The original story

I recently updated the "About Me" page on this blog to reflect how it has evolved in three years.  Yet I want to always remember the original metaphor I wrote for it in 2006.  It proved to be an important starting point.  More influential than I could have imagined.

My story.

When I find an appealing little café along a street, I always want to spend more time inside it than I can in real life.

I dream that these warm, buzzing little corners smell of strong coffee, sweet hot pastries and hopefully a tinge of chocolate.

In my imagination -- and sometimes in reality -- people talk energetically at their tables as they sip their tea or coffee.  They discuss candidly their daily challenges.  I sense a vigor in their eyes & voices -- perhaps an underlying spirit of optimism, even in the face of darker emotions also present. 

These people speak from the perspectives of real women and men. Real people who try to build a meaningful life as they live, work and lead. 

The path forward proves not often crystal clear.  That's why we talk together.

After a few minutes inside such a place, I begin to feel a peacefulness that comes with sensing that I am not alone in my stresses.  I find I can explore more ways to bring both a smile and persistence to my own attempted solutions.

I believe it is exactly this encouragement that I and others sometimes need to try our new ideas with courage and intellect.

And then we find meaning.  Continuous renewal does not have to reach a screeching halt at a special age or on a specific previously-chosen path.  In my mind's cafe, we feel motivated to create, to learn, to love – to live – through all aspects of our lives.

OK, maybe I simply drink too much coffee and that stimulates my imagination, but…

Can I bring you a cappuccino, double espresso or a latte? Here in my little virtual corner we can spend a few moments in a place where real people who lead and live can be heard and understood.  Perhaps even a little inspired. 

We will tell our stories with our own voices to support each other in learning and trying, laughing a bit to stay healthy along the way.

Because of course it is important to always serve a little piece of chocolate on the side.

Comments

[Paula Levinson]

I really enjoy this portion of "about me"...perhaps because I find that this process of self actualization is ongoing and ever-changing. You inspire me Jill, you take the chances, find the little spaces to grow and learn. I just celebrated my 50 birthday and I know that I am ready to evaluate my needs and to grow into myself. Change is scary to me, but I need to feel that I have what it takes to move into something more meaningful, something that provides solace.