I write this while sitting in a Laundromat. I come here
every so often to wash my comforter since it’s too big to fit in my washer at
home. The place is right down the street from my house, and every time I’m here
I gain a greater respect for those who have to schlep piles of laundry here
every week. Not to mention it reminds me to be very grateful for the rickety
washer I have at home.
Tonight there is a family here with me. A young Hispanic
couple with three kids ranging from what looks like between 3 months to around
12 years. The middle child is a boy who is most likely around 5. He’s chock
full of energy, but not in that obnoxious
wreaking-havoc-on-everything-around-him sort of way. Instead, he’s playing some
sort of imaginary game, and although I don’t understand what he’s saying, I can
only imagine that he’s conjuring up something grand. Whatever it is, it’s sweet
to watch. He glances at me occasionally, and smiles back when I smile at him.
He seems curious about me and like any kid, starts becoming a little more animated
with whatever it is he’s pretending to be when he knows I’m watching. I send
out a secret wish to him that he gets to pursue a path in life that gives him
as much satisfaction as he’s getting right now.
That’s the thing about kids, there’s a time in life when
the whole world is wide open for them. It’s before they start listening to a
world that tells them that they can’t step outside the box that society has
constructed for them. I remember my daughter telling me when she was very
little that she wanted to be “the person who makes sidewalks”. I can’t recall exactly
why she said that was so alluring to her at the time, but in retrospect it
showed a desire to create and design something, which speaks of the artist she
is today.
My point in all of this is that as adults it’s important
to find that kernel of childhood spark – a belief that anything is possible –
to uncover the bit still untarnished by society’s boxes. Without it we would be
devoid of so many things. Can you imagine the flack that the Wright brothers
got for even talking about their dream of building a “flying machine”? What if
they had listened to the naysayers? They had to have a combination of
confidence, vision and the childlike belief in possibility to pull that one
off.
Whatever it is that makes you feel all sparkly, do it. If you feel that your spark has
been snuffed out or is fading, then it’s time to start doing what you love again
to rekindle it. Find something, no matter how small, to fan the flames. It
doesn’t have to look like it did when you were a kid. I didn’t achieve my once-upon-a-childhood
dream of becoming a secret spy, though I’ve been able to pursue work that
requires observation, something I enjoy and I’m sure is a necessary skill for a
productive secret spy. Do whatever it takes to start feeling inspired – take a
walk, grab a sketchpad and doodle, read a book, sing a song, write a song –
whatever feels good to you.
I believe in you, Sparky.
With Love.
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From Over There:
“Belief in one’s
abilities circumvents the limitations perceived by others. The perception of limitation
is the product of the mind, and represents the closing off of connection to the
spirit’s wisdom. The mind that remains
open allows for creative flow and the spirit’s wisdom to be present. By
remaining open one calls forth benevolent forces to support the unfolding of
ability and the confidence needed to sustain belief in oneself. Belief in
oneself is necessary regardless of the level of ability. Without it the ability
becomes stagnant, never meeting full potential”
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Featured Guest:
Venus Williams
This week’s guest is Venus Williams, professional tennis player (former world #1), entrepreneur, and role-model. Here's a quote from her that pretty much says it all: “Some people say I have attitude - maybe I do... but I
think you have to. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does - that
makes you a winner right there.”
