One of my most esteemed, smart, good-guy writerly pals, Joel D Canfield (don’t you dare punctuate that “D”) is stepping out on a limb to offer his services and counsel in a new enterprise-cum-enchantment called Finding Why. I suppose this venture is not really stepping out on a limb for Joel, because he has built this philosophical tree of his over time, and this latest branching is sound. Here’s how Joel might have explained it in his own words. (Actually, these are Joel’s own words, pre-trademark violation):
“Too many people spend life stuck, going through the motions; believing they know what to do and how to do it, but never really clear on why. Finding ‘why’ makes ‘what’ and ‘how’ become clear. I want to help folks who are stuck being what the world expected to find their why, to find meaning and joy in life, and show the world who they really are.”
Joel proclaims that there are already 10,000 ringing words on the site. (Joel, these words weren’t selected at random, were they?) There’s also, “… hundreds of thousands to come. Free downloads. Room for conversation. A little insanity.” That “little” is Joel’s first effort at understatement ever. Well done, man!
I do suggest you hie on over to FindingWhy and find out why. Joel’s broad shoulders can bear the weight of the “Renaissance Man” title (while at the same time, I can see him well-fitted for jester’s shoes. But a canny, giving jester at that). He likes good beer, laughs freely and makes excellent pancakes. He will give you good Why.
Since I tossed out my waterproof boots with the hole in the sole last week, I am in need of a pair of shoes.
Will mine come with jingle bells on the toes?
I hope, once in a while, you’ll wind the watch of wit over at Finding Why, Tom.
Hole in your soul? Mein Gott, man! I’d suggest you head over to Finding Why and get that fixed, but I’m not sure if the proprietor gets up this early.
But yes, many bells will jingle. Good luck on this venture, JDC.
Joel, you are way ahead of me; I’m still working on “When” and “Where” (I get lost even with the damn GPS thingy).
Helping people strip away ill-fitting expectations to discover their “Why” is a lovely gift. Best wishes to you in your new e-digs!
Popularity 7% – at least!
You convinced me Tom, I’m going to find my “Y”. I mean, really, Y-not?
Annie, I’ll answer in Joel’s stead: you need to pack your Whozits and your Whatzits in the W-bag as well, shake vigorously, and pour into a highball glass. That beverage will tingle your Wherefores ever so.
Caitlyn, that’s easy. Your “Y” is in between your “X” and your “Z.”
(This is the trouble with blogs—there’s no one around to say, “Tom, don’t be an idiot.” But how can I resist?)
Annie, that’s exactly the point: “why” comes first.
Tom, don’t be an idiot. (But, why?)
Joel, I resent that. As the biggest idiot in the room, I reserve the right to exercise (and dry myself with fluffy towels afterwards) my idiocy freely. Free the idiots!
Free idiots? Where?
….
or was that Why?
But, but I don’t have a “Y” – only Xs (being a girl and all).
(hee hee)
Jodi, I recognize that you’re trying to trick me with a science slant, but my why is beyond science! (Though it does have some trace elements of blarney.)
XXX back at you.