Strategies
Reflections On The Person/The Educator
The Person
After having lived more than a half a century, though it doesn't seem possible, there are certain things I really want. Why? Because I have earned them. Oh, I don't want the usual "things" - a second house in the country, a boat, annual vacations abroad, a larger boat. No, I don't want the usual "things" - I actually want more!
I want the respect that we were taught half a century ago must be afforded to those who are older. Why? Simply BECAUSE they are older. How did that get so twisted that now we teach kids that older people must some how spend their lives trying to earn youngster' respect-and somehow never quite measuring up?
Secondly, I want to continue to learn and grow from life's experiences for I feel we either grow and explore or we whither and die. There is a wondrous world to discover and so little time. I want to grow spiritually and come to a broader understanding of my God, with greater acceptance and less questioning; oh, to emulate John more and Thomas less; John-so full of love and tolerance, Thomas-ever the cynic consumed in doubt.
I want to grow older-with grace and dignity. Every one of life's physical and emotional scars and changes have been earned. I have paid my dues. I want to wear every wrinkle, scar and grey hair with quiet grace and simple dignity. After all, with all due modesty, I have earned them. I think this is called self-acceptance.
As the youngest of give children, I started off painfully shy and totally devoid in self-sufficiency; couldn't tie my shoes till I was fourteen. But both Dad and Mother continually emphasized the need to "hold your head up." They were right. I have learned that the way we carry ourselves has much to do with the way others perceive us-for a lifetime-because many times we have no opportunities beyond first impressions. I have learned to smile easily, forgive quickly and laugh often-especially at oneself.
This fall, I will be fifty-six. I must be a slow learner because I have only recently discovered the secret of happiness, (for me). It is so simple-and it lies within each of us. It is ATTITUDE. What I discovered, after years of searching was that it all begins with me. My attitude about every single facet of my life, no matter how small, no matter how major, my attitude first determines the direction of all my thoughts, actions, deeds, responses of every kind. For example, my three year old granddaughter was allowed to have her ears pierced. Initially, I was extremely upset because it was such a tacky thing to do. But she is no my (or anyone's) child, as a possession, and since there is nothing I can do now, I do not choose to dwell on it. Attitude is everything! Because of this realization I am able to give myself the gift of self-acceptance: I will never be six feet tall, attractive, brilliant, blue-eyed, an infantry lieutenant, a natural-born leader, a stand up comedian, a great architect, a dancer with the Rockettes or the President of the United States (who would want to be?) and that's ok! Because with the gift of self-acceptance comes a soothing, sustaining inner peace that assures me I AM OK and things will be OK. |
