Principle #5 – See Yourself and Our Heroes Bigger Than They See Themselves
I’m sitting at my sewing machine, making my third set of face masks. The first set I made was in desperation of staying well and without the knowledge of what kind of material to use. And also, with limited sewing supplies. The second set I made out of bandana material with an extra lining. This mask helps filter out a lot, but it’s hard to breathe and uncomfortable to wear. I finally found a pattern that fits better, has a little breathing room, and a wire to fit around the nose. It’s like Goldilocks…one’s a little too thin, one’s a little too thick, and the last one is just right.
As I finish up this last batch of masks, I think about how fortunate I am to have the skill of sewing masks, and the love and compassion for my family and friends, to share my gift of creativity.
I feel we all have special gifts to share with each other to make our communities and the world, for that matter, a better place. We, as a nation, are blessed by having nurses and doctors who share their gift of taking care of our sick. I don’t know about you, but I dread going to the doctor for a check-up when I know I haven’t been exercising or eating well. It makes me feel bad about myself. My doctor has a knack for making me feel valued and happy when I leave his office.
Teachers also have a special gift by teaching our youth when their profession is under-appreciated. They show up every day to give their best. And last week, we all lost Representative John Lewis. He was a man of character, and with his gift of leadership, he was an advocate of the civil rights movement for over fifty-five years. Thank you for your passion and for your service…you will be missed. May you rest in peace, Representative John Lewis. I’m so thankful that he was able to see the work he started so many years ago gaining momentum again.
“It is my hope that people today will see that, in another time, in another period, when we saw the need for people to speak up, to organize, to mobilize, and to do something about injustice, we came together.” – John Lewis
We may not have the calling to be a doctor, nurse, teacher, or civil rights leader, but we do have our own unique gifts. And it’s up to us of how to use them. If we don’t share them, we are merely existing in life. When we share them, it gives our lives purpose and happiness. What gifts are you hanging onto? Why not share them and make a difference? We are in this world together and together we can make it a better place.
“Everyone has a purpose in life…a unique gift or special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals.” – Deepak Chopra
Thank you front line workers, first responders, and teachers for sharing your gift with all of us. Please take care of yourself and others by wearing your mask.
Freedom is possible!
Love,
Deb