“If you think you are too small to have an impact, try to go to bed with a mosquito.”
– Anita Roddick
It sounds morbid, I know, but I begin each morning by reading the Obituary page in The New York Times. I’ve done this for years. I consider an obituary to be a celebration – a tribute to a life well led.! Reading it is also an opportunity for me to look forward – to ask myself, “Have you done everything that you wanted to do yet? If not, why not start today? What are you waiting for?”
Anita Roddick, the founder of The Body Shop, passed away last September. I first became aware of her a few years ago, when I found the quotation that I use at the top of this post. What a remarkable woman! What a story! What a life! What an impact she made – just like a mosquito bite!
I wanted to learn more about her – and then she was gone…
I was too busy to comment on her passing last year. But her voice remains in my head. And her story continues to evolve.
This morning, as I was preparing to travel to a conference of small business owners and managers, I was doing some research on Anita Roddick. As a result, I came across a wonderful tribute to Dame Roddick by Valeria Maltoni. This eulogy was originally published on the Fast Company.com website.. Click here to read it. Great writing, Valeria!
And that is another benefit of reading the Obituary page – I discover great writing – and great writers! Until this morning, I had never heard of Valeria Maltoni. From just a quick look at her website and blog, I want to read more. Her voice is unique. I want to hear more!
I’ve started my day with a new discovery. How did you day begin? How will it end? Make it happen!
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