For those who really know me, you know I like to wax philosophically at times and something recently happened that makes me want to reflect on the goodness of people. I won't tell you the meaning of life, because I don't know, but I will share just one of the many, meaningful experiences that I have had the opportunity to experience.
I feel that if you put yourself out to the world, the world will present itself to you. It's not always pretty or nice, but most of the time it is complacent, uneventful and benign. Sometimes, however, the world is a magnificent place and it's energies, amazing. Some call it God, Allah, nature, humanism, whatever you choose to call it; it is goodness that resonates through the human spirit like a song. I find I can "fill up my cup", or renew my spirit, by getting in touch with nature and doing something good for someone else.
While we were on our vacation, we were asked by a family if we would take their photograph for their Christmas cards next year. They did not know we were professional photographer's until they had asked. We took their photo cheerfully, they thanked us, they took a photo of us, too, and we visited for awhile. The sun set. It was time for us to leave. End of story, right? No. Last week, Eric and I received a very nice print of the two of us, watching the sunset, that one of the family members, (mom, I think) had taken of us on the sly! What a nice surprise! It feels the heart with joy and restores faith in humanity for someone to do something so sweet...and so to the family from San Antonio, Texas-Thanks! We don't have many photos of us together because we are always on the other side of the lens. It was a pleasure to visit with such a nice family and a true surprise!
That brings me to the text below. You may have received it in an email or on the web. I don't want to infringe on a copyright but I think that these words are priceless, definately worth sharing although difficult to do daily, something to strive for and obtainable.
I N S T R U C T I O N S F O R L I F E 1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk. 2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson. 3. Follow the three R’s: Respect for self, Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions. 4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. 5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly. 6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship. 7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. 8. Spend some time alone every day. 9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values. 10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. 11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time. 12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life. 13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past. 14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality. 15. Be gentle with the earth. 16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before. 17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other. 18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it. 19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
And I would add: Give of yourself fearlessly, honestly and openly without reservation. Little things mean a lot so start by do what you can for others unselfishly and life will give back without hesitation. I don't know much, but this I know for sure.