What I do in the world is not who I am but, an expression of who I strive to be in a world I’d like to see.
One aspect of society that I’ve never really connected with is the categorization of human beings based on job titles as if thats some sort of way to measure men and women. Even worse is how we allow a piece of paper (money) to separate us into classes being herded like cattle into our own respective groups, telling us where to live, shop, and eat because we give that paper so much weight (but that’s a topic for a whole other blog post).
In all of my travels across the globe, both dressed as Spider-Man for children in need and as myself being the CEO of the organization that houses it all, I’ve interacted with men and women with all sorts of job titles. From creators of billion dollar social media platforms, doctors, nurses, and janitorial staff down to those who lost their jobs, their way, and sense of purpose. I approached and treated them all equally by speaking to the human being and not their accomplishments and or hardships.
Since I was a child, the one difference I saw between myself and the norm of society is that, I never idolized anyone for being famous, rich, or wildly known for their earthly possessions. In fact, my only admiration came for those who saw through all of that and aimed to make change with the time they had in life, regardless of the sacrifice it took. I suppose the first true glimpse I saw of myself was in those people. Still, I am not my good deeds and should only be treated with respect because that’s what I offer each person I come across. A get what you give scenario if you will.
I’ve sat and broke bread with people who are millionaires and those who were broke financially at the same time at the same table and the only factor bringing those two opposite extreme walks of life together was knowing me. Meanwhile, I’m at the table because what I choose to do with my life is respected by those from all walks of life (and I certainly don’t make much money). What I do and who I do it for removes the status factor which is perfect since I believe the hierarchy of where and why we categorize human beings the way we do as a society is flawed and very surface based making it unjust majority of the time.
Bottom line, I sit at the table with people because they carry themselves with respect with a respect for others. Because they’re people I can learn from, they’re not toxic, and actually challenge me to be a better human being. I’ve never sat at the table with anyone because they were famous, rich, successful, or had anything to offer me.
This makes my circle small but, also keeps me from walking in circles my whole life.
My Life, The Message 