Dating, Living, Being Profound & Dangerous

By: Kenneth Stepp

What does the word profound mean to you? I’m told all the time, “Kenneth, you are profound”. Since this happens so often and for so long. I decided to try and understand why they say that. Today is my day. Profundancy explained (I hope).

My search has led me to words I would have never placed on me. Great knowledge… It sure doesn’t seem like me. Quality of thought. Maybe. It’s subjective at best. The one that fits in my mind is intense. I explain my personality as calm in a very intense way. Ok. I’ll own that one. Can we move on now? I decided to look at some quotes related to profound thought.

“All endings are also beginnings. We just don't know it at the time.”

― Mitch Albom

Now that my friends, is profound. The simple honesty is palpable in Mitch’s quote. Beginnings genuinely begin when an ending has taken place. If one is to have the nature of being profound. What would that look like? I see someone of great depth, wisdom, and a mastery of the language they speak. To me, it just doesn’t feel like the banner over my head. Gawd knows I can talk. Not sure that makes me profound though.

“Till this moment I never knew myself.” ― Jane Austen

It may sound strange. But Jane’s message from Pride & Prejudice is my goal in life. To truly know me. That would put so much to rest for me.It has been a journey to find out who I am. The past year has been nothing short of a version of, The Amazing Race for me. When I read this “profound” quote from Jane, I felt just a twinge of jealousy rise in me. Forgive me my covetous ways.

Those with the air of profound being have one thing in common. Well, at least one. They have influence. If you have never had influence. It can make you very dangerous. They can cause massive damage with a few words. Even a gesture. For this reason, my title has both profound & dangerous in it. They go hand in hand. You cannot be profound and not be dangerous. Although I do not feel I am profound. If I am being perceived as such. My guard is always up. Guarding others, from me. I couldn’t live with myself if my words caused damage in another. After all. None of us are more important than any of us. When we forget that. We hurt others.

“Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.” ― Marvin J. Ashton

This way of thinking. Building others up. To leave them better than you found them. This is truly the goal of great leadership. All leaders are not profound. Great leaders are never dangerous.

“How satisfying it is to leave a mark on a blank surface. To make a map of my movement - no matter how temporary.” ― Craig Thompson

I believe that says it all.

www.stepplife.com

Founder, American Angel Works