Instant inspiration in a world of cruel news

For some instant inspiration in a world of cruel news I turn to Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Ralph reminds me that "A friend is one before whom I may think aloud." (Which also reminds me why I can count my true friends on one hand.)

Yes, this job is a lonely place. And yet I'm positive it looks completely different from the perspective of another. Sure, there are a lot of people who may know me by name as well as many folks to walk by and say hi to, but this spot remains a world away from heaven.

As it turns out, Emerson also said, "Solitude is impractical and yet society is fatal."

I must agree. It's not useful to be alone and yet society can be quite cruel. So if it's not good to be a hermit, but putting yourself out in the spotlight is dangerous -- then which course shall one choose?

Neither, say I, and Emerson would agree.

For if Emerson is famous for just one quote it could very well be the following:

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

And what courage it takes to not hide alone in your own world as well as TO NOT follow those before you.

But fear not -- for the philosopher also had advice for staying strong in whatever course one may choose.

"Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage."

Mapping out a course is easy, it's the following through that's hard. We all have ideas. Each of us could take over the universe with our ideas, could we not? But, who can follow through when the going gets tough and society gives you a loud BOO?

On following through, Emerson also reminds us that actions speak louder than words.

He so eloquently penned, "What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say."

And one of my all-time-favorites:

"Always do what you are afraid to do." --Ralph Waldo Emerson

Timberly is a staff writer at the Greene County Daily World. She can be reached by e-mail at tferree@gcdailyworld.com or by phone at 1-800-947-4487 or (812) 847-4487.