Outrageous Costume

As children, our imaginations are what defines us. Everyday is a new, extraordinary adventure. One day we might be knights slaying mighty dragons, and the next we might be astronauts defying gravity. Nothing is impossible because everything is possible in our imaginations.

But then we cross a magical line and suddenly our identities are not marked by pretending to be someone else. Anxious to enjoy the privileges that come with being of age, we take off our costumes and put our antigravity boots back in the closet of our minds.

I don't think we realize the choice we make as preteens, we just want to be adults. We start to think about money, dating and sex. We pay bills instead of playing until the day has stretched past twilight. It's all a part of maturing into an adult. So why does growing up mean that you have to leave your imaginary escapades behind. The simple answer, of course, is that it doesn't.

This past weekend, I was invited to an outrageous costume party, and for a few hours Saturday night, the two worlds collided. Fully grown, mostly well adjusted adults gathered in a backyard and played dress up. When new people would walk into the party, everyone would excitedly turn to see what the outrageous costume would be. And there were nothing but smiles to go around.

Living the Dream

Every once in a while a story inspires me. And I don't mean the regular every day kind of inspiration, I mean the really big kind. The kind that makes your chest swell; that makes you shake with excitement and pride. The kind that flushes out any doubts or fears that may be consuming you. The kind that gives you the confidence and hope to believe that anything really is possible.

Sometimes it's a movie that gets me. Sometimes it's a poem or a news artcle. While the general theme of the stories may differ, the one thing that they all have in common is a character that acts remarkably, and not surprisingly with the values that I hold closest to my heart. They have a giving nature, are prone to self sacrifice and always make the right (tough) decision.

This past weekend I found inspiration by means of a phone call: Justin Jude was named Oregon's Best Singer/Songwriter 2007 at the bite of Portland. When I first met Justin, he was beginning his quest to break into the Portland music scene. He played gigs in noisy cafes and empty coffee shops just trying to be heard. In the three years since then, he has not only been heard, he has started gaining recognition for his musical talents.

Justin is the gold standard of remarkable people from my perspective. He is thoughtful, compassionate, genuine and a devoted friend. It makes my heart swell with happiness to know that good fortune is deservedly headed his way.

Spirit of the Game

There is little doubt that competition inspires tremendous accomplishments, both individually and as a team. Whether competing head to head or in pursuit of records, athletes, businessmen and even scholars use competition to drive them to higher achievement.

But what happens when a competitive spirit is so overwhelming that it compels one to cheat? What is a little doping in athletic competition, or a little slander in a political campaign? In its simplest form, that’s nothing more than a tactic to end the day as the best man.

In light of recent sporting scandals (doping in the Tour de France; Barry Bonds pursuit of Hank Aaron’s home run record) I find myself asking the question, “When the purity of competition becomes tarnished does it become meaningless?” Isn’t the reason we watch the game to see human struggle and achievement happen before our eyes? If that’s the case, does it matter if everyone is juiced, so long as the playing field is even?

The answer for me is a resounding YES! It does matter! In my mind, competition has little to do with winning. It is the means that allows us to measure our abilities against someone else’s. In its purest form, it is a healthy way for us to become better people. In its ugliest form, it’s egotistical and keeps us from reaching our goals.

Reflections

As far as I can tell, inspiration comes from either external or internal factors; that is to say either you are inspired by the people, places or things your come across in your journeys, or you are inspired by something you discover within yourself.

It isn't a far stretch to say 99% of inspiration is external. It's the reason we travel to the far reaches of the world. It's why we go to museums, why we eat at fancy restaurants and why we go to concerts/shows/movies. Inspiration is readily available in the world, all you have to do is open yourself up to be inspired (which is itself not always an easy task).

While it is easy to find inspiration around us, I think it is more meaningful to find inspiration within. Digging into the depths of the self to get a truer sense of who you are and what you really want out of life.

I have spent much of the past month trying to think of the five things I want to be/do in the next five years to make myself feel more whole.

Here's my list:

1. Spend 5% of my time building / enhancing my community
2. Live a 75% green and organic and healthy lifestyle (I would guess I'm around 20% currently)
3. Visit friends and family in places I've never been (stay for free!)
4. Meet family I've never met and learn about Gosselin/Austin heritage
5. Live within biking/walking distance from work.

What are your five?