sig·nif·i·cance
This word came to mind yesterday as I looked at the scene pictured above. It’s not a sky full of stars, but a sea of cell phone flashlights shining in the darkness at the concert I attended last night. Before I took this photo, I had my flashlight on as well, shining and singing and swaying to the music. Before that, however, I wondered if it was really worth it for me to pull out my phone. My one phone against this sea of people… does it really matter? I wanted to soak in the moment…. but I also wanted to ADD to the moment. I pulled my phone out, and I smiled and swayed and sang. I became a part of the moment.
Significance. If each of those people across the way had decided that their light wasn’t worth shining, I wouldn’t have gotten to soak in the sight of hundreds of lights shining like stars in the night. I wouldn’t have gotten this photo, which I now adore. Those people may not have realized it… but in turning on the flashlight, they illuminated my smile.
Yesterday was Valentine’s Day. This day has different meanings and feelings evoked in nearly everyone. For some, it’s just another day. For others, it’s a day to love. For some, it’s a day to stay in. Others, a day to go out. Some, to cry or mourn or mend. Others, to laugh or sing or dance. In that way, it’s the same as every other day, but for some reason, this one day can make people feel incredibly strong emotions. “Significant other” comes to my mind as I write this… why is this a term? What is the origin? If you can’t tell from the photo above, I believe that everyone has significance. Even if you don’t see it…. maybe you’re creating a gorgeous glimpse of a night full of stars for others across the way. Your significance isn’t created by someone else. It can be appreciated by someone else, of course, but not created.
Never feel like you are insignificant.
Yes, Valentine’s Day is a day of love. My challenge is to make every day a day of love. Make everyone feel significant… and remember that you are significant. You are the light in the sea of darkness, shining like a star and bringing a smile to the face of someone you may not even know.
…and maybe that girl has a blog. 😉
•••
“Your success and significance in life is tied to the unleashing of the greatness in you.”
― Ifeanyi Enoch Onuoha
Our true significance lies not in the endless comparing of ourselves to one another, trying to see who is the fittest, using scales of evaluation and meaning that differ in the heart and mind of every individual; no – it lies in our deeds alone with the time we have.”
― A.J. Darkholme, Rise of the Morningstar
“You’re one in a million.” -Hannah Montana
always, alex. 