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Stimulus Maximus

Free sunset flamingo pink..., by D Sharon Pruitt of Pink Sherbet Photography

When the swirl of life pushes me toward overwhelm, my automatic response is to rush toward stimulus minimus. But there’s an error of perspective there.

What I really want is stimulus maximus, just like everyone else on the planet. I want the maximum input that I can handle. I want Life, with a capital L. I want vitality and breathtaking wonder and revelations complete with operatic accompaniment.

If all of that comes to me in a different way than it comes to the majority of humans, is it any less maximus? Of course not. Maximus is relative. It’s only minimus by comparison. Sure, the way I get off can look like stimulus minimus (a riveting idea, a colour combination seen in passing from a bus window, a silly look exchanged with my nephew), but only if compared with someone who’s different – like someone who whoops it up on the bus, all the way to the bungee-jumping festival.

Comparison damages our souls. Consider yourself worthy of the full package: all senses firing at maximum capacity, tuned, honed, and giddy – thriving in your very own, very valid version of Life with a capital L.

Shove all those other people off the scale. Recalibrate. Find your own stimulus maximus.

“Sometimes I go about pitying myself
And all the while I am being carried across the sky
By beautiful clouds.”
~ Ojibway Indian saying

Flickr photo: Free sunset flamingo pink…, by D Sharon Pruitt of Pink Sherbet Photography

Related reading: Avoid the Rush – Finish Last, Successfully Sensitive | Jo Martin

2 Comments

  1. jo martin wrote:

    We *are* all worth of the full package, aren’t we?

    So good to have that pointed out again (and maybe again and again)! Thanks Grace!

    Auntie Mame: “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death.” I need to remember this!

    Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 9:20 am | Permalink
  2. Dorothy Morgan wrote:

    Dear Grace:

    What a lovely shift of perspective! Thanks for shining another light of insight–permission really. I feel motivated and inspired. A true gift.

    With a warm heart,
    Dorothy

    Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 11:24 am | Permalink