I am going to start this with an inspiring story!
I heard about this great kid tonight. She is the daughter of one of my friends from residency, Jeff. When his daughter was 5 years old, they went hiking as a family and she saw a small pool above a waterfall where there were tiny little fish. She promptly told her father that she was going to catch one of those fish. He told her she was welcome to try, but truthfully I don’t think he thought it was that likely. You’ve seen those little fish move.
The rest of the family went a little further down stream and played for over an hour, before Jeff decided to get her – probably a little frustrated that she hadn’t caught up with the family yet. Next thing you know - she came running around the corner – Holding a Fish in her Hand!!
Turns out Jeff ‘s childhood dream was to run a zoo. He has a hobby of creating these dynamic micro-environments for animals in which he is interested. This has led him to build terrariums for poison dart frogs, true chameleons – you name it. Before you think this is some amateur thing – he creates entire worlds – complete with micro orchids and miniature ferns – whatever it takes to make what he is growing comfortable and successful.
The funny thing is that I think the story about Jeff’s daughter and his interest in terrariums are related. One of the things I admire about Jeff is that he has managed to create a place where his daughter can succeed and in his own words - “stay out of her way”. Many parents are struggling to figure out what to do with their kid’s dreams and I think his technique has something to show us. Make the world an interesting place and then get out of their way - so they can do what they are determined to do.
To Jeff’s daughter – your dad is so proud of you and your brothers. I can’t wait to see what you decide to do next!
Post words of wisdom and inspiring images that have helped you along the way.
Here are some of my favorites to get us started.
"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." by George Bernard Shaw
Muppet Inspiration 11/13/09
Sometimes inspiration comes from funny places. This one came from my friend Robyn’s facebook post. Now, I am
going to take the risk of possibly overanalyzing a muppet song, but here goes…
After you watch the link – read below to see what I
think it is about.
I think this video is totally about all that
fantastic creative stuff bubbling up inside of us - the stuff that can't wait
to get out - even if the perfect pigs - just want you to sing the pretty part!!!
There are so many opportunities to stop
creating. So many times you will
think it’s not good enough. But
the good news is that it can’t help itself. Your dreams are going to keep trying to get your attention -
until you finally listen to them.
So throw out all the nonsense. Go for it.
And tell everyone who doesn’t believe:
Mahna Mahna!!!
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