This week was a toss and turn type of week for my mind and soul: I felt myself being pulled in multiple directions that seemed in direct conflict with one another. While this isn’t atypical for a Tracy Flick like me (see previous post), my attitude towards it was less than admirable. Rebellious … petty … negative … but as Rick Springfield pointed out, “I’m only human, born to make mistakes.”
So what does this have to do with perspective? Everything … but let me tell you a story first:
Last night I was at the gym, and as I typically do, I was processing many of these situations in my mind. What should I do? How should I react? Why am I here … again? The music on my mp3player was slow and melodic, and my thoughts were deep and methodical. Then I looked up at a man in front of me … he was slightly hunched, clearly bald, and limped as he walked.
I passed him with my quick and bouncy stride and felt his strength as I passed. When I came around the circular track once more, I saw him standing next to the wall, slowly moving a towel up and down as he pressed it against the wall with his right hand. It was clear that he was rehabilitating his body … a body that was failing him.
I didn’t feel sorry for the man; rather, I felt in awe of his will and courage. He reminded me that greater struggles exist and that we all must get back on our feet and work at regaining our strength.
While it is important to face the challenges of the day and to reflect on the decisions we must make, I also challenge us to not lose ourselves to the emotions that can take us in a direction where we don’t want to be. Honor and acknowledge those emotions, but also ask yourself if they are aligned with where you want to go. If not, ask yourself how they can become aligned and give yourself the time to regain your strength and perspective.
We are only human, made of flesh and blood – thank goodness for that!
Very nice, Questioningsoul…so many things are about our perspective…and you touched on one of them well today, inspiration. Thank you for the little tidbit reminder.
Thank you, Scott! All week, I tried to remind myself of this moment and it lifted me throughout each day. When faced with a frustration at work, a friend said, “Why don’t you seem to be letting these things bother you?” I couldn’t really articulate it … it just “didn’t” … and I think this perspective helped in those moments.
Your saying that you “felt his strength as you passed” is a very interesting and in fact courageous thing to say. It is a rare person these days that can – in a way – “experience” another person’s energy the way you described and then use that to internally strengthen their own soul in a positive way. I truly believe this is a skill we could all benefit from.
Thank you, Social Girl … though I don’t want to sound too new-agey, I give a lot of credence to the life we share with others through our own attitude, behavior and energy. My children remind me of this as one of them has a charismatic, dynamic energy that zaps others with joy, and the other has a wise, deep and soulful energy that almost challenges you to dig deeper into yourself. Always good to see your posts