once i went to dinner with an amazing group of people
people who had been places
seen and done things that i've never given a thought or two
i really admire those people for their bravery
and sense of adventure
i wanted to set the world on fire like them
ruffle some feathers
and go skinny dipping in the dark
but i live a more subtle life
***
i don't want to imply that my life
has proceeded without struggle
and adventure because that is the far from the truth
i've had plenty of both but in the scheme of things,
in the light of these people i felt small
the truth is i didn't/don't want to be those people
i hate swimming{in dark or light}
i'm naturally rebellious, so i've probably ruffled
more feathers{or hearts} than i can count
it just didn't seem so grand comparatively speaking
***
that's why comparison sucks
it's makes you feel small for taking a new route to work
versus moving to india for three months
it makes you feel silly for caring so much about bobbins
when you could be leading the masses
but maybe you don't want to do that
maybe you want be right where you are
working your job, loving your loved ones,
dealing with the small fires{big ones to you},
sewing things that you have to beg people to take
maybe you are being brave when you
close your eyes and sit without distraction
for 10 minutes{or less}
maybe you are making someone's day when
you say hi to them or remember
that mango popsicles make them giggle or
remind them that purple brings out their eyes
maybe it's enough to stand with loss
and against casual cruelty{as best you can}
if the embers of this fire managed to catch hold
of just a few people, the world would be ablaze
with love
***
it is enough to be brave
in so-called small ways
because the small ways
are the gateway
There is also one of those things-that-are-never-said-at-commencement-ceremonies: You don't need to be great, you just need to be adequate.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, happiness can be found in just accepting who we are, where we are. Comparison can be okay, if you have certain mindsets about life :)
so true. but it's becoming my motto lately.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a beautiful and much needed reminder. I constantly compare myself with others -- in academic circles, it's hard not to. But then when I talk to people about the things I've done, I see their eyes light with awe, and I realize that my path is not anyone else's, but it's still pretty fantastic.
ReplyDelete@brandy. you are fab. incomparable.
ReplyDeleteOh, my gawd, Keishua... this is so incredibly beautiful and well said. By far my favorite piece of writing from you. You are absolutely correct. Being brave means such very different things to all of us and we have to love who we are without comparing ourselves to the accomplishments of others. Wonderful and so glad I read this today. Xoxo
ReplyDelete