Purposeful Meaning

Have you ever thought about this blog’s title? Well of course I have…one would hope right?!

What do those three words mean? No offense to the word “and” either. Let’s focus on the three of Laughter, Life, and Food for this thought provoking article. With that, no I will not define any word to you. I know all of you can define them, probably better than me. Besides it’s your definition I want to hear about.

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “Laughter”? For me, a great moment. Amusement. Things along that path. How about “Life”? You started thinking a little deeper there didn’t you? I do. Maybe your existence. I am pretty sure that you all have great thoughts flowing now. One more word, “Food”. For me, loving to cook, my mind goes all over the place. I love all kinds of food to eat. From wood-fired pizzas to fish tacos all the way to a delicate cheesecake (Any of you that personally know me, know I love making all of those and then some). I bet on that word, you started thinking of your favorite dish. Maybe you thought of a comfort food. Some may have even thought of a deep-fried Twinkie (And if haven’t had one and can, it’s a must).

Do you really see anything not so good with those three words? If you really wanted to sit and think about it, you probably could. But was your first thought negative? Maybe the lack of laughter, life and food, you can get upset or depressed. Guess what? I know this first hand. From not having a job to moving to loss of a family member to seeing folks dying because of the lack of food is rather upsetting isn’t it?

I found the antonyms for each of those words. Imagine this blog being called, “Despair Death and Beverage”. Kind of makes you frown a little. Depending on the beverage, you may not frown all the time. I know that I would not have the great opportunity to hear from you as much as I have in the past. Then again, would I? Would you make comments to that blog?  Your feelings wouldn’t be the same either. Once you finished reading the articles, you would be left with an emptiness.

Now that I’ve got you thinking on all kinds of levels, I want your complete and total attention. Clear your mind of the past not so fuzzy feeling paragraphs. Ready? I will wait for you to clear your mind….

Laughter Life and Food does describe me. It’s who I am. But going deeper, it’s who you are too. Do you see why I called this that title a little more clear now? This isn’t just about me. It’s not just about you either. It’s about us. Our journey together of Laughter Life and Food is only going to get better and better. You know why? It’s because of us. This is not just about me in this blog…yes I use my personal experiences to drive a point but don’t you have the same experiences? Yes you do. Laughter Life and Food is OUR experiences.

So the next time you use any one of those words, think briefly of how you feel. That is you or something that means something to you. I’m going to step out on a limb and say, you felt pretty good at that moment one of those words was used. I’m just asking you to stop and think. Realize this please; even when you may lack one of those words or all of them, you are a part of something. Come back to this blog…It’s not just mine, it’s ours. Now go enjoy your Laughter Life and Food with someone!

Super (Hero)

Now many of you out there have your own personal definition of a super hero. I know that I do. Want to have some fun? Of course you do….who doesn’t. You all know that I love defining words and I will do it here. Actually let’s break down the word “super hero” and see what we get.

The definitions come from the website dictionary.com.

Super is defined as: of the highest degree, power, etc.

Hero is defined as: a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for their brave deeds and noble qualities.

Was that different from the typical comic book hero we all have read or dreamed of becoming as a child? For me, yes. Wanna know something about me? There is a picture out there of me in a homemade superman costume…tights and all. If you’ve seen that picture, please be kind. No I have never been able to leap over a building in a single bound or run faster than a speeding bullet, however, I felt like a super hero that day. Why? It is singled down to one reason…the costume. I got it in my head that because of it, I could do anything. Did I do some grand deed or have powers, nope I wasn’t even close.

Bet you’re wondering why the title is about super heroes. I’m going to briefly make you think for a few minutes. Ever meet a hero? I have, several times. Want to hear some from my list?

My unconditionally giving mom and dad. My compassionate brother. My loving sister-in-law (who has a special look, which I love). My courageous sister.

"Really Michael…those are easy to identify." I am going somewhere with this I promise.

How about those in the Armed Forces, police, firemen or EMS? Those seem like the definition of a hero…actually they deserve “super” in front of hero. I met a guy in the USMC in Asheville. Great guy. Defending my freedom at his own personal risk. Met a firefighter in Asheville too. Also, a true hero. I have a friend who is a hero to me because of her noble qualities…telling me exactly what I didn’t want to hear but told me anyway (she was risking a lot by doing that too).

Hey guess what? I have even considered myself a hero from time to time…nothing super, but I have done some brave deeds, noble if you will. I’ve helped others in need. Wouldn’t someone who has gotten blood from the American Red Cross thought of me as their hero? Probably…again not super.

Did I ever swoop in and save the day? Probably not, but did I help someone. Swooping in and saving the day is really a dramatic statement, don’t you think (see, I’m asking you to think).

Anyway, think about your hero or heroes (I'll wait for you think for a second). Got your list?

Why are they that to you? Did they fall into those definitions? I bet they did. What makes you think of them as a hero or even a super one? Have you ever been told that you’re a hero? How did it make you feel? I’m not a betting guy, but I would say you felt pretty good. But that feeling was a side-effect…you still would have done it because of who you are…a hero.

Do you know what it takes to risk everything for others? Most heroes do it because of who they are. Brave and noble. I know one Super Hero who risked His life for mine. Died for me. I didn’t deserve it either (some of you know me too well). You know whom I speaking of? In case you don’t, it was Jesus.

This was simply a journey regarding super heroes. We all have them. We all can be one from time to time too. I need them. You do too. Acknowledging the comic book ones on tv and movies is fun, but shouldn’t we do it for the non-fiction ones more? I believe we should.

I’m going to make you all a promise right now (and with it being typed out, I cannot go back on it), if you have been, are or become one of my heroes throughout my life, I will tell you. You deserve to know it. Maybe you won’t make that promise online as me, but promise yourself you will do that…tell someone that they are your hero. Watch them light up. Because when it happens to you, you also will light up and that feeling you get, you will have given to them.

Thank you for continuing this journey of Laughter Life and Food with me, I’m truly honored. You know who you are and I thank you for being my heroes. Now go be a hero and or thank yours today!