A successful businessman was riding his fancy car down a street when he saw a kid run out onto his path. He slowed down, and as he passed the boy, a brick smashed into his car’s door. He instantly slammed the brakes and reversed to the spot from where the brick had come.
Furious, he got out of his car and grabbed the kid nearest to him, yelling, “what was that? Why did you throw that brick?”
The boy was scared, but apologized and said, “I had to throw that brick as no one else stopped when I called for help.”
Tears rolled down his cheeks and he gestured at the parked cars and said, “my brother rolled off the curb and fell from his wheelchair. He’s hurt badly and I can’t lift him on my own as he’s too heavy. Please help me get him back on the wheelchair.”
Moved, the businessman quickly lifted the kid and helped him into the wheelchair. He also got his first aid kit out and attended to the kid’s bruises. After ensuring the kids were okay, he walked back to his car, feeling a little shaken up. He watched the boy push the wheelchair with his brother in it, after thanking him, down the street.
He got into his car and slowly, contemplatively rode back home. When he got out of his car, he saw the deep dent in his car door. He decided not to repair it. He kept it as a reminder–not to go through life so fast that someone had to throw a brick at him to get his attention.
♥
We all have hectic schedules and feel guilty about taking even short breaks. We keep adding to that to-do list and promise ourselves that we’ll get to some of the things we were supposed to do. Sometimes these are simple things like calling that friend, going out with family, or simply spending a little time with a loved one.
Our heart tells us what we ought to do…
Yet, there are times we do not listen. That’s when that brick comes at us.
We get to choose whether we want to listen to our heart’s gentle whisper or…. wait for the brick.
What would you choose?
Are you waiting for that brick?
Don’t!
No need to be part of the race all the time.
Don’t rush that text to your loved one and regret the typo that changes the entire meaning of the message.
Don’t run so fast that you don’t notice what’s in your path and trip over.
Don’t create space for regrets.
Play with your child and her toy tea-set
Laze with your family/friend watching a comedy show
Go for a stroll in the park.
Take time to smell the flowers.
Enjoy the scenery.
Breathe.
Slow down.
Live.
#WednesdayWisdom is a series with short bursts of easy-to-consume wisdom in the form of stories, quotes, anecdotes, and humor.
13 comments
I have been guilty of this, but these days I am trying to give myself a little grace, and relax a little, the to-do list will wait for me tomorrow too. 🙂
I love your Wednesday Wisdom posts, Vidya. Always reminds me of things I tend to forget or take for granted. And today’s nugget was something I needed to hear. Now to pay attention to it and implement.
If I miss on these moments, I would lose my sanity. This is why I take time to smell the flowers with my Son, we watch birds fly, we take swings together, we play and dance together. Though I regret sometimes by not offering a Lift to someone in need.You know..its difficult to trust these days. Oops, I don’t want to wait for a brick. Lovely post to remind us these little things that matter more in Life.
A lovely story and an inspiring one. A reminder for all times. We are all guilty of this. We rush and miss out on listening to whispers that matter.
Thank you for the gentle reminder!
What a way to get my attention.
Yes, we need to slow down and just enjoy and relax. I need to do that. Such a nice reminder this is, Vidya. ❤️
Oh what a heartfelt post Vidya. Indeed we need to slow down and take time out for things/people we care for instead of shoring them all up n a to-do list! Loved it!
True! We do need to slow down when the world is racing past so fast that it’s not even bothered who’s been wheeled down! Lovely post Vidya!
This is so very true and one many know of agree with but we still fail to act on it. We get caught up in our lives until that brick literally hits us in the face. We must make the time to enjoy the flowers, give your dog or cat a pet, see a friend or talk with them, look at photos of people no longer here and remember the good times. It is so important.
So inspiring, Vidya. How do you come across such stories? They are so soulful and always, always leave an impact on me.
This taught me a valuable lesson today. Thank you!
At times it is we who throw the brick. 😀 Good one Vidya, this post got me out from repeated thinking about something. I must look out more to learn more. Thanks Vidya.
very nice touchy