Guest Blogger - Patrick Goodnow
The question is, how do you get to that spot?
I mean the true, sweet spot - when you feel like you are actually the person that you see inside of your head when you think of the very best of yourself?
I have been there.
Occasionally and entirely accidentally I have stumbled across it.
Surprisingly, I get very close in a crisis. Rational, empathetic, decisive and ready to offer support, comfort and love. When no one's house is on fire, I am afraid I am as much of a self-absorbed jackass as the next guy on the street is likely to be.
I'd like to get back to that sweet spot more regularly, purposefully. Plant a garden, let the roots grow deep and make it my home. Stop letting self-doubt, apathy, fear, stinginess of thought and pettiness of mind keep me from that cool and lovely place.
I know. Sounds like highfaluting pseudo-spiritual folderal, a liberal-leftie's mid-life crisis of conscious hot footing it to martyr-town.
You can stop wanting to choke me now.
Really.
But, back to the question... how do you get to that sweet spot?
Something that I am going to try is to be more purposefully available to the people who I care about without anything having to burst into flames.
Eric, the creator of Notes From the Night Shift is someone that I have known since High School but he has never heard these words from me:
- I love your writing, Eric. It is funny and moving and makes a difference.
- I have always thought of you as one of the kindest people I have ever known. It is something that I have always admired about you and tried hard to emulate.
- You make me laugh in ways that no one else can - and I mean full on, tear squirting, belly laughter at that.
- When I do get to see you brother, it always feels like I am coming home.
Not really all that hard to say and all are heartfelt words coming directly from that guy in my head, who I would love to be all of the time... living in the true, sweet spot.
Its a start.
Patrick Goodnow posts infrequently as Clever Rabbit
