Diffey, Kathy, and Steve are the three Wise People that would show up at the manger today bearing gifts of wisdom for the Baby Jesus and his earthly parents… All three continue to do so for all of us. My wife, Kathleen, is another inspirational source to me- always has wisdom and knows when to dispense it because she knows I need it at the time…
Ergo, the following piece that she sent to me at a time in the “retirement” phase that I was slipping on a slope of disappointment in myself that at 72 I was not achieving more. I have no troops to command, no new buildings on the drawing boards with my name on them, realized that many of the achievements at Wesley Woods have been dismantled or cannibalized, realized that fewer and fewer people return my calls, have to make my own flight arrangements, participate in meetings where my raised hand is not recognized, and offer advice that few people take. Sounding like a metastatic pity party. Right??
Then…. the following shows up from Kathleen simultaneously to my participation in the Trinity Continuing Care Board of Directors meeting in Detroit, aboard which Joanne chairs so ably. The board meeting was introduced with a video of a mobile clinic in which a Trinity affiliate operates for homeless people. The interviews in it of the clients themselves, as well as the staff, brought tears to my eyes. Mark Twain said, ” The two most important days of a person’s life is the day they are born and the day they knew why.”… That video reminded me of why. Every time I visited one of our LeadingAge communities, I was constantly reminded me of why I (we) are engaged in our work. But the reminder is about “DOING”. Truth is, I am not able to DO as much…. soooo, here’s where the quote from Kathleen comes in. It is changing my perspective on this phase of life…Hope you find helpful.
NOTE TO SELF
“What is my purpose in life?” I asked the voice.
“What if I told you that you fulfilled it when you took an extra hour to talk to that kid about his life?” said the voice.
“Or when you paid for that young couple in the restaurant? Or when you saved that dog in traffic? Or when you tied your father’s shoe for him?”
“Your problem is that you equate your purpose with goal-based achievement. The Universe isn’t interested in your achievements… just your heart. When you choose to act out of kindness, compassion, and love, you are already aligned with your true purpose.
“No need to look any further.”
(Anonymous)
Have a great holiday season! Be open to the voice… Larry
Thank you Larry. So simple so true! Love you! LWL
Love notes to self – spoke to me today!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Marjorie, I apologize for my slow reply! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season.
Mr President, I’ve been having the same questions and feelings. Then I read Kathleen’s quote. I’d seen it before but it didn’t apply to me, did it? I wanted to make a difference in this world, in my grandest thoughts, the whole world, or a good part of it. Kathleens quote reminded me that the difference is one life at a time.
Your journey is not finished.
Thank you, Dave! I appreciate your words of encouragement!