Growing up I was in such awe of my father. He was my childhood hero. He knew the answer to everything and from a child’s eyes always had an answer for everything. It’s funny the things we notice in our parents behaviors that somehow (not surprisingly) end up in our own behavior albeit slightly tweaked in our own personal way. My father was always quiet around new people. Some would say standoffish, but I could tell that he was just scoping out the scene getting to know everyone there until finding the appropriate way to engage in the varying conversations. He studied everyone and acted accordingly. I have those same observing qualities that have been a great asset in so many ways. However, the other day, a friend, teacher, and mentor made a comment to me as I politely waited to see if anyone was going to eat the last taco on the plate. The politeness was obvious, and his response was, “Aaron, aren’t you hungry? If you want the taco, kill it. Don’t hesitate!” I did and the taco was amazing. I sat smiling as the memories that flooded through my mind on how sitting and observing a situation is a form of hesitation. There is a non-committal attitude in hesitation. Where’s the passion?
How many times is there a moment where a spontaneous choice is needed? If that choice is made right there and then, the passion and excitement of doing so becomes the fuel to ensure it is followed through. The moment hesitation enters the equation, the momentum and raw power of the excitement is hanging in the wings. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of times where deliberation is necessary and can be what is needed to make a ‘good’ decision. But as far as feeling ‘alive’ and expressive, nothing depletes the wave of inspiration like being unsure of something.
Being alive right here and right now in whatever situation is happening around us is another opportunity to express our gratitude for the opportunity to express our art in our way and do it with complete integrity.
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