Socrates: "The unexamined life is not worth living"
You
asked me what inspired me and I admit to being at a loss for words,
let alone ideas. I mentioned Yosemite as a place that I think of as
home but it isn't really inspirational in the sense of a call to
action.
On my
drive back to Connecticut the question kept running through my mind.
I admit that I'm pretty comfortable with my life and rarely ask the
BIG questions anymore. By now I know who I am, what I am, and am
somewhat ambivalent about why I am. But, still, the question
kept reappearing. If nothing else, it helped pass the two hours on
the road.
As
usual, the answer came when I finally ignored the question. When I
stopped trying to find the answer, the answer found me.
I
mentioned that Yosemite inspires me but that isn't quite true. What
it does is provide a place of spiritual quietness. A place where I
can consider my life and actions. It's a place for contemplation and
reflection, but not inspiration.
What
inspires me are the small kindnesses of others. That might sound very
Blanche DuBois but it is what drives me forward.
We
talked about those moments when we flinch with chagrin at the
missteps of our past. I am embarrassed at the rude and thoughtless
acts I have done to others. The times when I was petty or harsh to
people for no other reason than that I was trying to be smart.
I can
look back and blame this on the ignorance and arrogance of youth. I
have learned to forgive myself for the misbehavior for no other
reason than that I can not change it.
However,
I can do better and I try to. There were some who were steady in
their friendship through all my chaotic swings. Those who supported
me when I was less than sterling. It is by them that I am inspired.
It is
also by the small acts of kindness that happen to me all the time.
The nameless farmer in Tennessee who I met in a small diner on my
trip across country last summer. After talking as we ate he stood,
shook my hand, and wished me a safe trip. When he was gone the
waitress came over and informed me that he had paid for my meal. Not
because he thought I was poor or in need but because he wanted to add
a bright moment to my day.
It
costs so little to make people's lives better. I am hardly a
sentimental, touchy-feely
kind of guy but a smile, a helping hand, and a little effort can go a
long way to making a difference in another person's life.
So it
is the ones who have stood by me in my life, who were patient, and
who have given me that smile, helping hand, and extra effort who
inspire me.
Beautiful
sunsets last only minutes
and
mountains fade away in a million years
but
kind words and good friends last forever.
Make my day, tell a friend about this blog!
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