The author compares his life to writing a story. He states that we all want our lives to be a story that is enjoyable to read. No one wants to "write" a boring story. But, he asks, what are we doing to ensure our story isn't boring?? Are we taking the risks necessary to accomplish the things we really want in life?? Additionally, are we writing our own story, or the story that we think others want us to write? Good questions to ponder....
My husband and I were having a conversation similar to this several months ago. As I have never been able to answer questions like "What do I want in life?" or "What are my goals?", I decided to ask a different question to help me find the same results. The question is, "what type of person do I admire?" No matter how well you know me, I think my answer will surprise you.....
The type of person I admire.....might sometimes be referred to as a "HIPPIE" (you weren't going to guess that were you?!?!?!?)
This person
* Lives a very simple, yet enjoyable life.
* Doesn't care what anyone thinks of them
* Never judges others or themselves
* Is nearly always positive and smiling
* Doesn't care about money or status
* Is always kind to others
* Eats real food (vs 90% of the items found in a grocery store claiming to be food)
* Does most of their shopping at garage sales and second hand stores
* Rides their bicycle as their main mode of transportation
* Is carefree and loving life! Free Spirit!!
I see this type of person regularly in Ames. Sometimes at the natural foods grocery store, sometimes at the library, the second hand store, main street, yoga class, etc. I always feel drawn to these people and want to sit down and hear their stories.
Another place I went to recently where I felt very comfortable with the company I was in, was the local rodeo. There were lots of "rednecks" there, as well as many regular small town folks just out for the entertainment on a beautiful summer night. I loved that I didn't see anything that would suggest a status symbol or hear people talking about their corporate jobs, etc. It was just a good down home, small town feel.
I've never been one to admire others' education or careers. I don't particularly care where a person went to school (or if they went at all), nor that they are climbing a corporate ladder. I'm much more enamored by a person's personality and attitude. The man or woman who displays selflessness and is always positive....that's the person I want to sit next to at dinner....that's the person who's life story I want to hear.
So, as I've started taking notes on the type of people I admire, I'm finding myself being more mindful every day of small things I can do to be more like those people. Unfortunately, I have some characteristics completely opposite of those people and will likely never be just like them (which is good as I am my own person)....but small steps are better than nothing. Small steps help tell part of my story.
I'm still not sure what sort of story I'm telling, but I'm being mindful of the fact that I am indeed "writing" one and making choices daily to determine the next paragraph of the chapter I'm on. A couple nights ago, after putting the kids to bed, I was planning to read. However, as I passed by the window and saw the sun setting, I told myself, "you can read anytime, but sunsets only happen briefly".....I decided to go outside to watch the sun go down. I didn't regret that decision at all.
What is your story? Do you feel good about the path it is taking, or is a plot twist needed?
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