Running through the streets of Austin, Texas this morning I found myself meandering through some paths that would come to an end in a quiet neighborhood. I would run through that area for a while and then find another park with what looked like a trail and then I would head that way. Without any frame of reference, like mountains, I got lost pretty quickly. However, it is kind of fun to run without really knowing where you are going. That was right up until the moment that a large dog came charging at me from underneath a dark brush area. That got my heart rate going for sure! Don’t worry, I survived (obviously). Once the dog caught up with his query, he did not know really what to do with me. We both agreed it was in our mutual best interest to go our separate ways.
One of the neighborhoods I ran through seemed a bit worn down. Perhaps a lower income area, I would not know because I am not from here. However, the sidewalks were not kept up, several broken down vehicles parked or abandoned. It was dark, but you could tell signs of struggle. Grass that was dead for many years, unmaintained yards, clear evidence of bored kids that do not have a full weekend of expensive hobbies and sporting activities going on. Well, I guess my only evidence of that was a large cardboard play structure erected in the front yard of house. I was thinking, wow, that is either a really cool mom that would allow that, or a mom that was working all night and has yet to wake up to see the crazy contraption her kids built on her lawn on Friday night. Anyway, the neighborhood had that feel of a low income, or run down area.
I noticed how my mood changed as I ran through the area. I was thinking that was interesting. Does an environment really impact your mood? Does my messy office impact my attitude toward life? Does my unorganized sock drawer play a role in how I look at the world around me? Perhaps it does. I do note how I feel better when I am organized, even though that state only lasts for a few hours at the most! However, the ran down neighborhood felt a bit more inviting at the same time. Look at good old pair of worn sneakers, it just seemed to fit. Perhaps it was an open ditch I ran past, or the power-line running through a small green belt that reminded me of my neighborhood as a child. The other neighborhood I was in was newer, things felt more corporate, more chiseled. Signs were clearly posted notifying me of my rights, responsibilities and what I could NOT do. The nice neighborhood had clear signage, and lots of rules. Cars get towed, campers get impounded, streets get swept on Wednesdays, vagrants are reported, skateboarders will be shot on sight.
However, I only saw two signs in the poor neighborhood. They were in front of the same house. They were homemade, but clearly legible. The first sign said – “Don’t Give Up.” The second sign said – “You Matter.”
There you have it, I think the meaning implied by this stark contrast is evident. I think that advice of this unknown sign maker is something to take to heart. Don’t Give Up, You Matter.
Guy Reams
