Earlier this week I had the opportunity to sit down with an energetic, optimistic, and dare I say charismatic young man.
My, did that shot of adrenaline feel good.
And he’s even in politics — which makes his optimism all the more commendable.
Kerry Gooch, the new executive director of the Kansas Democratic Party, can’t be bothered with all the negativity going around with the Legislature still battling over a budget.
He’s not out to lambaste Republicans, or to rail at special interest groups. Nope, Gooch is all about possibilities and how as a people we need to get engaged with what’s going on in this great state of Kansas.
At 24, Gooch is adept at social media, using all sorts of applications on his Smartphone to communicate.
That said, he realizes nothing can replace face-to-face contact and he’s having a good time meeting all kinds of people in person.
I asked Gooch how many of his contemporaries were aware of what was going on in Topeka and if they were upset at the $406 million budget deficit.
“Not so much,” he said, “because they don’t see how it affects their immediate lives.”
Which really isn’t all that different from most. And hopefully, legislators will work to keep the pain at a minimum.
One of his goals, he said, is to make his generation more aware of how important it is to vote and understand how it can make a difference.
GOOCH is wise beyond his years.
Already he’s learned the satisfaction of civic engagement and of being a part of something bigger than yourself.
Which takes me to another conversation I had earlier this week with a middle-aged woman who’s facing an identity crisis of sorts. From my perspective she seemed to be searching for happiness in all the wrong places: myriad cosmetic treatments, trading out old for new relationships and even contemplating a move across country.
I kept quiet, but what I wanted to say is: What you contribute to society is what makes, and keeps, you beautiful. A fascination with the greater world is what makes, and keeps, you interesting. And, until you engage in a purposeful activity you will continue to feel lost, no matter where you live.
Think about the beautiful people you know and what makes them so. It’s what they do, not how they look, that makes them beautiful.
Which is why an hour with Mr. Gooch left me so inspired.
He thrives on the possibilities of tomorrow and what role he can play to make a difference.
Big or small, it’s those acts that make you special.
Beauty is a state of mind, not of body
