Fires, shoes and simplicity

This TED talk was short, sweet and to the point. A volunteer firefighter told a story about how once when he arrived on a fire he was chosen to get the homeowner a pair of shoes while another volunteer got chosen with the heroic duty of saving the dog. Which one do you think received more praise? It was the guy who saved the dog. However, this was not the point of the talk. Mark Bezos was trying to show that any small effort can be heroic. The little things do matter. He continued on to say that the woman wrote a letter thanking them for saving her home. She even mentioned that someone got her shoes. He was a hero to her. Maybe he won’t forever have a grandiose story to tell but he made someone’s day a little better. This TED talk reminded me a lot of my dad because he is a firefighter as well. He has a story about a time when he saved a cat from a fire. It was his first time saving a life from a fire and he was proud of it. Now, at the time he shrugged it off. It wasn’t a person or anything. But relating this to Mark Bezos’ story, he was in a position of envy; which all relates back to perspective.

My dads’ story and Mark Bezos’s story both had similar elements. Look at Marks’ side, he had to realize the little thing did help and was appreciated. My dad needed to realize that what he did was a big deal to someone. This TED talk was more simplistic than a lot that I have watched, but it really showed me how perspective can change things. Peoples’ outlook on life, even if only tweaked a little, can really change how the world seems. This idea inspires me to try and look at my life from different angles more often. For example, soccer this season has been an interesting ride. A couple weeks ago I got moved up to JV, but I have not been playing so great. I just have really put the pressure on and gotten way too nervous. I have been thinking that there is an entire team of girls who wish they had the chance I have. I need to just appreciate this.

This TED talk gave me a quick reminder to relax and put it all in perspective. Now, this was not his point. His point was to not wait to be a hero and get out there and help the world. I really agree with this too. People should try small acts of kindness because it may mean the world to someone. However, relating this to the story of my dad really turned some things around in my head. It was quirky and light hearted and I really enjoyed that. I feel like TED talks should encourage smiles and hopefully I can do that with mine.