Acclaim: A Lesson Learned from Getting Lost in a Foreign Country

Dear friends, today I want to share a story from my younger days, a tale of adventure, fear, and ultimately, acclaim. It’s a story about the time I got lost in a foreign country and the invaluable life lesson it taught me.

The Adventure Begins

It was the summer of ’68, and I was a spry young man with a thirst for adventure. I had just landed in the heart of Rome, Italy, with nothing but a backpack and a rudimentary understanding of the Italian language. Little did I know, this trip would teach me a lesson about acclaim that I would carry with me for the rest of my life.

The Unfamiliar Terrain

As I wandered through the cobblestone streets, I quickly realized that my basic Italian wasn’t going to cut it. I was lost, utterly and completely. The streets were a labyrinth, and my map might as well have been a piece of abstract art. I was alone, in a foreign land, unable to communicate effectively.

The Turning Point

Just when I thought I was doomed, I remembered a piece of advice my father once gave me. He said, “Son, in times of adversity, don’t seek acclaim from others. Seek it from yourself.” I realized then that I didn’t need to impress anyone. I needed to find my way, for my own sake.

The Journey to Self-Acclaim

So, I stopped trying to fit in, to speak perfect Italian, to look like I knew where I was going. Instead, I embraced my situation. I started asking locals for directions, not caring if I butchered the language. I began to explore without fear, taking wrong turns and stumbling upon beautiful hidden gems. I was lost, yes, but I was also finding myself.

The Lesson Learned

Eventually, I found my way. Not just out of the labyrinthine streets of Rome, but also to a new understanding of acclaim. I learned that the most important acclaim comes from within. It’s about knowing that you’ve done your best, that you’ve faced your fears, that you’ve grown as a person. It’s not about impressing others; it’s about impressing yourself.

So, my dear friends, remember this: In life, seek not the acclaim of others, but the acclaim of your own heart. It’s the most rewarding journey you’ll ever embark on.

Until next time,

Kev