Hearts Shielded by Anonymity
Someone recently told me, “There are two types in this world: friendly people and busy people.”
Huh?! was my initial response.
Segregating two admirable traits seemed…paradoxical. Keep in mind, I was raised by outgoing entrepreneurs whose mantra was: “the harder you worked, the luckier you became.” Of equal importance — EVERYONE was to be addressed with respect, gratitude, and (when appropriate) a firm, smile-infused, eyeball-to-eyeball handshake.
Okay, so maybe I sported some extra rosy glasses upon entering the “real world.” A hearty dosage of chilled reception would dim their hue over the years. At least, now, I had a tangible explanation: The fundamental demands of existence left some folks, well — otherwise engaged. That wouldn’t stop me from trying.
Still, when basic attempts to connect with humanity falter, crawling into a dark cave tends to sound rather…I mean, who would even think of putting themselves “out there” on a more intimate level? Whether an impassioned cause or artistic endeavor, baring your soul in anticipation of others expending their valuable time to take note is a gut-wrenchingly naive pursuit.
Yet, as the days grow shorter, I wonder who teeters in their rockers mulling fewer regrets — those who squinted into the blaze of indifference, bravely belting out their songs…or those who averted their gazes, hearts shielded by anonymity?
From my experience it hurts more to hold back from life. but sometimes that’s all we can do. A smile or help from a friend can help us open and reach out to life.
I completely concur about holding back…Most often, throwing caution to the wind is the essence of what makes the world such a fascinating delight…
What a beautiful, but sad post.
Absolutely awesome. The brave blazers if course. And it’s our job to help them see-:) continue to BE the beautiful light you already are my friend!
Thank YOU for boosting the illumination along my path, my angel of inspiration!
Well done!
Dear Friend, I really liked this because it affirms a basic human truth: everyone is worth knowing and even the coldest (read: busiest, meanest, etc.) can be warmed by the love of human interaction- even if that action is the simple act of acknowledging them. I write – that is, I express- because I do feel that each of us has something unique to contribute (that no one else can contribute) and if we keep that hidden away, then the world is all the poorer for it.
I write and write, and leave them in notebooks, boxes, books, etc. and I hope after I am long gone, they continue to be found and I hope they continue to (hopefully) amuse and inspire.
Yours was a glorious write, indeed. Loved it.
your pal, Moskowitz
My Dearest Moskowitz, Thank you for your lovely, optimistic interpretation. May you and all courageous souls never cease enriching the world in whatever spirited manner possible…
“squinted into the blaze of indifference” is awesome! That’s my goal. Yes I’ll get more wrinkles – but I’ll have a full heart as I rock away on that future porch… Great post!
Blessings ~ Wendy
Aww, thanks, Wendy! I couldn’t agree with you more — I’ll trade a full heart for wrinkles ANY old day. Here’s to regret-free rocking down the line…
thinking about what i will be thinking about from my old rocker when i’m a wrinkled ole lady is the thing that inspires me to live it up now! beautiful post!!
Which is my wish for everyone! Sadly, far too many people are worried about “what others think.” I hope our hearts are so full that we have to cradle them in our laps as we rock…Here’s to a life overflowing with incredible moments of diving in headfirst, dear Liz!
Shauna, you have such an artistic way with words. Always amazing, uplifting, and inspiring; mesmerizing, even.
WOW! Mr. Bell?? To say you’ve left me a bit verklempt is an understatement. Such supportive kindness — coming from a dear old friend across the folds of time — fills my heart in ways that words cannot adequately express. Gulp. My gratitude is endless…
De rien, mon amie! Hiya, Shauna; and happy New Year. Thought of you often over the years. It’s good to see that life is treating you well. You have quite the way with words; I’m jealous … I have an unfulfilled desire to be a writer myself. Well, you keep writing them and I’ll keep reading them
Dear Scott, Such a privilege to reconnect, if only in cyberspace.
I am so happy for you and your life (beautiful family) as well. I bet you’re a fantastic/soulful writer. I’m terrified each and every time I press the “publish” button…and all the while I’m supposed to be working on my novel — eek! Please stay in touch; it means the world to me!! xoxo
Yes, I like that way of putting it — that remaining anonymous often feels safer than expression — although there are so many elaborate ways people (including me sometimes) disguise their desire for anonymity behind a facade of humility or realism.
I absolutely agree with you, and yet the idea of living “safely” leaves me feeling sad and empty. It is my wish that no one settle for such a meaningless existence, And, although it seems that no one cares at times and that it is perhaps an exercise in futility, we must do this for ourselves…
As an artist I veer towards the ‘squinting into the blaze of indifference’, and thought that indifference is often hard to take, those moments when you connect with another soul make the hardship worth it. Lovely post.
I share your viewpoint completely. Thanks for being one of those beautiful connections!!
I Love It!! Can you imagine how beautiful this world would be if we all stood tall…”Bravely belting out our songs” in authenticity??? I shall hold that vision in my heart…and do my best to sing bravely and boldly in my own amazing way!!
Thanks for inspiring us Luggagelady!!! I HONOR YOU!!!
Honoring you back tenfold, Dear Alania! YOU are a goldmine of enlightenment. May we sing our songs with gusto together — always…
♥ ♥ ♥ Sending you WAVES of Love and Admiration!!! You Make Me SMILE!!!!! ♥ ♥ ♥