I have a bit of a literary streak and this ode, poem or lyrical sharing of thoughts and perspectives by Dan Waldschmidt and his Edgy Conversations blog is one that I couldn’t resist. Why? Just because he did it! He stands a bit on the edge — ok, he’s hanging OVER the edge and not afraid of taking a fall or two. Something we all need to do.
There is always a line.
A line that you’re not supposed to cross.
You’re told that line is there to protect you.
That line is there to keep society safe, polite, and working cohesively.
It’s approved by your boss, demanded by your priest, and reinforced by your peers.
For your entire life, you’ve been told that you can’t cross that line.
And you listen to you’ve been told.
In the past, you’ve gotten close to the line but you pulled back at the last minute.
You looked across the line and wondered why it was so much trouble to cross in the first place.
But you figured that years of wisdom must have informed others of something you don’t know yet.
So you stay on your side of the line.
And like everyone else standing on the safe side of the line, you begin to notice that not everyone plays it safe.
Every once in a while someone steps across the line.
Sometimes they don’t even look both ways.
They just lunge violently across the line.
And there they stand.
All by themselves.
On the other side of the line.
Then two or three others look at each other and make their way to the other side of the line.
Now not everyone moves.
Some people talk about moving but then just stand where they are.
Others start moving towards the line but then get distracted and fall short.
And as you stand watching, you begin to notice that the line begins to move.
What used to be dangerous on the other side of the line is now safety.
Someone else’s boldness, has made what used to seem scary and unachievable safe for you.
And yet you stand safely where you’ve been told to stand.
Hours turn into days and days turn into months.
Those months turn into years.
Working, talking playing, living — on the right side of the line.
Where there is safety and laughter and less pain.
And a lot of unfulfilled dreams.
On the outside, people are smiling — but inside they are wondering “what might have been.”
And as time moves on, you’re left with the urge to find that out for yourself.
Not “what might have been” but “what could still be”.
It all starts with a single step.
A step across the line.
Thanks to for his commentary. It’s really smart, sharp and edgy.
Follow him at twitter.com/@anWaldo
https://www.facebook.com/daniel.waldschmidt
http://www.linkedin.com/in/danielwaldschmidt
(Why LinkedIn? Because you want to KNOW this guy!)
In case you want to know a bit MORE about Dan!
Thanks!!
Stevie Wilson
LA-Story.com
