What do you see when you look in the mirror? A Guest Blog from Dan Schwartz

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Lifestyle
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Well most of us don’t take a lot of notice, especially in these work at home times. But every time I log onto a Zoom or WebEx meeting, for a brief few seconds, I see an image of myself, blown up in full color. It actually is a bit startling as this is really how others will see me. But what do you see of yourself? I see more gray hair, maybe this is more distinguished looking or shows I have stood the test of some time period. In reality, I am getting older and hopefully wiser. Also, a lack of a haircut brings out the ever thickening grays... Then I see the every larger bags under my eyes, more so with the work at home time line. Am I getting less sleep, likely as I do wake up more at night for some reason. Am I eating correctly, likely not, as snacking throughout the day is common. But I am taking more vitamins than ever before to keep my immunity up. Is it more stress. I bet that is it. Inconsistency in one's life and change all create stress. Maybe so. Maybe I am just getting older... I also see the head of the household that tries to keep it together for my family when everyone questions life every day. I see the main bread earner in the house as well. I see the person checking (seemingly by the minute) on my 12 year old to ensure he is doing his home school work and not watching some video or game on line. I see someone who cares enough about work and the company that pays me to do the right thing and put in an honest day's work in while checking on my customers and handling the questions that come in every day. So for me, I see what I guess I have always been. Just a bit older, wiser and hopefully more compassionate, even if showing more gray now. What do you see? Dan Schwartz

Comments

Fred Klein

I see a person who is dedicated to keeping on keeping on in a (Maiden Form) uplifting manner...
Carly Bentley

The reflection has less hard lines, more compassion, less wasteful, more empathy. Less laundry, no dry cleaning....a little more grey, but I feel way more balanced.
Corey Bearak

Interesting blog. How many think about appearance so minutely and things around in other times? Perhaps in some professions. Even if I only opt to don a tee-shirt, I do give thought to which Poco, Richie Furay, Buffalo Springfield or Squeeze tee, if any, gets displayed; a scheduled meeting might influence same; actually I made such decision pre-pandemic (or is that BCV?).
Brad Scherer

Dan, I see the same thing in you that you see in yourself; trustworthy, honest and dependable.
Shelley Simpson

Gotham is all about being uplifting - no falsies, no padding! It's the real deal! And what I see Dan is someone I am glad I know and want to know even better as we move into the future.
Shelley Simpson

I remember when I first started doing video and seeing myself was offputting at best. Over time, I learned to look at the camera when I am speaking and at others if it's a zoom call. Then I can imagine I haven't changed much! Of course, then there's the photo of the meeting ....
Victoria Drogin

Great blog Dan. Sounds like a great man is looking back at you. This made me stop, think and take stock. Basically, I like what I see. That is refreshing and surprising. Like Carly, more compassionate and less critical. Less rushed, more present. More worried and missing my kids and parents, and feeling the ache of that. Worried about students and clients, happy to have the extra time to support them. Appreciate Paul and Dana, our routines, shared meals, conversations, Billions binge sessions.... and the exhale at the end of the day. Thanks for the pause. (:
Scott Bloom

Sometimes I see my Dad too. My two cents is that I have been more aware of wrinkles or how I will appear. Shave closer etc. Zoom works is a microscope view.
Rick Raymond

I see my receded hairline that I otherwise choose to ignore. I too see and hear my dad, at times, in ways I wish I didn't, and the spots on my face as well as character that I might otherwise neglect. And I see a person I like. The one who speaks mostly from certainty yet daringly, wondering at times whether I am making any sense. I see the image of one praying to be of service in the larger world in many small ways.
Rona Gura

Great blog. Lately, I see someone very critical of herself. I turned the camera off on a zoom call for Family Court attorneys because I didn't like what I was seeing. Maybe I have to look at myself with a kinder eye.
Daniel Schwartz

I hear you load and clear. I have turned a few cameras off as well. But ultimately, it is who you are and people will just have to accept that. So be happy.

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