While swinging a mace this morning, an idea for the newsletter came to me. It was so interesting that I thought: “No time to write it down. I’ll remember.”
Of course, after a shower and breakfast, the idea had vanished without a trace.
Yesterday I wrote about wonderful and, most importantly, accessible opportunities crowding at your door at any time. But there’s one nuance you need to know: each of them has a short lifespan.
If you don’t catch someone’s eye in the park and nod to a stranger right away, you’ll pass each other by, just like the hundred other people you’ve encountered today.
That’s why, in the middle of the night, I usually write down a dream immediately, even if it seems like nonsense and falling asleep again afterward can be difficult. The valuable meaning of the dream may reveal itself during the day, or sometimes months or even years later.
In one of my favorite movies, A Good Year (2006), Uncle Henry asks young Max: “What’s the most important thing about a good joke?” and answers: “Timing.” It’s the same everywhere: in stand-up, boxing, play, and love.
The gift comes to us on its own, but are we ready to take it into our hands?
Often we turn away or react too late. “Now isn’t convenient.” “Let’s do it after the holidays.” “Can’t you see I’m busy?” “Once I finish X, then...”
“Not now” means “never.”
It turns out that we get in our own way. More precisely, our Mind does. It is convinced that it knows better what is good and bad for us. It has analyzed all the resources available to us and built the perfect plan.
And suddenly this “stupid” gift breaks all those clever plans. How can we not feel irritated or angry? The Mind is doing everything it can to help a person, and then someone else interferes. Who, I wonder?
It is so hard to accept the thought that someone loves you just as you are, holds out gifts to you, just because, wanting nothing in return.
“People who don’t believe in kindness rarely encounter it.”
I don’t remember the author, but I’ve carried this thought with me for years.
As an experiment, believe sometimes.
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
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