GRATITUDE MONTH: DAY 22: “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives. As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. [Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, 1963]”― John F. Kennedy
I use this quote on the anniversary of JFK’s death every year. I don’t buy that he was a great, or even good, president; but I do know he made some very impactful speeches that have been quoted for over 60 years.
I happen to agree whole-heartedly with these quotes. There are people whose kindness or lack thereof changed my life, making them my greatest teachers. I have had many heroes and some not-so-much in this time as well.
I learn from them all. I am deeply mindful of their contributions to my life and consciousness, along with the strengths they have given me. Sometimes, as we all have learned, a bad example is as great a teacher as an excellent one.
And the mirrors I am given each and every day! The people who show me who I am when I think I am someone or something other are teachers also. I thank them from the bottom of my heart as well. If that is who I am today, I say to myself; then I will work harder to be someone other.
I know that recently I learned I do not want to always be a teacher. It feels very draining in certain situations. I forget to let others walk away without my input on some occasions. They truly have to figure these things out for themselves and have some of the experiences they insist on having, because that is the journey they are here to have. I can stand down and let that happen more frequently each day.
It is a great learning to walk through this world, with the idea that we are here to live into others’ stories. I am not. I have such a full and lovely life without a lot of interface in it. I can do little or no social interaction because I am satisfied and adequate today. I spent so much of my early life feeling dis-satisfied and inadequate! That is so different today.
I like a simple life. A full and gracious way of being on the planet that consumes little and needs even less. This has been my medicine walk for a long time and I really, really learned this a few years ago as I lived with a small amount of resources and was able to thrive without so much. I have a bit more today, but I need less than I use. This is an ongoing way of walking on the planet I long to master before my days here are over. I have great teachers on both sides of this spectrum as well. They are beautiful providers of truth for me. And I love that!
Animals and nature provide my needs best. There is abundant love and energy there for me. And I am surrounded by this without having to go anywhere or travel. Thank you Universal Power! I am at home within my skin and this amazing place I inhabit. What a great life and a great gift…and teachers abound!
Dolphin Hug 