I had a two day break; not intentionally but perhaps needed. Too many
clamoring issues on my platter which demanded my time… but, as usual, something
in the news caught my attention: according to a 30,000 people, 15 country
survey taken by Badoo.com (www.badoo.com) US people are
still, despite all the issues we face, viewed as the “coolest” people in the
world… Just don’t know if a survey conducted by the same outfit that every day
emails me the fact that Crazy Kathy and 20 others (like her, I assume) wants to
meet me, is the one I should trust…
Well…
is this something to brag about and bring home? What is “cool”, anyway? What
defines this term and what makes someone view another individual and, just by
looking, identify him/her as a qualifier for this moniker? Is the definition of
“cool” (whatever that may be) in this
country the same one being applied in the survey? (don’t know; just saw the abbreviated results)… Is it clothes,
wealth, position… is it a combination of these?
Am
I to be qualified under the same terms as Snoop Dogg? Don’t think so; don’t
want so; no disrespect, just the fact we are way different persons, neither better or worse... Only guy on the “cool” list I could even begin (I think) to relate to, and from
a distance, is Steve Jobs… And I sure am at least a gadzillion dollars short of
competing…
Anyway,
let’s look at “cool” in a number of different ways we may actually be able to
translate into our own every day lives, shall we?
Who
can truly be “cool”?
- The single
parent who works 2 jobs and still comes up with a neat set of loving children
as they grow up? That’s cool, man…
- That
guy/woman to whom life has served a heaping platter full of tribulations
and still manages to smile and bring joy to others? That’s cool, man…
- The inner
city parents who, against many odds manage to bring up their children free
of drugs, issues or major troubles…? Pretty cool, huh?
- The folks
who have at one time or another fell to an addiction and have managed to
battle back, clean up their lives and become productive members of
society? Now, that’s reaaally cool…
- The people
who, despite harsh illnesses and physical issues go on with their lives
and infuse others with the desire to make it? Wow!! Cool!!
- Kids who understand
the importance of staying in school, graduate and go on in life without
heeding the call of those who constantly try to have them join their
losing ranks? Ultracool, man!!
- Those who
believe in themselves and simply say, thanks for what I have and the
chance to get ahead… much cool here!
- Those who
work hard every day so their families can get ahead, even when they know
their remuneration or workplace conditions are not what it should be… much
cool here…
- Those who
give of their time and of themselves so others can have a little of
understanding, love and care… very cool!
- Teachers
who against much misunderstanding and for not much money pledge their
lives to giving our children a shot at being someone… Can’t say how cool
that is!!
- Those who actually share what they have (not just what is leftover after having
their fill) so that, in having a little less, someone else may have a
lot more… how cool is that!!
- Someone
who can say “I love you” and with their actions show it is their heart
talking and not just their lips making noise… Way cool!!
- Two
people who have dedicated their lives to be together, enjoying each
other’s company every day and understanding the commitment this means,
even when in disagreement… you tell me just how cool that is…
- That vast majority of people who simply go about their daily lives and do their best every time, without joining the “easy complaints” bandwagon at the least notice… Too cool!!
We
can go on and on. There are so many people who would not qualify for a fool’s
description of cool yet, in real life (not
reel life, you know) in every one of their actions and achievements,
whether big or small, show a degree of coolness which would never be matched by
those who are on most “Kool” (yes, with a K) lists. We are surrounded by great, every day people
and often do not take the time to acknowledge just how much they mean to us and
to our environment.
Take
a few moments to look around and to really see them for, perhaps, the first
time. Make the effort to understand what they stand for, how they manage
themselves in the face of adversity or in the face of success; in both instances,
their actions speak much louder than words ever would. Get involved; take the
time to look at your own “every day” life and routine. Are you tired of it?
Wanting a change? But still you go on, so that those who depend and rely on you
can actually have a shot at having a life… This, in my book, qualifies you big
time. Have you been marked by an illness that may take you away from your loved
ones? And yet you go on, fight with everything you have and even manage to bring
a smile to the faces of those loved ones? That qualifies you, my friend… way
more than being pictured on a paper or a magazine with your little dog in tow.
Go
ahead!! Look in that mirror and just say it… “You’re Way Too Cool, Man!!”
Because, indeed, you are.
Be
Well… Be Back!!
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