Why has this story captured our attention? You know the one – a guy they are calling The French Spiderman, who scaled 4 stories of a building to save a child literally hanging on for dear life, from one of the balconies.
Courage, physical strength, the selflessness of the act.
THE ACT ITSELF.
This man acted.
It demonstrates his “values in action”. Bravery, persistence, concern, generosity. (Later we get the back story that gives us even more of an idea of who this man is – as an illegal immigrant, a natural instinct would have been to not involve himself, and keep a low profile to avoid deportation)
Sure, the story is inspirational. It’s also a chance for us to gain insight into what we might have done in a similar situation. Are you more like the French Spiderman or are you one of the (dumbstruck) people filming it on their cell phones?
It’s an extraordinary example of choices we all make every day.
To act or not act. To help someone or not help someone.
This example had extreme risk, and extreme reward. He saved a boy’s life. Unexpected rewards include being offered his French citizenship. AND he’s got our attention and our adoration, at least for a little while.
The rewards during daily life may not be as high, but the risk doesn’t have to be as high either.
Just act. Do something that aligns with your values, that gets you one step closer to a more meaningful life. Maybe it helps someone else. And then has the unintended consequence of helping you, too.
It’s said that we only regret the things we didn’t do. I believe this to be true. So if it’s fear holding you back… ask yourself what you’re afraid of? Failure? Vulnerability? Connection? Imagine how all of those might feel. Then laugh and say “Ok, But So What?!”
I know it’s hard to imagine, but in the middle of all that discomfort and disillusion (of going for it) is where the gold is. But you have to step into it. I don’t care if it’s putting one toe at a time in the water, or hurdling yourself into the deep end…Go get it.
