P.I. Podcast: Interview with Patti Digh
September 10th, 2008
What would you be doing today if you only had 37 days to live?
Five years ago, my friend Patti Digh was forced to confront the harsh reality of this question when her stepfather was unexpectedly diagnosed with lung cancer and died 37 days later. Patti’s immediate response was to begin writing as much as possible, to leave a rich legacy of her thoughts and feelings for her children. In short order, these writings became the substance of 37Days, now one of the most popular and well-regarded blogs on the Web, as well as the centerpiece of her extraordinary new book, Life is Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful, and Live Intentionally, published by the skirt! imprint of The Globe Pequot Press.
Live intentionally. This is the long-term response, of course, and it is Patti’s advice to all of us. In our interview, she outlines six practices for living intentionally, and shares her advice for how association executives can connect with the book in both personal and professional terms.
[Patti looks at me like I’m nuts (and I am) in San Diego-8/17/08]
Unlike most of the podcast interviews I do, this one is very personal for me. Patti and I became friends while she was still working in the association community in Washington, DC in the early part of this decade. In July 2001, Patti and I met for breakfast only a few weeks after I had returned from New Jersey following my father’s death. I was a complete mess, and Patti just let me talk…and cry…in the hotel restaurant. It was an act of genuine kindness and support that has stayed with me through the years. In fact, I still can’t think about it without welling up. Thank you Patti.
Patti and her family moved to North Carolina in 2002, and so it was incredibly exciting for me to see her this summer in San Diego at ASAE & The Center’s Annual Meeting. I was simply delighted that we were able to reconnect, and to have my picture taken with the author of this outstanding new book! I hope you enjoy listening to this podcast as much as I enjoyed doing it. It is just over 32 minutes in length.
Entry Filed under: Principled Innovation Blog, What's New?, Social Media, PI Interviews, Audioblogs & Podcasts, Associations, Extreme Makeover, The Association Innovator, Simplicity, We Have Always Done It That Way, Garage Memes
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