In 1993 while in college, a roommate and I were coming home from a night out at the bar. I was drunk as usual. As we pulled into our apartment complex I noticed some smoke coming from between two apartment buildings. We went over to investigate. There was a very small fire just under the wooden stairwell between the two buildings. I told my roommate to go call the Fire Department as I started knocking on residents doors. Before I knew it, most of the stair well was on fire and I ran back up through the flames to continue knocking on peoples doors. No one seemed to realize what was going on. Before I knew it, I was trapped on the second floor of the stairwell. The entire first floor of stairs was in flames. So jumped over the edge to the lawn below (it was only one story). I then realized no one in this back apartment was going to be able to go down that stairwell. It was totally in flames. So I stacked up some various things I found in the area till I could knock on their window. Before I could climb down a chair came flying out the window. Make a long story short (too late), I ended up helping quite a few people out. Got some pretty bad burns on the back of my arms and a few cuts, the fire ended up gutting something like 18 apartments, and the mayor gave me a medal for being an honorable citizen.

When the owner of the apartment complex finally got a chance to speak with me, he asked me, “why didn’t you just use the Fire extinguisher that was hanging right there on the wall?”

Uhhh….

I’m not really sure what the moral of this story is… people really don’t know what they’re going to do in any given situation. Maybe if you had done something it wouldn’t have worked out the way it did. Maybe you went through that experience so you are more away of it today and tomorrow you’ll save someones life. It’s led you to this point and time and possibly gave you more empathy for others.

I do know, that when I’m driving and say I see a motorcyclist or something that just doesn’t look right, I quickly formulate a game plan in my head. Like, OK, if “this” happens, “I’m pulling over on that side of the road because there’s a car coming from that direction and one in my blind spot.” I’m always thinking of the next play, the “what am I going to do if this happens.” I sort of visualize myself and what I’m going to do if there’s a wreck or someone needs help, where am I going to go and what I’m going to do. It’s sort of weird now that I’m typing it out.

Maybe it comes from playing shortstop growing up, always knowing what my next play was going to be if “so and so” happens. Also riding a motorcycle for years and using the 3 second rule. “What’s my out or what’s my move going to be three seconds from now.”

But no one know’s what they’re going to do. Ask anyone who’s been labeled a hero, why they did it… most of the time they don’t know why or can’t remember what they were thinking. Doesn’t mean you’re less human or bad.
.-= Jared´s last blog ..Update 06-10-09 =-.

Chris — Very cool! I play guitar, though I haven’t been picking it up much recently. I’m giving it a break. Making music is definitely something I need to do on this earth, but I’ve put it on hiatus on purpose for the next year or so to focus on my blogging. I’m trying to have one main focus per year. This year it’s connecting with people (writing, conversing, language), and next year it may be musical chops.

David Cain’s last blog post..Do Something

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@ Daniel — Thanks Daniel, and welcome to Raptitude. I remember reading a famous verse along these lines: “Life is full of lessons. Lessons repeat themselves until you learn them.” There was a whole list, I’m sure someone knows what I’m referring to.

Your artwork is truly excellent, by the way! Everyone, check out Daniel’s site if you’re a music person.

@ Hilda — Hi Hilda!

And I bet a day will come when you will be REALLY glad you took that course.

My fear was that the day would come would I deeply regretnot taking it. I need to get moving on this one.

I totally get where you’re coming from with this. I agree that guilt about things we can’t change is a waste of time, but not learning the lessons is even more of a waste. Had you not finally signed up for the class you wouldn’t really have learned the lesson. There’s a difference between knowing a thing and living it, and you’ve stepped up now to learn the lesson that’s been nagging away at you. That’s really commendable. Most people just say “I really should….” and don’t.

“If the universe keeps asking you to do something, think about doing it. It doesn’t ask for no reason.” Fabulous! Love that!!

And I bet a day will come when you will be REALLY glad you took that course.

Hilda’s last blog post..The A-Z of Happiness: B is for…

The Universe provides such great lessons, our guts providing the guidance towards what’s right. Great story about this!

Peace.
@vinylart

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Chris — Do it! Playing metal is good for the soul. Good for you. Are you a guitarist?