To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
You’ve had a long week. I can see it in your eyes. Your hopes lie extinguished in their depths. I know; you had high expectations of yourself. You foresaw fulfilment in your work and happiness with your friends. And now your shoulders sag with disappointment. Setbacks, cancellations, diversions. Your to-do list has only lengthened. Another week begins.
And yet.
I saw you smile each day this week. True smiles; those that exercise both muscles and spirit. I saw you work with others – and me – selflessly; spontaneously. Meaningful and helpful work. I saw you stop mid-moan and teach. I felt your excitement in your presence. And it rubbed off on me. Yes: I too felt defeat this week. But seeing your smile – even as you struggled – warmed me. Please: keep smiling. It means more to me then I could ever convey.
And so, here is my selfish advice to you: finish your Shakespearean soliloquy. End your monologue about tomorrows and yesterdays. Quit living day to day. You are not a shadow strutting on a stage. Your tale resounds with meaning and promise to each with observant eyes. End your spiralling conversation with yourself. Instead, vocalize your thoughts: I want to hear them. Your ideas captivate me, your thoughts guide me, and your struggles challenge me to find solutions: both to yours as well as my own. Share your mind.
Big Smiles,
S
