fulfilling and sustainable direction. 

SUGGESTED APPROACHES TO THE PROBLEM

Getting “Plugged-In“ at an early stage of life opens amazing doors.  Discovering a “passion” that can conscript and keep our undivided attention helps.  Fear or desperation can have similar “riveting” effects and are equally valid driving forces.  (Early in life I discovered I never wanted to be hungry or cold, insofar as I could help it, and I didn’t much like being associated with losing propositions.)  Inspiration also helps immeasurably where it can be found. 

Choosing resonating “electives” and extracurricular activities in high school provides a beginning framework for moving life-affirming impulses through the synapses.  Try an Apprenticeship, Toastmasters, the literary guild, the local entrepreneurs’ council, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, Young Professionals Association, YMCA, Junior Achievement, Chamber of Commerce, etc.  Make fast friends with your local librarian and read, and research, and read some more.  Connect with a Dream/a Destiny, identify with a community, adopt a culture, become a member of a troop or a troupe or a team, connect with a career/a trade, reinforce important family connections, join the historical society, attend the city council, (see “What Color is Your Parachute” for additional suggestions.)   Put your boat in the water where the water is flowing by metric tons per second, not just trickling or virtually moving across a TV or computer screen.   

   

Being “Plugged-In” means “having some skin in the game” – beginning with our undivided attention … without the smart phone, TV, X-Box, YOU Tube, or Facebook running in the background.  It means stealing the time and energy and borrowing the money if we have to to expand our education, acquire essential tools, join a professional organization, or engage in a professional development program. 

Find a “live” plug and get PLUGGED IN!

“There are no passengers on spaceship earth. We are all crew.”

                                        Marshall McLuhan, educator and philosopher (1911-1980)