We Are All The Same Inside - The Blog

Once I was a sprite, budding workaholic, and a relentless people-pleaser. My early New York days were a whirlwind of freelancing, dancing, flitting between school and after school programs, day care centers, and homeless shelters. Often, I immersed myself in these environments, taking on the artist residency role, bringing with me art supplies and of course the We Are all the Same Inside doll parts. These were and still are the tools of my trade, the bridges to connect with those I served. One particular memory stands out, etched deeply into the tapestry of my past. It was during a partnership with a New York City shelter. As I engaged with the program staff, one woman shared a poignant story. Her son had gifted her a weeks vacation. As she recounted this simple act of kindness, a vacation she had never been afforded tears welled up in her eyes. In that moment, I was a detached observer, a young and determined man consumed by the relentless pursuit of goals and the intoxicating rush of productivity. Relaxation was a foreign concept, a luxury I couldn’t afford in my quest for fulfillment. Almost a quarter of century later, the echo of her tears resonates with a profound clarity. The hustle, once a badge of honor, now feels like a relentless treadmill. I find myself longing for the quietude she described, the simple joy of doing nothing. The woman at the shelter was not merely sharing a personal anecdote; she was offering a glimpse into a life beyond the constant striving. In the relentless pursuit of making monthly payments and meager success, I had overlooked the essential human need for rest, for stillness. The irony is not lost on me. I, the human who had brought solace and creativity to others, had neglected my own well-being. That moment, a fleeting snapshot in time, was a premonition of the challenges I would face. It was a life lesson, a gentle warning about the dangers of an unchecked ambition. Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the experiences that shaped me. The work I did (and still do) was meaningful, and the connections I forged were invaluable. Yet, I also recognize the importance of balance, of honoring the need for rest and rejuvenation. The woman at the shelter taught me a valuable lesson about the human spirit, about the power of simple kindness, and about the enduring importance of finding peace amidst the chaos. Her tears were a wake-up call, a reminder that even in the midst of our aspirations, we must never lose sight of our humanity. It is a lesson I continue to learn, a journey towards a life that is not only fulfilling but also sustainable.