Siberian Iris. Photo by James Cummings

The “attitude of gratitude” is good to develop. Today, in spite of the usual annoying aches and pains of aging, I woke up feeling exhilarated and with a profound sense of gratitude for ALL of the people I have known, even those with whom I have parted ways. You see, we are a collective, in the truest sense, and we depend on each other to make each of us “better people.” You and I both know all of our own shortcomings, unless we are blind to the truth. We are not perfect people. We have to struggle to overcome our own selfish motives, our own anger, and sometimes, our own prejudice (which can manifest itself in many areas, not just race).

Encouragement is the greatest gift that someone can give to another. It costs little to the giver, yet it is precious beyond gold. After all, most of us just want permission to be who we are, and to be accepted, and to have our work valued.

Some of us rattle the cage that constrains us, and sometimes the bars that hold us in consist of just being a woman. Everyone we encounter could use a kind word, from the clerk at Walmart to university professors. We all like to think that we are doing good work and that we are reaping respect and appreciation.

In the past month or so, I have increased my study of nineteenth century and early twentieth women. A strong-willed bunch they were! What I am learning is that they reached beyond the safe haven of domestic life, and some of them created lasting differences in society to the point that their names have been recorded in the annals of History.

The thought occurs to me that no accomplishment happens in a vacuum. Behind any successful individual are parents and family, teachers and mentors, opportunities given and opportunities taken. Sometimes, we just need someone to believe in us. During my lifetime, I can recall many people who believed in me, especially teachers who gave me good grades, smiled, and listened.

I hope you will take a moment today to be grateful for the people in your life, now and in the past, who have helped to shape who you are today. Man does not live alone. We are here by the continuing grace of the Author of the Universe, and by the kindliness of the gentle souls who inhabit our lives.

Patricia Cummings

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 27th, 2010 at 9:55 am and is filed under . You can follow any responses to this entry through the feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.