During this season of peace and goodwill, it is a good time to reflect on the importance of being connected in caring relationships with others, because even though we often hear of “independent living” we never are independent – nor should we be.
The African word Ubuntu which means “I am what I am because of who we all are” describes the relationship we have with others: the natural interconnectedness where we both give and receive, as we help others while others help us. This interconnectedness makes us more complete human beings and stronger communities as we share our strengths and talents to offset our weaknesses.
As we age we tend to move more towards a dependency on others: opening doors, needing a ride or help with daily bathing. But as we learn to accept more help, we can also continue to find ways to give back and stay interconnected with life’s give and take.
For example, we can volunteer for one of the many local non-profits. Or we can give back in more subtle ways: offering a word of encouragement, a friendly smile to a haggard cashier, or being an example of how to live with dignity and grace during difficult times.
As Joni Mitchell once sang, we have seen life “from both sides, now”. We know the ups and downs; the successes and failures; the loves and losses. And with that perspective, we all have much to offer.
Since this column is the last one of the year, I want to thank you for the kind words and for taking the time to read this column. It’s been a privilege starting back in 2008 writing for The Dalles Chronicle and now with the Columbia Gorge News. There will come a time to “let go”, but as long as I can find something to steal – oops, I mean to share – I will keep writing. I must admit it has gotten harder to find the right word or phrase. But I’ve found one of the benefits of writing is that you have time – and often it takes way too much time – to arrange these marks on the page to appear halfway intelligent or at least coherent.
I’ve also discovered writing is like a form of meditation: you aren’t worrying about your next doctor’s appointment, what to prepare for dinner, or those scattered papers on the floor. You’re focused just on your writing – and hours later you’re wondering, when did it get dark outside?
Writing is a true pleasure, so why don’t you pick up a pen or tap those keys on the keyboard and start writing – whether it’s a daily journal, or your “soul portrait”? Or how about your life story – and don’t be afraid to embellish it. Who’s going to know?
When you write don’t worry about what others think. Jump in. Be fearless. And start writing that gripping soap opera for cats with steamy cat scenes. It could be the next Netflix series.
Brain Tease: All the letters have been advertently mixed! See if you can decipher these quotes taken from famous Missourians.
- Ni awtkr am- Tpy geni revira tsu jtni ala ined. –
- Namu rtsyr rah- Go date g not g nihs aw nid neir fat nawu oyfi.
- Ar rebig oy- esl eere hwem osp ud nell i wuo ye rasecn ahc gni og eru oy ere hwwo nktn odu oyfi.
The brand of small die-cast toys first introduced in the 1950s and designed for the co-owner’s daughter because her school only allowed children to bring toys that could fit inside a matchbox was, you guessed it, Matchbox Toys.
Well, it’s the holidays and I’ll be surfing the California waves – in my daydreams, and I needed to submit this and the next week’s columns early. So, as I have done in the past, in three weeks I will share the names of everyone who sent in the correct answers.
This week’s” Remember When” question has no wrong answer. What was your favorite Christmas present when you were young? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or mail it with a 1950s Lionel Train Set.
Well, it’s been another week, remembering what is truly important. Until we meet again, have a Very Merry Christmas!
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince
Answer: ˙ǝɯɐu suosɹǝd ǝɥʇ ɥʇᴉʍ ƃuᴉʇɹɐʇs ‘spɹɐʍʞɔɐq pǝllǝds ʎldɯᴉs ǝɹǝʍ sǝɔuǝʇuǝs ǝɥ┴
- uᴉɐʍ┴ ʞɹɐW- ˙ʇdʎƃƎ uᴉ ɹǝʌᴉɹ ɐ ʇsnɾ ʇ,uᴉɐ lɐᴉuǝp
- uɐɯnɹ┴ ˙S ʎɹɹɐH- ˙ƃop ɐ ʇǝƃ ‘uoʇƃuᴉɥsɐM uᴉ puǝᴉɹɟ ɐ ʇuɐʍ noʎ ɟI
- ɐɹɹǝq ᴉƃo⅄– ˙ǝslǝ ǝɹǝɥʍǝɯos dn puǝ llᴉʍ noʎ ǝɹɐ sǝɔuɐɥɔ ‘ƃuᴉoƃ ǝɹ,noʎ ǝɹǝɥʍ ʍouʞ ʇ,uop noʎ ɟI
