On the way to work the other day, I was driving behind a beer truck with the slogan “Follow your folly” emblazoned on its side. The suggestion made me wonder: Where might folly lead?
My immediate reaction was predictable. Visions of sunny beaches, gourmet meals, and daily naps swiftly captured my fancy. Not being the sedentary type, however, I was soon daydreaming of a coast-to-coast road trip in my RV. But after a couple minutes on that imaginary journey, I began to miss my kids, friends, and bed—so I returned home, without resentment or regret.
The brief reverie reinforced the distinction between self-indulgence and self-satisfaction. As much as we enjoy (and need) periodic gratification, an inner spirit ultimately beckons us to more meaningful pursuits. And while it’s important to spend time doing what we like, it’s critical to discover and pursue what we truly love—the endeavors that feed our souls.
“We shall not cease from exploration,” wrote T.S. Eliot in Four Quartets, “and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”
In the end, I’m content where I am—doing what I love with people I enjoy and appreciate. Some may call it folly. I consider it quite fortunate.
Tom Soma, Executive Director