With all humility this column is part two of a two-part series about people and things that have inspired me and inspire me still in hopes that you, the much-appreciated reader, might also take an inventory of the same.
Friends. I’ve had wonderful friends throughout my life. Since I stepped onto The Balcony at City Grocery 10 years ago I discovered a group of friends that let me be the most authentic self I could be since high school. The Whiskey Wednesday group and the Knights of the Long Table (bartenders) help make me feel especially safe and cared about. Some have said that The Balcony is my home away from home. The truth is that my apartment is home away from home. The Balcony is my true home—my chosen home with my chosen family.
My family of origin inspires me even though both of my parents and all three of my siblings have died. It’s a strange feeling to know that you are the last surviving member of the family you grew up with, but I do gain much inspiration from my memories of them. I especially see Mama reading her Bible and hearing her say to me, “If you don’t have something good to say don’t say anything at all.” She will always be my Fount of Kindness.
I’ve found so many things in my heart that I didn’t appreciate at the time. I wish I had recognized them while they were taking place, but perhaps that is a course most of us take in life. One of my Balcony friends, the Sheik, once said, “Hindsight is 50/50.” Cogitate on that for a while.
There’s a little boy that I see on the Square often. We sit and talk of all kinds of things, tell riddles and jokes, and sometimes he shows me his newest dance moves. He is wise beyond his years and is one of the kindest children I’ve ever known. I once asked him, “What’s something you’ve learned in life so far?” He thought for a bit then said, “Sometimes the little things make a big difference.” Out of the mouths of babes indeed. That literally took my breath away. I’ve told his parents, and perhaps him (I can’t exactly recall), that if I ever have a grandchild I hope they will be just like him. He gifts me with inspiration, joy, and love.
The arts inspire me. Works of art, whether they be music, paintings, books, movies, dance, sculptures, stage plays or other forms, inspire me. They touch my heart and soul, not just because of their beauty, but also because the creator(s) had the courage to put their heart and soul into their work, and were brave enough to share their creation with the world, taking the risk of rejection.
I have chosen to eliminate the words “good” and “bad” in relation to artistic creations. Why? Because everyone brings their own life experience to their appreciation of art. So while one person might love a piece of art, another person doesn’t. No big deal. You like it, I don’t. I like it, you don’t. Beauty is in the eye, heart, and soul of the beholder.
My son, Jonas, inspires me the most. Jonas is forty-two years old now. He’s been through a lot, including being a Marine deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq during the early years of our wars there. He’s married now to a wonderful woman. They support each other magnificently. Jonas has developed a deep spiritual life. I was always concerned about that. He went to church with me, and I told him about my spiritual beliefs. I never pressured him. He found spirituality for himself and holds beliefs of high ethical and moral standards. I’m so very proud of him. He is my greatest hero.
In writing these two columns I’ve unearthed more of the things that inspire me than I ever thought possible. There’s no limit. Things like the changing colors of oil that’s dripped on water, looking at the rain on the street, standing in the wind, eating chocolate and a medium rare ribeye cooked on a grill, and especially hearing one of my therapy clients say, “You saved my life.”
There are so many more things that inspire me but I’m out of space again. I’ll close with this: if you’re reading this column, know that you inspire me, and I am ever so grateful. Shalom!
…and that’s the View from The Balcony.
Randy Weeks is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Telemental Health Provider, Certified Shamanic Life Coach, ordained minister, singer-songwriter, actor, and writer. He seeks to live a life of gratitude and love.
