Harmony is a beautiful balance between mind, body, and soul measured in tender peaceful moments.
~Melanie Koulouris
John surprised his wife with concert tickets to listen to a performer she’d always wanted to see. The gifted singer was accompanied by the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, and the setting was the matchless venue at Red Rocks—an open-air amphitheater built between two 300-foot rock formations at more than 6,000 feet above sea level. The orchestra played a number of well-loved classical songs and folk tunes. Their final number was a fresh treatment of the classic hymn “Amazing Grace.” The beautiful, harmonized arrangement took their breath away!
There’s something beautiful about harmony—individual instruments playing together in a way that creates a bigger and more layered sonic landscape. As we now celebrate the 10th anniversary of the launch of BizCatalyst 360° and all things under the 360° Nation umbrella, we’re drawn to key lyrics from “Seasons of Love” —one of our favorite songs made famous by the hit Broadway musical “Rent” — so eloquently capturing the harmony we’ve been blessed with as each year passed:
525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear.
525,600 minutes – how do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee.
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.
In 525,600 minutes – how do you measure a year in the life?
How about love? How about love? How about love? Measure in love.
Seasons of love.
It’s time now to sing out,
though the story never ends
let’s celebrate, remember a year in the life of friends.
Remember the love!
Measure in love.
We’re Simply Grateful
Never did we envision such an amazing journey; our ten ‘seasons’ x 525,600 minutes. A journey full of daylights, sunsets, cups of coffee, laughter, and indeed, strife. But with each season also full of love —characterized by the gift of new connections, new friends, new relationships, and a unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of the humanity we’ve been seeking to rediscover since day one.
Whether it be within the (27,000+) masterpieces crafted by our 850+ writers, the messages of hope, healing, and a brighter future discovered within our blockbuster streaming productions; HopeFest 360° and BucketFest 360°, or the amazing relationships cultivated on The Friendship Bench or within Salon 360°, we’ve had a birdseye view of humanity at its very best. Along the way, we’ve been humbled by the recognition of multiple International awards and blessed by the launch of GoodWorks 360° Foundation. And for all that, we are so very grateful. Grateful for our Columnists, our Featured Contributors, and our Contributors. Grateful for our engaged Communities. And grateful for our loyal and ever-expanding worldwide audience for walking hand-in-hand with us —measured not in stats, but ‘measured in love’ —as the song lyrics say.
Our sincere thanks to each of you for ‘walking the walk’ and ‘walking the talk’ alongside us. We look forward to many more daylights, sunsets, cups of coffee, and “seasons of love” on the other side of our upcoming sabbatical. Meanwhile, grab one of those cups of coffee, sit back, and enjoy this rendition from the Broadway musical Rent:
If a person is judged solely on the company that he or she keeps, you have raised all of us to much higher levels. The thoughts provoked, the ideas put forth, the dialogue and discourse is quite simply, amazing, awesome and without equal. Your friendship and support of the orchestra that you have assembled is matchless and something that we all treasure and hold dear. Thank you for this, congratulations and let’s raise a glass to the future.
Grateful for your kind words, Tom, and for the “real-life” storytelling you freely share. Someone much wiser than I once said; “Sharing knowledge is the most fundamental act of friendship. Because it is a way you can give something without losing something.” We appreciate all that you give, my friend…
Speaking of walking the talk, Dennis & Ali, you make a difference in so many lives. Thanks doesn’t quite say it. How about, see you when you’re rested, and let’s do it all again, perhaps differently, perhaps not. What you put together is commendable, and much needed. We’ll miss you, and wish you all the best.
Thank you!
What a thoughtful comment here, Byron. We are simply blessed by so many kindred spirits like you and Mariah and beyond. And we are so grateful to have such remarkable support for our opportunity to disconnect so we can reconnect. Thank you, my friend!
Dennis,
first of all, thanks to you and your highly efficient collaborators for their timeliness, precision, passion and, ultimately, for the encouragement you all transmit.
I am not a valid writer but you have always given me the encouragement necessary to freely express my reflections on issues of various kinds, and I was able to experience the sensation, pleasant and necessary for a human being, of relating to extraordinary people, with some of which something more than a simple exchange of opinions was born. And it is extraordinary if you think that we have never met face to face. But that it has been only possible for the climate of sympathy, well-being, harmony that you created between all of us.
I sincerely thank you for your patience, availability and attention.
As far as I have been able to understand about you I don’t think you will rest completely, but you are already imagining new, interesting, certainly engaging things.
We will miss your positive attitude, disposition, and ability to establish interpersonal relationships and to communicate by putting others at ease. We will miss your free spirit with a wonderful, creative mind and a unique approach to life.
Wish you the best for whatever comes your way.
Aldo
Grateful for your very kind sentiment here, Aldo. Sharing your wisdom has been a genuine pleasure and witnessing your active engagement has been appreciated by us and more importantly, each of your fellow authors. And you are right on target – while we may not be publishing, we will indeed be pondering (a/k/a “reimagining”) the possibilities for when we return. Thank you, my friend!
So happy to be a contributor for such a thriving community. Ans couldn’t be happier for YIU Dennis as you take sabbatical. Amazing that you have built up this amazing platform for so many, and kept up the pace for a decade now! Congrats! I’m sure we will all be delighting while igniting more writing. In the meantime Dennis enjoy your life, and your family and all those things you love.
We will miss you…a man that wants our best, brings out our best and simply Is the best!
Joyful, restful days ahead, Loreexx
We appreciate your kind words, Loree – be assured that we’ll do our very best to savor the “unplugged” experience!
What gifts you and your team (especially Ali) have given to so many, who have benefited from such gifts through Biz Catalyst 360, produced great fruit in the hearts of many. Not the eating kind of fruit but that of which our heavenly Father speaks of in Holy Scripture. The fruitfulness of touching many souls through the words of the writers that makeup this remarkable platform! Thank you both for not only the beauty of what Biz Catalyst does throughout the world, (as I am sure it has made it’s rounds), and has affected many, and many hearts and minds have benefited from its insight a leadership unsurpassed. May God bless all who have simply heard the word, Biz Catalyst360, enjoy the well deserved R&R!
And we are grateful for the “gifts” of wisdom & inspiration shared within your writing over the years, Lynn. Thank you for your very kind words – they matter!
My heart is full of gratitude and love. This community has been so good for me and will always be.
Ever since I have been invited to be here…I’ve felt welcome, and with that it’s grown to be a home, with the presence of a family that truly means the world to me. Not only have I been able to contribute to the digital writing world, but add to the conversations, lend support and feel of value…. What started with words being written, has gown to some very incredible connections…the ones that influence the best in me to show up and keep going.
You Dennis, are one of the first to show belief in me, at a time I was just starting to share on the digital media…I’ll never forget how that made me feel and how it changed my life. Still does.
I am thankful to God and the Universe for all it has granted. I am thankful for the giving that replaced the grieving..I am simply thankful.
Dennis, In the gift of your giving, you have made a huge difference and deserve a rest. You’ve built a community of amazing friends where you can rely on to cover for you as you rejuvenate.
The legacy of you and all you have done will always be impactful. Feelings and hearts, worldwide have been touched and helped because of what you started. It’s only fair to do the same for you… we’re smart enough here to know that when you are in need of rest…it’s time to adjust.
Long live Bizcatalyst360 and all it has birthed…and long live you Dennis …you come first.
Self love is paramount in order to keep going.. it’s time…to review and let nature take care of you. Unplugging from the routine is not permanent, it’s just time to plug into your inner self and adjust the controls.
You are the engineer of your destiny and your fate is guaranteed.
Love your approach and know, you are truly loved by many who support you right back
Your leadership is a model of what it really means to lead…follow your heart and honour dignity…people are the heart of everything..and when you connect with hearts…you connect with people. Your heart is one of the best I’ve ever known my friend.
Thank you and know…you and Ally are in my heart, as you were always meant to be.
You are God’s catalyst for the good of humanity🙏
I’m one human of many, that can vouch for this.
Paula
In a word, my friend, WOW! Although we’re never quite sure if we’re doing all that we can “for good”, doing it right, or not doing what we should be doing, your heartfelt comments touch our hearts deeply, my friend. As you well know, it’s been a remarkable decade of “harmony”, full of ups and downs, but without question, full of extraordinary relationships nurtured along the way. Your words, your genuine friendship, and all those amazing relationships provide us with such a warm blanket of comfort and inspiration to not only take a step back for a rest, but to ponder even more “reimagination” of possibilities just around the corner into 2022. We are simply blessed and thankful. Your words matter. Thank you for all that you do to lift us up …
Well lived, well loved. Thank you for all you’ve given over those years, Dennis. I’ve only been here for a fraction of those moments, but still appreciate the wholeness and impact of what you’ve created & offered through this platform through all of those years. Let the simple moments of connection, compassion, contribution continue to inform what you are guided to give. Many blessings on your upcoming simplification sabbatical, dear man.
Hi Sora – thank you so much for your kind words. You may have only been with us for a fraction of our first decade, but you inspiring essays have moved the hearts and minds of so many. We appreciate you!
You have composed a love letter – an homage – we as contributors shall remember fondly, Dennis Pitocco. As contributors, I’m certain all would agree we are aware of both the value of BizCatalyst360 and its unique ability to gather and connect such a disparate group who expertly contribute, share and unite. We are blessed to have you, your ideas and creativity to guide us into the future.
“There’s something beautiful about harmony—individual instruments playing together in a way that creates a bigger and more layered sonic landscape” – Beautifully said and it perfectly describes bizcatalyst360. Thank you, again, Dennis Pitocco for including each of us in your incredible creative world and allowing us to spread our wings!
Grateful for your very kind sentiment here, Jean. Connection is why were here, and boy does it matter, particularly these days. And we mean “genuine” connection, as witnessed through our growing “conscious community” founded upon inspired folks like you. Thank you for walking alongside us in this amazing journey of reimagination!
Dear Dennis,
What a beautiful tribute to this high-vibrational community. I am truly grateful to be a part of such soul-centred space, a safe space you have created and always hold, allowing everyone within to express themselves and share their truth.
A decade already? I bet you haven’t seen it come and go. With the global collapses and shifts happening on oh-so-many levels, it is a blessing to have such a community that wraps its arms around us. Your light shines very bright. Thank you.
Such thoughtful words of support here, Deborah. Which is precisely the inspiration behind all that we do “for good” my friend. Thank you for being present as our “conscious community” continues to evolve over the next decade, my friend!
Dear Dennis, I too fall into the category of promising more writing and not delivering for whatever the reason…I’m not sure I even know. Everyday I wake up with multiple topics I could write about but don’t. The blocks that come up are like brick walls. Staying out of judgment of myself, I only want to thank you for always being here clapping for those that have written as well as those that have good intentions but somehow can’t get it out. You’re amazing and this platform is amazing and I’m so grateful to be a part. Even if a silent part as of now. Thank you for giving us all the opportunities to share from our hearts. We are blessed indeed. Congratulations on all your success in the first 10 years! Looking forward to the 2nd decade as I’m sure it will surpass the first. Thank you and God Bless.
Grateful for your presence and your kind words, Char. Know that our expectations of our writers from day one have been quite simple; write when it’s the right about whatever you wish when it’s the right time for you and when you are inspired to do so. Period. To us, the message is more important than the frequency, always. And from experience, that’s how the magic happens. We appreciate you!
Dennis, Deb and I still talk about the Sunday morning coffee we had with you Ali here in Saint Augustine. The Friendship Bench has been my safe place where I have had the privilege of meeting so many people from all walks of life. You have put together a great platform that allows us to share our thoughts in a very respectful way. Thankyou for allowing me to write about my experiences as a former law enforcement officer. It’s a privilege and honor to call you friend. Congratulations.
It’s been a genuine pleasure sharing your stories and capturing your candid insights on The Friendship Bench each week, Tom. And it was a real bonus for Ali and me to have the opportunity to meet you and Deb personally – an opportunity we will take advantage of once again next time we’re back to St. Augustine. Thank you for your very kind words, my friend.
Dennis – Congratulations on this milestone! The work you are doing in this community is extraordinary and the opportunity you are providing your members so appreciated! I keep promising you more articles – and yes, you will get them. I know that with 850 of now, you don’t worry about filling a slot. I am so proud to part of all this. Your vision, hard work and determination have made a HUGE difference on the planet and in this community.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! JoAnna
Such thoughtful and inspiring sentiment here, JoAnna – thank you for all of your kind words, and please know that your wisdom shared along the way has been a key brick in the foundation for our amazing journey. We look forward to sharing more, when the time is right for you!
At a time when we seem to be surrounded by divisiveness and angst, this movement gives voice to hope, insight, encouragement, appreciation, love-based challenges, and caring. For this, I am beyond grateful.
What a refreshing perspective here, Ric. Thanks for being with us through all the ups and downs, because we are always “better together” my friend.
I am profoundly grateful to be part of this outstanding community. Thank you for your leadership, Dennis. What an ambitious and worthwhile venture is 360 Nation! Thank you for all you do.
Thanks, Julie – you’ve quickly become part of our “conscious community”, and for that, we are grateful!
What a great honour to be a part of this great community that makes a difference in so many beings’ lives on so many levels! I cannot thank enough for having me as a contributor and a travel companion on tbis precious journey, Dennis Pitocco and everyone at BIZCATALYST 360°. Loving you all to pieces.
Grateful for your never-ending support today and every day, Ipek. It matters. And so do you, my friend!
Much love, respect and gratitude, Dennis.
I’m simply in AWE of what a movement BizCatalyst 360 has become. The love, friendship, support & encouragement I’ve received through this magical platform is overwhelming. One of the highlights of my summer was having the chance to meet with you and Ali in person. The conversation flowed effortlessly and I could truly see both your hearts. I have so much gratitude for being a part of this beautiful community you’ve created. It’s a living entity, morphing and expanding, but always in an upwards trajectory. 🙏🏼💗
And it’s morphing and expanding because of the magic of “real relationships” nurtured by you and so many others, Carol. We are blessed to have had the opportunity to meet to discover more about each other and to connect the dots. Your candor within your storytelling is a gift for us and for our entire global audience. Thank you for becoming such a wonderful inspiration during our decade of harmony, my friend.
Dear Dennis,
Never before have I. Even witness to such an amazing initiative that has created so much enthusiasm, togetherness and harmony that your creation Bizcatalyst360 has proven to be. 10 years’ of spreading the word of goodness through kindness, creativity and indeed harmony. I thank you so much for giving the opportunity to do many friends. Many of us have established genuine friendships where Bizcatalyst360 is a platform of ingenuity and indeed harmony.
Thank you Dennis
As we’ve said often, my friend – we’re simply the orchestra conductors, blessed with the opportunity to share the “gifts” of amazing harmony authored by our and so many other wonderful writers worldwide. Thank you for your kind words, Simon and indeed, for sharing your gifts day in and day out.
None of this would have happened without your idea to create such a site, the drive to put it in place, and the tenacity and leadership to keep in on track. Without that there would have been no contributors, no sharing of knowledge and ideas, and no awards. Those of us that participate in your dream are the true beneficiaries. Thanks.
Your words matter, my friend, as you’ve been with us practically from day one – witnessing the hills and the valleys along the way. Your wisdom shared along the way has been such an essential brick in our foundation, and for that, we are eternally gratful.
I can’t top your words, but expressions from my heart are overflowing with what I have experienced and where I have received encouragement from being part of the BIZCATALYST360 suite of extraordinary ventures. The benefits have far and away exceeded my contributions. It has been a blessing to journey with you and I celebrate what is still developing as more ideas germinate and communicators/entrepreneurs join. Thank you for being the very first to believe in me. I am excited to see where you grow next. Confetti and tickertape for you!
Our walk from day one has been a journey of amazing discovery, amazing friendships, surprises galore. So glad that you’ve been walking alongside us each step of the way, my friend. Stay amazing – because you are!
Well said, Jane! I echo your words.