What is Impressive Anyway?

What exactly does it mean to be impressed? It is something I have pondered periodically throughout my life. Each of us can be impressed by different things. Some will have traditional talents that are impressive, such as exceptional athletic ability or creativity in the arts. Something that impresses one might not be of interest to another and may not have the same degree of engagement or attention. What impresses us in our youth may not impress us as we age. It may be something within ourselves that, in looking back, we were impressed with ourselves that we accomplished that something that seemed daunting at the time.

I thought of those that impress me. Those that have impacted my life have not been those of great wealth or even a superior title. Those that impress and influence me are the ones that can see the positive even when the world may be overwhelmingly negative. They are the ones that will treat each person with care and compassion regardless of how they look, what titles they have, or their perceived social status. They allow others to hold beliefs and ideas and genuinely attempt to understand others’ world view to expand their own world.

I imagine what others might remember about me when I am no longer here. I contemplate what I will be recognized for. Some may recognize me for the systems I supported, the projects I completed, the paintings I created, or the passages I wrote. Undoubtedly some will remember my sudden temper and anger when faced with others’ adverse actions negatively affecting many.

I am forever in the corner of the underdog. Why? Because I think they are the ones that truly can make a difference in the world, that have not found their passion, their gift, their reason for being. Those who are the stars among us know they are stars and do not need my praise to inspire them to shine. I focus on the black hole that might have been one of those stars but imploded from the stress of all it was taking in. It is in that darkness that we can find the light that lives within each one of us. I want to encourage them to ignite the flame that will burn on into infinity when we discover our purpose for being.