We all think our lives are important. We live them like they are, like we are... and who can blame us? Every one is the only game in his own lonely town.
But when that game falls apart, when that game seems to be a losing proposition, when the fun has gone out of it - then what? What happens when everything we pile on - the trick hats and fake mustaches - can't change things, or make us feel masterful enough to whip them back into shape?
Then it's time for pluck. Pluck is bounce - the result of momentum gained by falling. Yes, by falling. Pluck presupposes nothing, except that we cannot fall forever, and that the bottom can propel us back up if we hit it right.
When pluck is engaged, self-importance vaporizes. The trick hats and fake mustaches are whipped off. We are falling after all, and everything that isn't nailed down goes flying.
But, even in the dismay and disarray of falling we must prepare for our moment of opportunity.
We will need to make contact, surrender to it, then allow ourselves to rebound from it - all in one go.
That means we don't flip out, flop out or cop out.
By the time other people see our pluck, it'll look like courage, and what's more - they'll be rooting for us.
Then it's time for pluck. Pluck is bounce - the result of momentum gained by falling. Yes, by falling. Pluck presupposes nothing, except that we cannot fall forever, and that the bottom can propel us back up if we hit it right.
When pluck is engaged, self-importance vaporizes. The trick hats and fake mustaches are whipped off. We are falling after all, and everything that isn't nailed down goes flying.
But, even in the dismay and disarray of falling we must prepare for our moment of opportunity.
We will need to make contact, surrender to it, then allow ourselves to rebound from it - all in one go.
That means we don't flip out, flop out or cop out.
By the time other people see our pluck, it'll look like courage, and what's more - they'll be rooting for us.
Photo: J. R. Eyerman
