As I stood outside of the inspection station waiting for a transaction to complete, a weathered palm stood. In it, I saw defiance, resilience, and a weathered statement of time and a life lived out in the world. Enduring Emirati summers, sandstorms, and relentless sun is never an easy feat. With the scars to mark the passing of time, it represented the lives of all who are willing to keep on standing.
I stood in silence, inspired, and challenged.
A life lived well can measured by the experiences and relationships along the way. It is never about the money. It cannot be defined by moments of status or power. Life success is found in relationships, steps taken together, and actions we gift each other with kindness and care. In the larger story, the weathered marks left by the elements, some natural, many intentional, are telltales of endurance, patience, and a desire to live.
Life can be difficult and brutal; my first calling is to not make it more difficult. This calling applies to how I view and treat my heart, soul, and physical being. It is in the moments when I step beyond the darkness of criticism, self-depreciation, and destruction to acceptance, kindness, and care that I realise my first step of living life to the full. Extending this to others brings the calling into focus. It is my opportunity to reach for a better future.
The challenge to take inspiration into reality is found in the simple acts of the day, especially when no one is watching. Simple mantras tell the tale; “Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone.” (Romans 12.17) Look for the good in others; everyone carries a precious gift within them. Be kind when it is easy, and forgiving and kind when it is hard.
Today is a new story, to be written with and on the lives of those I meet. It is my opportunity to make it easy for others, to step towards a better future. Everything wrapped in unconditional acceptance, kindness, and care. I write my story with you.
