In the midst of the worst injury in my life I was asleep in bed when a text message sounds. My head pops up, I grab my phone and recognize through the foggy vision that my partner has gotten into a car accident on the way to the gym. She laments that she is just down the street.
I knew that I had a small window from the point of waking up that the pain of the injury would wash over me so I dove through that window. The pain at that time was real; so real that just standing for too long would initiate waves of constant nerve pain that would quickly dissolve me into a shaking, short of breath mess.
As fast as I could I dressed myself put my shoes on and blitzed the door, Each step down the two flights of stairs sent unnerving earthquakes through my spine down to my herniation, And yet I charged on.
Approaching the scene I pull up our insurance info on my phone and take a look at both cars. Luckily no major damage had occurred and she was ok but a little shaken. After consoling her and explaining that this could have been so much worse and repeating that this what insurance is for the cop then reassures my claims. She takes a deep breath and I check on if the other person involved was ok and he was.
Seconds after knowing all is fine in the end my mind relaxed and the pain took hold. This sent me into a tailspin of cringing and shuffling feet back to my bed.
Once I cemented myself back into my resting place my day went on as it had been for the last few months. Rigid and riddled with nerve pain it hadn’t even crossed my mind that I sprung into action for the sake of my partner.
A few month would laps and I would start to reflect on my ability to act even when it seems not possible or safe. I recognize that one of my strongest motivators is when Im doing things for others. The act of service is my most potent and altering sources of energy.
I think all people feel good when doing good especially at the aid of another so this may be baked into all of us.
For any of you not sure if you enjoy people working together I would suggest looking up acts of kindness done on youtube.
What I find profound about this section of entertainment is that you have those who do good for the accolades and status as well as those interested in spreading kindness.
Those who do it for the status I would still say is a net positive here is why…
These folk who choose to do good, record it and are addicted to the attention are filling a void within themselves with this attention. In the short term this may work, but they will still need plenty of introspection to find what truly will leave them feeling whole. Once whole the kindness done for others become much more valuable. None the less the fact that these people choose generosity over other means of garnering attention is admirable.
Now for those who felt the calling to do good and record it to show the impact it can have on the world is where purity is discovered.
Often in these times of innovation it’s easy to loose yourself down rabbit holes of nonsense. It is healthy to be sure that your in person social life is balanced with a digital one. I personally prefer in person over virtual, but to each their own.
My strongest motivation is when others need my support. This is a gradient scale of course. There is no shame in taking care of your home first before taking care of your neighbors. It is harder to make change for others when you need change within yourself. Hibernation is often what many of us need in our deepest winters of life.
Acting through service was doubled down to me by both parents. My Father is a natural leader and can blend into any group providing guidance to anyone willing to listen. My Mother is a fierce mamma bear ready to blitz a threat and equally can be a delicate caregiver.
It doesn’t help that Im constantly fascinated with comic book heroics and superhuman feats of wonder.
Currently I lend my service to those in my tribe as my reach is more that of quality over quantity. This blog is my attempt at reaching with the wisdom baked within me.
My best times I have supported others has always been concentrated and potent. With my writing I aim to plant more seeds of perspective.
Jim Carrey in his speech to the 2014 graduating class of MIU explains how he discovered how he can impact the world. He then shares how he discovered that his gift to the world was to free people from concern. Through his comedic sense and true intentions of his most iconic parts he was able to spread joy and relief to so many.
Listening to this speech he asks, “How will you serve the world? What do they need that your talent will provide?”
I recently had my realization that my gift is that of perspective.
Perspective to me is powerful. Perspective turns your head to have you notice the interchanging flow of life. Perspective can be embarrassing, cathartic and jarring, but always helpful in the end. Perspective can soften anger, relieve stress and elevate wisdom.
So this blog is my start to try and spread my gift of perspective. The best part is that Im always wrong and always strive to be proven so. With perspective comes understanding.
When acting in service to others and extending your given gift outward without the itch for praise; that is when true kindness is shared. Offering without expectation.
Mr. Sods 