Beacons

Have you ever stopped to consider whose beacon you are? Who sees you around the same time each day, leaving your home, running to the train station, buying your morning coffee, tweeting a morning wish or just nodding and smiling as you rush off to somewhere you need to be? And because of your presence, they feel reassured that everything will be okay.

My guess is that most of us never really know just who we inspire, whose day we make better with our presence, views, smiles or likes.

One fresh morning, a little before 6:30 am while running to the train station (as was my daily routine), I was lucky enough to be told by a passing fellow commuter that he appreciated me and that whenever he saw me on his way to the station, he always knew he’d make it there in time to catch the train.

They were a few seemingly inconsequential words spoken by a stranger – someone I never saw again. But that brief interaction made me aware that I could be encouraging and inspiring someone unknowingly, to keep waking up and showing up, to keep running and to keep trying…. Just by behaving in a way that demonstrates my own hope and belief that there’s meaning, purpose and always something interesting waiting to be discovered around the next corner, that there’s something worth working and fighting for in this life.

Life may seem dark and meaningless at times, but someone, somewhere sees you, appreciates you, and finds hope in your existence, showing up, being you, and not giving up; whether in person or as a favourite social media account or blog writer.

Never underestimate how brightly you shine when reflected in the eyes of those who witness and silently admire you living your life, tweeting your thoughts, even when you are unaware of your own light and at those times when giving up may seem like the most logical thing to do.

Life isn’t always logical. We sometimes find deep meaning in the seemingly meaningless happenings, humour in the darkest of times, and just sometimes, a fairy tale like love story unfolds in the most seemingly unmagical of circumstances. So don’t give up, who knows? You could be next in line to be pleasantly surprised beyond your wildest imagination!

EVGENI