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It’s April and I am the Fool

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Harry Jumps Again
Image by ian boyd via Flickr

Written by Karen D. Swim

Today is April 1st and I am a fool! I am not the victim of an elaborate prank. I have not lost my ability to be prudent but I am proudly a fool. I have fallen victim to the folly known as absolute belief in what seems foolish to others. But, I am in great company.

Had it not been for great fools of the past, we would still believe the earth was flat, we never would have dared to create flying machines and this message would be in Morse code. Long live the fool who risked it all when no one else believed. Kudos to the dreamer who passionately pursued uncharted territory even after failing over and over again.

Today is the perfect day to join the ranks of fools, to heroically follow your own internal compass and believe in what seems impossible. As others laugh at foolish pranks, let us join the dance and celebrate our fooolish dreams.

Have you ever been afraid to take a risk for fear of appearing foolish? How did you overcome it?

For an extra shot of motivation:


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At Last

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Barack Obama and Michelle Obama
Image via Wikipedia

Written by Karen D. Swim

Last night, U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama danced their first dance to the song At Last (originally recorded by Etta James). The song was recorded in 1961, four years before the National Voting Rights act was signed. Nearly a century later it has a new place in our history, marking yet another milestone in our country.

I have always loved this song but as I listened to it this morning I wondered, how many woke up this morning in anticipation of their own “At Last?” How many are still in the struggle for what sometimes may seem a far off battle? How many desperately want to celebrate their own At Last?

President Obama symbolized the culmination of a long fought battle for many Americans but as he pointed out the sacrifices of generations paved the way to that moment. As he stood in the national spotlight yesterday, he did it standing on the shoulders of so many who struggled, fought, sacrificed and most importantly believed there would be an “At Last.”

Your own moment may not be 50 years in the making but I urge you today to proudly stand upon the shoulders of those that have gone before you, and to link arms with those around you who will help you make it to your moment in the sun.  It begins with belief and continues with action and yes, often sacrifice but this song can be your anthem too.

Are you working toward your own “At Last?” What keeps you motivated not to give up? Have you already arrived, and if so, have any tips to share?

Resources:

Voting Rights Act

Etta James Video

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Come on Big Head, Let’s Roll!

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The Oxfam G8 Big Heads on Holiday

Image by oxfam international via Flickr

Written by Karen D. Swim

Earlier this week, I watched the TV Show, Private Practice. I was struck by one particular scene in which two characters, Dr. Cooper Freedman and Dr. Charlotte King were discussing a case. The two are dating and below is the transcribed excerpt (Please note that I am not a transcriber so I may not have captured every word perfectly).

Cooper (looking very mopey) :I have a kid with a big head and there’s nothing wrong with him except that he’s going to be ridiculed, mocked and looked down on for the rest of his life.

Charlotte: And that’s your fault?

Cooper:  No that’s just me I’m the one who doesn’t fit in, who’s going to be  the first out of the practice because they don’t want me on their team anymore. I have a big head.

Charlotte: Oh my god you’re pathetic. You are crazy and pathetic! Big head’s not a problem, it’s a virtue moron. You know who had a big head?  Lincoln, JFK, Elvis, Einstein, plenty of people had big heads and they don’t sit and mope that they have big heads so don’t you sit and mope that you’re a pediatrician. Do your job, do it well and screw everyone else. You’re the big head kid, more power to you!

Do you ever feel like you’re the big head kid? The kid who sticks out like a sore thumb because they don’t effortlessly blend in with the crowd. The kid who hangs his head to the ground when teams are being picked, so afraid he’ll be last because no one wants him. The kid who tries to affect an air of confidence while inside she’s quivering like a bowl of jello?

I know I do. There are times that I feel like I don’t fit in or am not as successful or talented as my peers.  I get insecure about my worth and accomplishments and like Cooper agonize and mope over my big ole head. it happens to the best of us. We all have moments of doubt, if we’re honest.   We wonder what others think of us, if they think we’re good enough to be on their team.  Are we as smart as our peers, colleagues, family members? Do we deserve to be on the team or are we the weak link, guaranteed to be kicked out to make room for someone more worthy?

Here’s the good news. You are different. We’re all different. We all have something, a big head, big ears, whatever.  If you’re in that place today, where you are not feeling your own press, embrace your big head and let’s roll! You’ve got a big head. It’s not a fault, it’s a virtue. It makes you unique and different. Your goal is not to fit in, to be just like everyone else.  You have got a big head. It’s your thing, leverage it.  As the character, Charlotte said, do your job and do it well.

YOU are the big head kid. More power to you! Now, let’s roll big head we’ve got worlds to conquer!

I hope you all have a great weekend and please mark your calendar for Monday, October 27th. I am proudly hosting Published Author and Editor, Lillie Ammann on her book blog tour.  Lillie will be sharing words of wisdom that are guaranteed to inspire anyone who has a dream. Lillie has also graciously agreed to give away a copy of her brand new book, Dream or Destiny to one lucky Words For Hire reader.  The winner will be randomly selected from commenters. So please drop in on Monday, and leave a comment for Lillie. And please share it with friends too! The post should be published by 8 am EST.

Be well,

Karen aka “Big Head”

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How Santa Busted My Recession Blues

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Written by Karen D. Swim

One evening last week, I sat on my couch debating whether to make the trek to gather the mail. After all, it had been a long day and it would simply sit untouched anyway. As I was debating, the news hummed in the background with an incessant procession of bad news. I rubbed my neck and decided the fresh air would be good.

I walked quickly inhaling the brisk fall air, enjoying the crisp breeze on my cheeks. I reached the bank of mailboxes and saw an unfamiliar face. “Hello,” I called out cheerily. The man looked up and returned with a warm and hearty “Good Evening!” He looked to be in his lte 60’s with nearly white hair. Although older, he had a physically imposing presence softened by ruddy cheeks and a twinkle in his eye reminiscent of Santa Claus.

“How are you this evening?” I asked. “I am wonderful and so blessed!” “My box was at the opposite end and we were now facing one another. I looked up with a wide grin, “I love hearing that!” “Oh yes, everyone asks me how I can be so happy with all of the bad things that are happening but I tell them none of that stuff matters.” We chatted as we gathered our and then walked toward one another meeting in the middle on the sidewalk.

“For most of my life I could not walk. I’m in my sixties now. The technology finally caught up and I had an operation a few months ago. I have a cane in the car but slowly but surely I need it less and less. I may move a little slow but I can walk. The economy, gas prices, none of this stuff matters, I can walk!” With tears in his eyes he warned me that he was going to hug me and grabbed me in a hug.

He then stepped back and with a tear in his eye declared “You’re a nice lady and I knew I just had to tell you that!”

We exchanged names and cheery good-byes. He walked to his car and I practically skipped off into the night air. He said his name was Paul, but it sure felt like a visit with Santa.

I have thought of Paul often and always with a smile.  Whenever I am feeling the strain of long days, or too much exposure to bad news, I hear the words “I can walk!” The memory of “Santa Paul” reminds me of what is truly important.

Do you have a special memory that never fails to lift your mood? Or perhaps it’s a favorite place, quote or joke? Let’s talk about it in the comments. 🙂