It’s pretty remarkable to get lost in another’s words. Basking in the warmth of someone else’s joy is palpable. Years ago an ex boyfriend walked through my doorway. We had lost touch with each other for quite a while, and here he was standing in my living room. No big deal right? Unless you know that he was in a car accident just months before that left him paralyzed; the doctors said he would never walk again. Yet, here he was, walking through my door, standing with only a cane for support, beaming like a triumphant kid.
I was flooded with joy for his victory. Not often do we hear true triumph over adversity, true determination over circumstances, and true pride in ones accomplishments. His story was pretty clear—he obviously did not cave in to the expectations of others. He obviously listened to his own counsel and did what only he knew how to do.
I heard another story of victory the other night. One far less dramatic, but, to me just as powerful. It was a story about self-discovery: finding out who you are, where you fit, and where you want to go. I was enjoying that same feeling of joy listening to my new friend’s successes. You see, when we are handed an event that changes our life, we might be able to rally and deal with the circumstances, but if we’re handed a bunch of small events that ultimately deliver us into adulthood confused and constricted, the true triumph is in each baby step toward clarity and personal growth.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step…even a baby step will do.
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