h. nazan ışık—

20 March 2019—

The Greek Independence Day was celebrated first at Gracie Mansion with a reception, held on Tuesday, 19 March.

Mayor Bill de Blasio talked about ‘Drama’, and said, “ Broadway is alive with drama: There was no drama before the Greeks” (Big applause from guests) he continued with mentioning “marathon” and “democracy” in his remarks.

And, when introduced the honoree of this year “ If Greeks had had a Goddess of Media, it would have been Arianna: Our honoree this evening the founder of The Huffington Post, and the founder and CEO of Thrive Global Arianna Huffington.

The founder of The Huffington Post, and the founder and CEO of Thrive Global, Arianna Huffington, as the honoree of The Greek Independence Day 2019 reception, with Mayor de Blasio at Gracie Mansion.

Mayor Bill de Blasio presented to Arianna Huffington a proclamation and proclaimed 19 March as Arianna Huffington Day.

“If you want to think about how to live positively and productively in this modern world we find ourselves in, here is the expert,” he said.

Arianna Huffington took the microphone.

“ For those of you who have not heard me before, this accent will forever testify my Greek roots. I remember when I first met Henry Kissinger said to me ‘Arianna never worry about your accent. In American public life you can ever over estimate of advantages of complete and total incomprehensibility.’”

(Everybody laughed.)

‘What is a good life’ was the central question for the ancient Greek philosophers she reminded.

“In our modern cultures very often we shrink the definition of ‘a good life’ just down to success. And we shrink success down to money and power. Remember that there is much more to life than that: Well-being, wisdom, wonder and giving were central at every part of Greek philosophy, and Greek pop culture.”

“To be in the moment is something that our modern life is making it harder and harder with our addiction to our phones and social media,” she said and reminded, “Not to miss the moment, because ultimately that’s all we know we have.” She also talked about the importance of sleep.

And she turned to the Mayor “…with the authority vested in me-which is absolutely none at all! – (Everyone laughed) I want to proclaim you an honorary Greek!”

(Everybody applauded)

Mayor de Blasio thanked her. “You know, I gave a proclamation, I did not expect to get a proclamation.” (Big laughs, rounds of applause followed it)

Arianna Huffington definitely was the right chose as the event’s honoree. She is Greek-American, an author, a speaker, a lecturer, a syndicated columnist, a businesswoman, and famous and wants to end the stress and burnout epidemic.

“Thrive Global’s mission is to end the stress and burnout epidemic by offering companies and individuals sustainable, science-based solutions to enhance both well-being and performance. We’re facing a stress and burnout epidemic. And people deeply want to change the way they work and live…That’s why I launched Thrive Global – to go beyond raising awareness and create something real and tangible that would help individuals, companies and communities improve their well-being and performance and unlock their greatest potential. At Thrive Global, helping you achieve these goals is our mission and our passion,” she says at their website.

And how do they do that? By talking about “Well-being”, “Wisdom”, “Wonder”, “Purpose”, “Sleep”, and more…

Arianna Huffington is a great promoter. I remember in 2005 when she was launching The Huffington Post; she was on most of the talk shows, talking about her blog, and even asking talk show hosts to contribute. And in 2016 when she was launching Thrive Global she was again on so many talk shows and promoting it.

And even tonight she mentioned “Thrive Global” website so many times. Many, many times

Photos: © h. nazan ışık /NKENdiKEN

© h. nazan ışık