Yesterday at a brunch with my husband's former colleagues, I was moved by the many, varying paths of life lived. I am truly interested in the many paths life can take, and as I listened to the stories I thought a lot about positive influences, personality, desires, regrets, and change.
Positive influences
Stories told recounted the amazing influence people can have on lives. Almost every story recounted a parent's insights and commitment--the kinds of insights and commitments that propelled people forward, made them strong, and inspired the life they chose. Similarly almost every story recounted struggles with parents too--times when parents didn't understand or have patience with an individual's personality, quest, or interests. Other influences were mentioned too including mentors in school, church, community, and the workplace. When we positively influence each other we make each other strong, able, and capable. This is a positive aim in life.
Courage and creativity
Many stories recounted moments of courage and creativity. The courage to meet new experiences and the creativity to create and influence culture in significant ways.
Joy
There were also stories of pure joy that recounted special times with loved ones, favorite adventures, and treasured objects.
There are so many ways to live a good life, and the truth is that we can't travel all those paths. That's where storytelling comes in because via stories we can learn about and experience life paths we'll never travel, and simply by hearing these stories we broaden our horizons, develop our empathy and compassion, and enjoy the fullness of life. Onward.