A Reflection of Me

By Richard Hannibal, Retired Police Sergeant

There is a colorful man in Morro Bay who sets his own trends in clothing and philosophy. He is 60ish, lives aboard a small, weathered boat on the bay, drives an old white van, and frequents local coffee shops. A unique hat often tops his long, shaggy hair. He sports a grey beard. A small, white dog trots faithfully by his side, pausing briefly for treats offered by folks passing by. The locals accept him as family, and the tourists look at him with curious interest.

When I was a cop, I would often stop and discuss world events with this fascinating man. During the routine of my day, we would often approach in different directions, me in my police car and he in his van. As we approached, we greeted each other with big smiles, extended our arms out the window giving the peace sign, or held up our index finger, which he told me stands for "justice." He then faded in my rear view mirror as we continued on in our separate lives. 

I have since retired and only see this man on rare occasions. The other day, at about nine in the morning, I was in a good mood. I was smiling and waving at friends as I cruised down the Embarcadero, just checking things out. I was grateful for my life, loved ones, and the wonderful insights that come with age. As I drove, I saw my friend standing next to his van in a bayside parking lot. I slowed, rolled down my window, and shouted, "It’s a great morning." He yelled back with a big smile, "That it is." I couldn’t help noticing that he looked very happy and at peace. As our worlds passed, I told him, "You really look happy today." He paused, smiled broadly, and said, "I know, I’m a reflection of you." 

The momentum of my car carried me past this man and his words. For the rest of the morning I thought about what he said. The simple words, “I am a reflection of you,” have true meaning in my life. What if everyone you contact is a reflection of you? The implications are huge. How can there be judgment, hate, and selfishness once we understand this concept? Do we create our own world through attitude and intention? Should we be careful in what we think, say, or do?  

I thought back on an anger-filled man I met the week before. There was also a woman on the verge of tears who sadly perceived life as futile. Another man appeared to me in the depth of depression; a child skipped by, full of hope and energy. I thought back on how I was feeling during each of these contacts. Sure enough, the folks who came into my life were indeed, "reflections of me."

At this stage in my life, I have more questions than answers. Occasionally I do get a glimpse of what I feel is insight. One is that perhaps we are magnets, drawing to ourselves a mirror image of ourselves. Perhaps, if we are alert, this is how we learn. Check it out. Throughout your day, test whether what you are seeing out there is what you are feeling in here—“a reflection of you.” If it is, than perhaps just a small adjustment in your attitude can change your life.