I’m Smarter than You Ar
All of my life I have sought out interesting people to draw wisdom from. Some of those interesting people were instrumental in my continual education in the school of life. Many of my “professors” showed me new and different ways to approach life; some taught me how not to live – based on their own egregious behavior; and some opened my eyes unknowingly, in a variety of ways.
Recently I sought out a man whom I had met briefly. I was struck immediately by his friendliness and down-to-earth approach to life. But that isn’t why I sought him out. He struck me as a leader and a thinker, and I never miss an opportunity to learn from people like this – especially one 20 years my senior.
Spence had given me his address and phone number and described in detail how to find him. My journey through the backwoods of Columbia County reminded me of the fabled climb to consult a Zen Master. Upon arrival at his country property, we engaged in a enjoyable, engaging, and emerging conversation. Throughout our conversation, I wasn’t sure if I should be afraid of his direction, or intrigued by his knowledge. I had this incredible urge to make weekly jaunts to sit at the feet of this man of many great thoughts. However…
There is something scary about someone who is continually telling you how smart and how tough they are. There is something disquieting about a man who sets him self up as smarter than you, even from the very get-go. There is something dangerous about anyone who believes they are right and everyone else is wrong. It was an enlightening conversation: I laughed, I received insight, and I wanted more.
But in the end, after some reflection, I’ve decided I have bigger fish to fry and more cliches to uncover. Still looking for that mentor/guru to be what no one else can be.
The Audacity of Hopelessness
The Audacity of Hopelessness – New York Times
The Audacity of Hopelessness is a well written editorial piece. As I read it, I couldn’t help but agree with many of the assessments. What struck me most of all, however, was the personal side of the equation. No matter how you feel about the candidates, Democrat, GOP, indie, one has to admire their courage and willingness to put it out there.
Not only have each of the candidates achieved some notable accomplishments in their lifetimes, they are educated, intelligent people. One does not rise to the level of a U.S. Presidential candidate without something significant on their resume. Whether you agree with a candidate or not, at least we can respect them.
As I read the above noted opinion piece, I was struck by the personal courage required to put yourself out there. The criticism, second-guessing, and insults come at the candidate like water out of a fire hose. Affirmations are few and far between, but there is an unlimited supply of criticism.
As one who has usually succeeded in the tasks I go after, I’ve also counted a few failures in my lifetime. It isn’t easy to fail. It hurts and as a broken human, I often wonder if my reputation will ever be restored. Though I’ve moved on, and I actually admire myself for taking a risk on something that was not a slam-dunk, some will never let me forget those failures.
I told my wife a few weeks ago that Hillary has lost the “spark” and that her campaign was virtually over. Many are now saying this. Still, I can’t help but have some empathy for her in these waning days. It is hard to say “Uncle.”
One Leg and a Great Attitude
I looked over and saw her. She was young and pretty. There she stood in the middle of the cafeteria with her pants pulled down. Moreover she was trying to remove her prosthetic leg. Obviously this caught my attention. It isn’t every day you see a beautiful woman standing in a public place with her pants down. It is even less often you see one trying to take her bionic leg off. But that’s not why I’m writing today.
There is much more to this story. I saw that this woman was part of a larger contingent of amputees and other differently-abled individuals. Some of them were wearing military t-shirts. I asked her if they were all military – mainly because I wanted to thank them for their service to our country. She explained that she was the victim of a motorcycle accident, but two of the eight were military heroes. Just then the young man in front of me turned around to see who his friend was talking to.
I reached out my hand and as we shook, I thanked him for his service and sacrifice.As we talked, I learned that his name is Garrett Jones and he is still active duty military, participating in a special USMC program that allows him to compete in snowboarding competitions worldwide. In fact, he was at Mt. Hood Meadows and Timberline lodge with a Windell’s snowboarding camp. He was scheduled to compete in Japan in the near future, but he is being deployed to Afghanistan in a couple of months.What impressed me about Garrett was his complete and utter lack of self-pity. Though he lost his leg, above the knee, just seven months ago, he had an incredibly cheerful and charismatic attitude. He told me how he and the other military veteran (whom I later met and thanked) were the only AK (above knee amputee) snowboarders competin. He talked about their video exploits, cliff jumping, and half-pipe spectacles over the past several days.
Throughout my years as a paramedic, and in traveling cross country several times, I’ve met some very interesting people. Some of them were characters, others were just downright interesting. Garrett struck me as one of those notable people who is going accomplish great things in life. Of course, time will tell.
As I drove home from Mt. Hood Meadows Thursday, I reflected on Garrett’s positive attitude. It was obvious that he is living a life without regret and a continual search for success. He mentioned to me how he is no longer infantry, but is working in intelligence: “Intelligence is the future,” he said. “At least until retirement.”
Those are well spoken words from a man who knows where he is going and how he is going to get there.
What about you? How are your choices and attitudes affecting your present; not to mention your future?
(My apologies to those who thought this was going to be something scandalous)
Confessing my Dad Attitude 