The autumn leaf

Imagine you are standing at the edge of a cliff, looking at the autumn forest scenery laid underneath, spreading as far as the eye can see. The reds, the greens, the yellows, the oranges and the browns mix together, in a peaceful harmony. It’s a nice view. Isn’t it?

And this view is composed of single, “plain”, little autumn leaves, working together, each adding its little note, a small detail, to this “painting”. You don’t see each leaf. You don’t even realise its irreplaceable value in the creation of this masterpiece. But it is there. And it is irreplaceable, because each leaf is unique, and what it has to offer is equally unique.

“Oh, come on! What does it matter if a leaf wasn’t there?”

Good question! Let’s say, it doesn’t matter. I take this unimportant, plain leaf and throw it away. Is the scenery the same?

“Of course!”

Then, let me take another insignificant leaf, and throw it away… You see where I’m getting with this, don’t you? It may take some time, but in the end, after disposing of each “insignificant” leaf, all you’ll have in front of you will be a barren land. Maybe a tree here, and maybe another one, somewhere over there. And a barren land, in between, deprived of all its beauty. You’ll see, later on, why I need these few trees to stay in their place, but let’s forget about them, for now.

So, we proved that each leaf counts. Each leaf matters. Each leaf adds what only this leaf can add in the formation of this beautiful scenery you see from the edge of the cliff.

And now, let me lend you my binoculars. They are really strong ones. Try them. And look there, yes there, where a group of people is taking a walk in this forest. Do you see them? Good!

They are walking down a forest path, admiring the beauty, all around them, are they not? But look at that guy. The one who picked up a leaf from the ground. Look at him how he admires it. How gently he puts it in a handkerchief and places it, carefully, in a book to take it with him, safely. We are too far, I admit, so we can’t really say why this guy found this particular autumn leaf so special. Well, maybe even the others in the group couldn’t say, either, but, undoubtedly, he did find it special enough to treasure and keep. And then, this girl took a macro photo of another leaf, to have its picture forever with her. Why? I don’t know, but she found it unique. More beautiful, more important than any other.

And trust me, my friend, when I tell you this: Every day, millions of people walk across this forest of the millions of “single” autumn leaves. Some don’t give the forest, or a leaf, a second look, some just enjoy being surrounded by these leaves. Some will notice only these special trees we couldn’t remove. And some, many they are, will choose a few “plain” leaves to take with them. Because for them, these “unimportant” leaves are more important than they look.

Not all of these people, of course, will admire the same leaf. Not all of them will treasure the leaf they choose as much, but, nonetheless, can you really say these leaves have no value, when even a single person found them important enough?

I can’t. And I won’t.

And this forest of these beautiful, all-important, autumn leaves is the set of all the authors in the world. And the people walking through the forest are the readers – or those who choose not to read – that come across their books. And yes, some will only look at these few trees (we couldn’t remove). You know, by now, who these trees are, I’m sure. But I don’t mind being one of the many “insignificant”, “plain” leaves that few will notice and, maybe, less will cherish.

No, that’s not true! I’m satisfied being one of this single autumn leaves. That’s the truth. Of course it would be great if I could touch as many souls as those trees do, but can you say the one soul I might touch is worth any less? I can’t. So, yes, I’m pleased being this unknown autumn leaf. And I’m happy and grateful and fulfilled every time one passer-by takes a second look at me.

But that’s me. That’s what makes me happy. It’s not the only “right” way. It’s not the only “proper” goal. You may want to be one of those trees. And that’s good. As long as this will make you happy, I wish you’ll be the most beautiful tree!

So, how did this post come to be? I read an article about blogging by an author (click here to read it). Very interesting, very accurate and truthful advice. I’m not a blogging expert, but I can tell his advice is the real deal. And it made me think, “Do I really want that?” And the answer is this post. But! If you want to be one of those trees, by all means, read his blog post.

And be yourself. Chase your own dreams. Do what makes you happy. And never, never, let anyone, or anything tell you you can’t achieve that!

Many kisses.
Yorgos KC.