Catching joy
Originally published on Medium
His ivory Crocs swiftly returned him to shore. The shallow water (maybe a river) conceded in the kind of squish squash kid joy form. The current — the certain waves of promise and change. His voice, pure elation. He caught something big. His catch reminded me of my dreams.
Jackson’s essence radiated inextricable joy. Someone taught him how to fish. He caught something bigger than he could imagine. Imagine that, a roughly seven or eight year old, mullet-rocking kid with strong hands and determination.
That fish needed no introduction.
“Oh my god! Oh my god…look at that small mouth!” he shouted.
Community is powerful
He held that big-long scaly creature with shock and esteem. His mom matched his glee. A soft reminder that moment would last: “I’m recording,” she said. Behind the camera — she caught not just the moment, but an unbreakable connection with her child.
A moment that flourished with courage to catch, confidence to show, and capacity to hold love. I replayed the video well over 10 times.
The mother and child both played key roles. The catcher and the observer. Excitement exponentially grows where a catcher meets a lens equipped to see and value it’s light.
We need people to bear witness to what we catch; and honestly, I hope the right people live to see your greatest lens — catching your dreams. I hope you remember the most important people start with you.
Image of a clown fish in the water. Photo credit: @rachelhisko on Unsplash.
Sometimes I know and sometimes I wonder who is behind the camera watching me catch my dreams.
At my fresh 38th year of life, I offer one piece of wisdom: create.
Create your dreams
Create capacity
Create wonder
Create new worlds
Create new moons
Create new minds
Create joy
Create art
Harriet created a life map through stars
Create courage
Create belonging
Create glory
Create liberation
Create the container to catch your dreams
Create a community of dream catchers
Create matter that matters
Create beauty, soul work that’s divine
Create a lighthouse for you
Watch how it shines a path for others too
Create because it’s your right
Create because everyday you create breath
Create because you can
Create because audacity lives in you
Create because the world needs more stars
Not the stars cloaked in fame
Be the ones who tap dance in the rain
The ones who turn tragedy to triumph
Withstand time with creation — an imponderable weapon
Everyday a star is born
As long as I have today, my star will shine
Your light is in you.
Know it, be it.
Be the sun. Be the light
Create your dreams
Catch them please
Don’t let your star demise
You are the star to your dreams
Let all the stars rise
Words from my lighthouse era.