July 15th, 2014: Theater District, Manhattan
” The most courageous thing you can do in life is to do what truly makes you happy” …easier said than done.
Three weeks ago I met a wise, vibrant man named Feliciano who imparted those words of wisdom to me as he firmly shook my hand and said goodbye. The Universe has a funny way of deciding who it chooses to send in and out of our lives. Some of those people become main characters, some have supporting roles, and others are day players, around for just one episode.
As Feliciano left the pool that day, I never expected to see him again. I was left only with the memories from a thirty minute conversation that had greatly inspired me. I decided to internalize the wisdom Feliciano passed on to me in the best way that I know how. I wrote it all down.
A week passed. It was the day the article I was featured in profiling ‘New York City’s Hottest Lifeguards’ was published in the New York Post. I was sitting pool side reading ‘On the Road’ by Jack Kerouac, when I looked up to see Feliciano standing at the edge of the pool, news paper and cappuccino in hand, admiring the view of the Lower Manhattan Skyline. He turned to me and said,
“The funniest thing just happened to me. I was minding my business, reading the morning paper in the Hotel Lobby. I turned the page and there you were! My friend Erik the actor. I had to come up and see if you were here!”
We spoke briefly this time. I could hear in his voice the sincere care and concern when he asked me how I have been, and what I had planned for the day. I told him that I have been very busy.
“Today I am working at the pool from 7:00 AM until 2:30 PM. I have class from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Afterward, I am teaching myself a British accent for a big audition this Saturday, and if I am not asleep by 10:00 PM I want to write my thoughts on the day in my journal.”
He simply responded, “Do you know what I am most excited to do while visiting New York City after working here for half my life? …Nothing at all, I’ve earned it.” With that he smiled and went to go read the paper and enjoy his cappuccino in the shade.
***
I do not publish stories on my site nearly as often as I would like to. To do what truly makes you happy, to live your passion requires more hard work than most people, myself included, can imagine. I recently came across a thought-provoking quote that I find very relevant at this point in my life,
This morning, once again I was greeted by my new friend Feliciano the Photographer who finally informed me that he is actually living in the hotel for the month while on vacation. Again, he asked me how my day is shaping up. I told him,
“After work I have rehearsal with some students from my acting class. I want to go for a quick run, meet my Girlfriend for some poutine, and manage to work on my screenplay a bit before bed.”
He smiled at me with that same wise grin of experience he revealed when we first met and said, “Anything great either begins or ends up in the Big Apple. New York City is my kind of town.”
-EC
© All rights reserved 2014
Peace from London, a city where sun at times kisses rain. Thanks for liking my poems and while waiting for the bus (which I just missed) managed to read this article of yours at a time where I’ve been thinking that I should post more often.
Stay blessed and keep writing
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Been to London once… Late October, pouring rain all 4 days and just above freezing 😃 Thank you for taking the time to read my story and comment. I don’t post nearly as often as I should. I only really write when there is something I had to say in hopes I can add value to people.
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Well we had sunshine and we have heavy rain today! Our bag is filled with all seasons for just in case.
I can relate, can only write poetry, if I feel inspired to write. Not sure who reads it and certainly no idea if it adds value.
Keep writing
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Ah I can’t write poetry for the life of me unless its to my girlfriend, and even then I think shes alittle biased :)
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Loool what is written from the heart can be felt! She would appreciate it regardless.
May your words come easy, may your wishes come easier
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Passion will shine through no matter what you do, sing dance, act, write. Its contagious :) Thank you for the kind words
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Happy to have found your blog–love the way you write. :)
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:) I don’t post that often, I try and keep busy, but when I do I try and add some value to the audience, highlighting lessons I have learned from my life experiences
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I love this! Thank you for sharing :)
“Your passion is not that for which you do not have to work, or that for which the work doesn’t feel like work, but that for which you are willing to work – even when the work is grueling.”
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I’m glad you could find value in my story. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. I’ve never heard a truer quote.
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I love that quote about passion. Thanks for sharing!
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Its a good one right? :)
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Right now it appears like Movable Type is the preferred blogging platform available right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
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Like your writing style Eric. Especially liked your relationship with Feliciano. I found older people are so wise.Your road trip pictures are beautiful. I wish you success in your acting endeavors.
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Thank you for taking the time to read some of my stories and the kind words; they mean more than you know
Erik
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Thanks for looking in on me. The benefit is being pointed back at your really great site. I shall be calling in from time to time if that’s okay with you. :-)
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