How about that Bentley

9/15/2021

I am not into cars, per se, or consider myself obsessed with or constantly in pursuit of material things. I’m content with the basics and do not need to have the latest model of anything. You will not find lots of shoes or clothes in my closet, but when I shop, I consider myself to have good taste and possessing good fashion sense.

That being said, recently, as I cruised home after completing a few errands, there was a dark colored SUV in front of me. Under the wing-like emblem, it said Bentley. That got my attention, as I noticed its simple unimpressive lines. I thought, well it looks like a lot of other vehicles without that name claim.

Some how I got in front of Mr. Bentley, and through my rear view mirror, I noticed the Bentley’s familiar chrome work in its front end. I was immediately impressed, thinking WOW, THAT VEHICLE IS A BENTLEY!! Probably everyone else around was as impressed too! I admired it, thinking words like: class, influence, power, wealth! I felt the urge to tell someone that I just saw Mr. Bentley. My heart leapt.

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Reminds me of the time that I wrote the Obamas, inviting them to my housewarming party. I had thought, why not, my Mayor is busy, so maybe the Obamas might have a little spare time, since they were no longer in office. And I was dying to tell someone. Not that I thought they would really come, but just because I felt a sense of empowerment simply by penning an invitation to them. Haha!!!

Or like back when Chuck Norris was the guest speaker at my junior high school graduation in Brooklyn. I’ve had bragging rights since. Just a few seats away in an auditorium, was this movie star. Never met him to shake his hands, but I was in his presence, and that made me feel empowered.

Also, remembering the time I stayed at an Autograph Hotel that has hosted ten U.S. Presidents and numerous movie stars. For a fleeting moment, that felt empowering, as I too enjoyed the space they once inhabited.

I hope I’m not the only one that gets a little excited and impressed when I’ve been close to objects of power or people of influence and accomplishment.

And this got me to thinking, wouldn’t it be amazing if people would experience a similar emotion when they are in my presence or have inhabited a similar space?! Hear me out. I’m not famous or wealthy, or have been President of anything. I would only like to know that because of the way I’ve lived my life, that my presence would also elicit such an impressive response for others.

I do not know if that kind of stuff is important to you or if you’ve ever thought about it. But, how about if I challenge you to avoid living a mediocre life, and instead live your life with excellence, in whatever area you find yourself passionate about. And let others have a chance at being empowered to do the same. The worse that can happen is that we collectively create perfumed bouquets of spaces.