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Researching topics for the FFfT each week can get quite interesting, and I always find myself learning something new. Sometimes my research encourages incorporating a subtle, bizarre twist when writing this blog; for instance, much like the Seinfeld Show, this week’s topic is about nothing. Don’t
get me wrong, in my opinion Seinfeld was (and still is) a great show, but it is a show about nothing.
While I was researching “nothing”, I ran across the word Nihilism. Curious about what it meant, I looked up the definition and learned that while there are many forms of Nihilism, they all essentially mean the same thing; that life has no meaning. How depressing is that?! Given the times we live in, please do not turn into Nihilists.
While in Sweden with my tribe this past January (which seems like a lifetime ago), one of the activities we participated in was reading children’s stories to each other. My initial reaction to this exercise was…SERIOUSLY?!? I’m used to reading children’s books to my young niece and nephew, but reading these stories to grown people seemed nuts! I was not in charge so I did what I was told, and despite my initial reaction, I will admit it was a fun exercise. One of the books we read was “The Gift of Nothing” by Patrick McDonnell. I won’t ruin the book for you by telling you about it, but I will tell you it’s not about Nihilism.
A few years ago, I went through a breakup, a tough one, an emotional one. Many of my friends called to show their support, and I am grateful for all of them. Numerous friends offered to get together for drinks, or meet up so I could just talk and unload. One friend’s offer stood out to me; while he also offered to get drinks or listen and talk it out, he also added that he would be happy to simply sit in silence with me. The gift of nothing was a strange offer, yet it was a great gift. While it seemed he offered me nothing, it was something; it was his friendship.
“What is the gift of nothing? It’s a gift of love and time shared. More than presents, it’s presence.”– Patrick McDonnell
Enjoy nothing this weekend.
Vijay
P.S. If you have not read a children’s book in a while, I highly suggest it. But read it through the eyes of an adult, the lessons are amazing. Thank you, Scott!!
V-
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