"You know, I would rather have one year of wonderful than seventy years of mediocre. That's how I feel about it. Life's an unknown. You don't know. Nobody knows."
The above quote comes from Kik, the then girlfriend of Lance Armstrong, when asked why she would consider marrying a cancer patient.
I have recently re-read Lance Armstrong's book 'It's Not About the Bike ~ My Journey Back to Life', for means of aquiring further inspiration as I endeavour to live upto my previous self-proclaimed status as a 'goodness guru'. I don't believe that I am truly blessed with such qualities, but whilst remaining humble and modest I do know that I possess a good sense of kindness and understanding, and I additionally know that my greatest strength is undoubtably my patience.
This patience has been severely tested over the years on numerous occassions, yet I remain confident in the knowledge that no matter what life has thrown at me, I've dealt with it in a calm and patient manner, and I've always tried to look at things with an 'as-positive-as-possible' attitude.
The other reason I've re-read Lance Armstrong's book is to try to gain an insight into the mentality and physche of a person struggling to triumph over adversity. The best thing about this book is that it pulls no punches. It's a gritty realistic account of one mans fight against cancer, and describes in depth the real reactions to undergoing chemotherapy, and the effect that cancer has on the body and the mind.
Above all, what really inspires me is his determination to conquer this battle against cancer and confront it head-on.
A few people who are extremely close to me have recently encountered various personal problems and troubles, be it with their health, spirit or mentality, and they've turned to me for advice, help and support. Everybody deals with things in their own way, some people are happy to open up; others can shut you out ~ but there is no right or wrong way to deal with these personal issues.
All I can offer...and always will offer, is the simplicity of just being there for them.
I'm prepared to give all the love and care unconditionally, in order to help them through their tough times.
I listen, I understand, I offer advice where appropriate, I provide them with all the support they need, and
generally I just make myself available to them 24/7 as someone that they can lean on.
If these are the qualities that make me a 'goodness guru' as one friend calls me, then that's all well and good, but I just like to think that I'm being a kind and understanding soul.
I too have been a lost soul or a lost cause at various stages in my life, which is why as mentioned previously I can identify with St.Jude, the patron saint of lost souls...and if my only saintly attribute is my patience then I intend to use this quality to help others as best I can.
I firmly believe that giving is better than receiving, and I shall maintain this mantra for as long as I live.
I shall also continue to give all the love, care and support to those people in my life in need of it, and to those who are most deserving of it...I'm no saint but I do try to be good!
Ramblin' Steve
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