C.J. Wrightwood

I've been studying and experimenting with personal growth for a couple decades. Being an artist, musician and technologist all weaves into my thinking and writing. But an eagerness for self improvement, and passion for sharing knowledge is what really drives me.

We all need to find more meaning and direction in our lives, to do the things we want to do, and help others. So be bold, take chances. Life is short and not a dress rehearsal.

Here's something that happened just recently, and worth sharing:

Leaving a doctor's office after a routine blood work visit I saw an old man with a walker. He was at the far end of the ramp, and would take a few minutes, but I stopped, turned around, walked to him and asked if he'd like help with the door.

He said "yes!" and was very grateful, talking about when younger he used to go up and down the stairs fast, like me. As we talked he looked in his late 70's, had a big smile, and was a really pleasant person. He said there are so many nice people in the world, but you never hear about them, it's always the bad things in the news. I agreed and nodded.

Another older man, seemingly in a hurry, got by us as I held the second door for the old man. As I was turning to leave he stopped in the doorway, and wanted to tell me something. He said, "Gordon Jump, the Maytag man." I said I knew of him, and was a big fan from his days on 'WKRP in Cincinnati.' Not sure if he remembered the show, but said he daughter used to work for him. He told me Gordon was known for ending every conversation with the phrase, "stay happy."

His face lit up as he talked about how Gordon complimented his daughter, telling him she was a "polished gem." Then he mentioned 3 pictures he had of Gordon with his daughter, one of them with Gordon pointing up at her smiling. The old man was just so happy to share, and talk fondly of Gordon. I mentioned, "didn't he pass recently? (actually was 2003)," and we both nodded.

He thanked me again for the help, and we each went our separate ways, happy to have talked for a few brief moments.

Why did this whole wonderful, interesting experience happen? Because I decided not to be in a damn hurry and take a few minutes to help this old man. That's it...just slowing down. Living in the present, in the now, instead of rushing into the car, thinking about an errand, work, etc. Just slowing down, looking to help, and being in the moment.

The old version of me would have missed out on this wonderful exchange and wisdom, because I would have been go-go-go and not thinking to take a few minutes to help. How many hundreds, or thousands, of events like this have I missed? While rushing through nearly half century of life? And for what? To catch a train, to do that important-then-but-I-don't-remember-now-what-it-was thing? It's crazy...totally totally bat sh!t crazy.

It shouldn't be like that, and doesn't need to be. Help that stranger with the door, tell someone they did a good job if they did, smile, take time to live...and appreciate. It's such a mad world we live in now that taking a few minutes to do things like this really stand out. It makes the other person feel good, and makes you feel good, too. All it takes is a little kindness and a few minutes. That's it. We should all aspire to do that more, myself included.

And when you end your conversation, don't forget to tell the other person, "stay happy."