Life is an adventure. It can be a good, even great, adventure, if we pay attention. Occasionally friends tell me I am wise. I sometimes think it's just my gray hair fooling them, but maybe it's true. I think the trick is to pay attention in life. I wrote The Seamstress of Jamestown including many different kinds of people, life experiences, and motivations. Where did I get those ideas? From paying attention throughout my long life.
My cousin recently sent me this poem which I think says it all.
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost ... I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes me forever to find a way out.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place.
But it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in ... it's a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
I walk down another street.
by Portia Nelson
Life isn't about being perfect, but about learning as we go. If we pay attention to the holes in the sidewalk and the beautiful sunset, life will be a wonderful adventure.
