Writing on the Web from Patsi Krakoff, The Blog Squad

Seth Godin Gets a Brain-Poke on What Really Matters

What really matters to you? I mean beyond the usual success metrics...?

I know many people struggle. From what I hear from friends back in the US, some people are in seriously dire straights employment-wise, financially. No family is without loved ones who haven't found work, or if they have a job, aren't earning what they should.

Even when the economy improves (and it has in some sectors), there remains The Big Problem: there are a lot of unhappy people not finding fulfillment and meaning in life, in work, in what they do each day.

Seth Godin is an interesting human being who has brought us new ways of thinking by writing 10 best sellers, including Unleashing the IdeaVirus, Permission Marketing, Purple Cow,and Tribes. His latest book, Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? publishes on Amazon today.

This book is personal. It's about finding what really matters, and making a real difference in the world. Seth is concerned about what's happening, beyond the economy, beyond marketing.

I'm very concerned. Like Seth, I'm hoping there's a way for each of us to reach the kernel of genius within... to start creating art instead of doing work... to engage in artistic leadership instead of mediocre obedience... to become more generous with our genius.

So are a lot of other bloggers. You can learn more about what other people are saying over on Squidoo, here. Here's how you can listen to my interview with Seth:

Back to School: Some kids can't afford to go...and that's not right!

What if you couldn't afford the books, pencils, uniforms and fees to send your child to public school? That's what some families face here in my village of Ajijic and the Lake Chapala area of Mexico.

Through no fault of their own, they don't have enough money to pay the additional fees every child incurs for a "free" public education. These are working families, who struggle to house, clothe and feed each other. There's just not enough left to send some of their kids to school. (Photo credit: Shutterstock)

We can help. The Mexican government pays for the school buildings and teachers' salaries, but that's it.

There's an organization here that can do so much for just a few dollars. Los Ninos de Ajijic y Chapala can sponsor a child for $75 for a whole year of grade school. Even if you donate a dollar or two, that goes a long way down here.

Why not donate a dollar for each child in your family? Or a dollar for as many years education that you've achieved? For me, that would make $25, including graduate school and continuing education courses.

I would never have been able to go to college without the kindness of strangers who gave me and my family money. If you can, use this button to donate through PayPal. I will match your donation.