And every Saturday I celebrate with Ruth Ayres at Discover Play Build. and link with others who share their celebrations, too. It's a life-changing thing to find both little and big things in one's life to celebrate. Winston Churchill said: Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. Remember what he lived through, and he carried on.
Some days it feels hard to be older. My life has changed, I'm no longer teaching, I am alone quite a bit. I will soon need to have cataract surgery, and then there's that tooth thing. Some people call this a "pity party". It is rare for me to have one. I could count my blessings, and there are many. But some days. . .
Today as I drove home, I noticed an older woman, somewhat overweight, walking with a cane, carrying several bags. She took her time, wore several layers of clothes, and it had grown warm by mid-day. This woman didn't seem to be doing well, was moving slowly. She was nearing a corner, so I pulled in that street and stopped, waited. I left the car and walked toward her, asked if she could use a ride home. She looked up at me, said, "Honey, I just have a couple of blocks to go, and the exercise is really good for me. I'm doing fine, just taking my time, enjoying the beautiful day."
So I went home, and enjoyed this beautiful day.
For some reason the perspective lesson is a difficult one to always keep in mind. I am still learning. You are strong in this area. I have learned to know you as one of the most gentle and positive persons. It is so understandable that having any kind of surgery, or any health issues, brings the positivity down. You switched your perspective quickly. I am curious are you positive by nature since childhood or is it something you have learned from experience?
ReplyDeleteAnd it's lovely to hear your perspective, Terje. Yes, I've always been positive, at least I feel that I have. Thanks for the thoughts.
DeleteHow kind of you to stop and how wonderful that your kindness was rewarded with a shift in perspective. My grandmothers, both strong women, not prone to complaining, would often say, "Growing old is enormously difficult." Or words to that effect. I guess, like that older woman, you just keep on keepin' on. And there are days when it's easier. And days when it's harder. But you enjoy the beauty where you can. Perhaps on challenging days it's time to reread your post about the power of the ordinary. That one moved me so much and can shift anyone's perspective!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Molly. I laugh to think that perhaps I need to remember my own words.
DeleteI've been thinking about aging a lot lately. I feel like somehow if I accept that I am older and that I need different things now, it will not catch me by surprise. I'm changing how I eat. I'm letting my hair be gray after a lifetime of coloring it. I'm putting on moisturizer more and more. But it still takes you by surprise sometimes anyway. I think I'll enjoy the day today. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteYes, sometimes is does surprise, Kimberley. My mother used to say that sometimes she would look in the mirror and wonder who that person was looking back. Thanks, how nice that you are making change in your living that's just for you.
DeletePerspective can change everything. Honor your changes. It's ok to feel what you're feeling. I love how you stopped, offered help and really listened to what she said. You inspire me!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle. It is so interesting to me how sometimes when we act, the outcome is not at all what was expected.
DeletePerspective was my OLW two years ago and it really changed my thinking. I am also thinking about aging as I have only a few years left teaching. Life is a journey and as I reflect (another OLW) I realize each step is a a choice (another OLW) I am going to make iit a great day.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to see that you incorporated your OLWs into your response here, so thoughtful, Maria. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteLinda, wise words from a short encounter - "I'm doing fine, just taking my time, enjoying the beautiful day." I think there are times we need to be reminded that joy is to be found in the journey each day. Thanks for sharing your encounter and that beautiful blue sky
ReplyDeleteI do believe that chance adds to our lives in good ways more than we can imagine. Why did I drive at just that time, and decide to stop? Thanks, Ramona for your reminder, too.
DeleteWhat an encounter. What a privilege we have to grow older. As Molly stated, my grandmothers too would often have moments where they would just verbalize how hard it was. Thank you for sharing the positive perspective on things that can be hard.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Kendra. Ups and downs, and it is a privilege I know.
DeleteLinda, I loved your slice today! I also think that sometimes . . .even when we have so much to be grateful for . . . it's ok to have a pity party, as long as we don't let it go on for too long. The sweet little lady taught us all a little something today!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynn, for the support for that 'pity party'. I know it wouldn't go too long, think I probably would be bored with it! I did indeed learn something from a stranger yesterday.
DeleteThere's a lot of lovely in this slice, Linda, both from the woman and from you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jane.
DeleteI keep reading posts and finding picture books in them. This would be a wonderful children's picture book if you put your granddaughter in the seat next to you. You have the perfect ending. Love, love, love this slice.
ReplyDeleteWow, Melanie, what a wonderful idea. It never occurred to me, but it is a nice story, was good for me. Thank you!
DeleteWhat a lovely slice, Linda. What a gift you were given, at just the right time, by this woman! Feels magical, divine.
ReplyDeleteIt was/is a gift, Maureen. You are so right. Thanks!
DeleteChoosing the attitude to take is huge. We can wallow or we can look for the brighter side. Even with tooth issues, the good thing is something can be done, and it will be done. Of course there may be discomfort for a while, but that's better than discomfort forever. You seem to always choose the better attitude, no matter what.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elsie, it is something that works for me. I'll remember this woman for a long time.
DeletePerspective really is everything, isn't it? What a kindness you showed in your offer, but a life lesson for us all in her reply.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I hope you get resolution for both the dental and vision issues...
The cataract is not bad, so want to do it sooner rather than when it really impacts my life. I just usually don't like anything like this, so wish it was in the past instead of the future. Thanks Karen.
DeleteLinda, first you are lovely - every part of you. Teeth things and all. I know, it is hard this aging thing. We need to now do new learning and looks like you found someone to teach you a little lesson of the day. Because you are you, you found the learning. A beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie, you and others make my day brighter every day, too.
DeleteLinda, you are always so supportive so trying to provide a ride for someone else is so like you. I am glad that this chance encounter allowed you to see the wonder of the day to change your perspective.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol. I do observe things, and this time, that woman seemed to need some help. Clearly she didn't, but she helped me. Isn't that a "wonder"?
DeleteJust shows that looks can be deceiving. We don't know what someone is feeling until we ask and often it is not what we expect. When we ask, though, what wonderful things we can find out about people sometimes.
ReplyDeleteSo, so wonderful to hear from you. Thanks for your wise and thoughtful words today.
DeleteI once read that you should be grateful when you get a parking place far away because you have the ability to walk. Since my tailbone accident, I will never again take for granted the simple act of sitting down. It's all in our perspective and that can change in a flash!
ReplyDeleteI're read that too, Margaret, & agree that it is about perspective. There are several posts today that connect, too. Love that you reminded me about your recent challenge.
DeleteYour attitude is something I have always admired about you, my friend. So like you to stop and offer help. I hope you made the most of your day - those Denver skies look as brilliant as ever!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tara, bluer than blue yesterday, cloudy right now, but just clouds, & wishing fro rain. It was a great day both days.
DeleteOoh, love the ending, Linda! When you got to the part about the other woman, I thought it was going to be about being grateful you're doing better than her, but you turned it so much sweeter than that! I'm lucky that I got to enjoy this beautiful day too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer, I rarely judge people like that, am grateful for what I have, but others have different stories too, as I found out. I'm glad you enjoyed the day, too.
DeleteWhat a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it. We all have those days when it's easier to see the difficulties. Thanks for sharing your experience and I'm glad you enjoyed your beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Crystal, it seems that those parts tumbled over each other, and it al became good, a beautiful day.
DeleteI haven't retired yet, but I am getting close. I am alone quite a bit, too. I suppose sometimes it is a pity party, but then it is part of living to have times when adjusting to the changes of getting older is difficult. It is good that life also offers us experiences to adjust our perspective.
ReplyDeleteYes, agreed. Thank you.
DeleteI needed this slice today, my friend! Thank you! We need to have coffee soon!
ReplyDeleteI wish we could, always sending best wishes to you!
DeleteLinda, it's amazing how we are quickly reminded that we have so much to be happy about in the little lives we live ... words from my little slice today. I've been having my own little pity party too. Glad we could join together and realize there is so much to be happy about! Love, love, love this perspective. And sometimes we hear that message from someone that we never expected to share it. Just beautiful. So thankful to read your words and perspective today!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle, it is a joy to hear from the unexpected a wise piece of advice. I need to read your post!
DeleteI love the unexpected turn in this piece and the lovely revelation when her words are able to help you. You've given me much to think about, as always.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it, Elisabeth. Thank you.
DeleteThanks for sharing this important lesson. We, as individuals and even as a society, so often want to help, but we have to listen to the people we perceive as needing help to make sure they really do, and then, if so, what exactly they need. How much time, energy, and money has been wasted by governments, aid groups, and individuals rushing in to help in a situation they didn't understand, and either having no impact or making things worse?
ReplyDeleteSometimes I wonder if it's just my excuse for being lazy, but I often feel non-intervention is the best policy. Stuff works itself out. But I still think it's awesome you stopped to ask the woman if she needed assistance! We need that kind of compassion for each other, too. Like everything in life, it's a fine line, a difficult balance. Keep celebrating.
Thanks for your own ideas about this, Mark. I believe that each situation calls for a unique response. It's kind of like the old 'stop, look and listen', then decide if action is needed. From what I observed, this person seemed to need help, and I offered it gladly, but she was okay, and gave me something instead.
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