That Little Spark of Madness…

For some of us…I would like to think a lot of us…we find ourselves seeking more and more stability out of life, and end up falling into the prison of complacency.  Don’t get me wrong, stability is not a bad thing…in fact, we humans are programmed to seek stability.

But, what do we lose in the process?  Will we end up winning the battle, only to miss out on the purpose of it all?

I’ve been reminded more and more lately of a famous saying by Robin Williams, that goes

You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.

When most of us were younger, we were willing to take risks and challenge ourselves.  That, of course can lead to both good and bad decisions (will save that one for another post).  But, ahh the depth and intensity poured out for those who were willing!

As I had lunch with a good friend the other day, we began talking about how we want our kids to turn out…to build into them a strong foundation of who they are, equipping them with the tools to adapt to whatever life throws their way.  We thought about our own individual journeys and how they have been shaped.  This shaping, of course, influences our interactions with others, and especially in the way we father our own kids.

As we talked, it became clear to me that leaving it all on the table, living life boldly, walking in diversity…would only come if I were willing to continuously step out of my comfort zone, to keep pushing myself.  No longer a means of pursuing the thrills or dangers of life, but as a means to embrace it holistically, bringing to the surface a better father, a better businessman, and a better friend…all through that little bit of madness that exists within us.