Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!

This phrase has a negative connotation for me. Goes back to my childhood where people look at you, cock their head a little, maybe sneer and question your presence. As soon as you walk away, while still in earshot, there was often a comment like, “I don’t know what he’s up to, but I know he’s up to somethin’.”

You bet I was.

•Working

•Studying

•Practicing piano, saxophone or listening to jazz artists on a record or cassette tape

•Or a number of other things a motivated kid whose family business demanded full attention

Fast forward to today. Same line, different meaning.

What are you up to, Michel?

•Working

•Studying

•Listening to music (of all genres)

•Exercising

•Eating right

•Being present for family and friends

•Pulling together some thoughts and sprinkling them around like digital bread crumbs (aka blog)

•Or a number of things that a motivated middle-aged man might do after being conditioned through his formative years with a work ethic that defies logic or common sense

No matter your age, your vocation, your disposition or your physical condition, I hope you’re up to somethin’

Somethin’ good

Good for others that in turn becomes good for you.

Somethin’ fun

We should all be required to laugh daily, lift your spirits, have somethin’ to look forward to(A little treat in the pantry, an ice cream cone on a hot day, a hug or kiss or pat on the back), a long walk in nature.

Somethin’ with purpose

Relevant, benevolent, compassionate…the kind of thing that gives you a tingle and reminds you that it’s not all about you.

Challenge:Get out of your norm this weekend and find somethin’ special to do. Call an old friend, donate some time, talent or treasure, forgive yourself or someone you should have already. Smile in the mirror until it looks natural.

Have a blessed weekend!