Your Finest Moment
"We do not remember days; we remember moments." — Cesare Pavese
Our lives are comprised of moments that jump out at us like deer crossing our paths on a secluded country road. Some moments are not a second thought as we focus on the challenges of our businesses or everyday lives.
Some moments surprise us because they are vivid. We can touch them, although they may have happened decades ago.
Some moments are dreams about our future. A child’s future graduation, a business sale, or a long-awaited adventure are moments that become real to us.
But what if the finest moment in our lives hasn’t happened yet? What happens years from now or long after we are gone? What if our most celebratory moment is when a grandchild, a curious stranger, a future leader, or someone in need reads our story? Someone could be reaching for inspiration, hope, or understanding. In our words, they find what they need. That moment when our story touches someone else’s life could be our finest moment.
The Moments That Shape Us
Think about the pivotal moments in your life:
A moment of inspiration: You may have been led to take a leap of faith—starting a business, changing careers, having a family, moving to a new city, or building a community.
A moment of determination: You faced an obstacle -— in business or an illness or adapting to a new culture and found the strength to push through against the odds.
A moment of reverence: Your parents or grandparents worked hard for your future.
A moment of choice: You made a tough decision for your business, unsure of the outcome, yet took the risk.
A moment of joy: The reward after the struggle—the birth of a grandchild or the pride of seeing your hard work pay off.
Each moment tells a story about who you are. They are your foundation, your legacy. But the most crucial moment may still be in the future: waiting.
The Moment You Aren’t There
Your story, if you choose, does not end with you. Your words can become part of someone else’s journey. Your grandchild might someday pick up your memoir, be inspired by your struggles and triumphs, and experience a deep connection to you and your story. They might have a sense of belonging and being part of a family history. A young entrepreneur learning the ropes of a shared industry or vision is inspired by how you built your business. Someone you don’t know struggling with an aging parent might find solace and strength in your story of dealing with an aging parent.
The moment when your story reaches someone and changes their life in small or big ways becomes your finest moment. It might take years or decades for it to happen. My great-grandfather's sixty-page memoir of growing a wool and fur training business in the untamed West illuminates my life. I might be the only one of his descendants who cherish that book. I appreciate his gift eighty years later.
Why Stories Matter
We might not underestimate the power of stories and storytelling, but we can underestimate the power of our stories.
“Who cares about my life or what I have to say.” There are people you have never met who might care. They might be waiting for your story without knowing it. Writing your story ensures that your finest moment happens, even if you cannot witness it. Don’t miss the chance to be part of something larger than yourself.
Don’t miss the opportunity to inspire. Your finest moment is waiting.