Greetings All ~
I recently had a phone chat with a friend who had moved away. They've never been great at returning calls or texts. We ended up talking about this, and it was revealed they felt intruded upon when people called and that people were being nosy. I pointed out that the calls they were receiving weren't necessarily just that. Perhaps people needed to be uplifted by their unique enthusiasm for life, their joy,their love, and the value they brought to the world. There was a pause, and they admitted that they hadn't thought about it that way. Sure enough,they started calling more regularly—and not just me, but others, too.
This interaction got me thinking. When I've been unsure or feeling low or impatient with others, I've forgotten about the value I bring or the value others bring to the world. And that value is not just my own in this lifetime. It is the value of all those who came before me. It is the legacyof the wisdom, creativity and strength of my ancestors. To stop and breathe in the knowledge that's been provided, is key to keep going in difficult times.
We are an amalgamation of our previous generations' deeds, wordsand lessons. So often focus is put on past traumas, and in doing so, the fortitude it took to get through those times gets lost. I'm not saying horrific events are to be ignored or minimized. But to concentrate on just that, without acknowledging what it took to get through those events, is a disregard of those who brought us into our very existence.
Think of all the women who, over generations, were uprooted and moved away from their communities of crones because their husbands decided it was time to emigrate—and they didn't have the financial or societal support to choose otherwise. Think of the billions of people who have been forced into refugee status because those in power decided to wage war. Think about the genocides that have been and are being perpetrated and those who've survived. And yet here we are, because they trod a Path of Value—whether the value was placed upon themselves or their future generations.
There are, of course, the individual stories of trauma most of us have experienced or are even in the midst of. And yet here we are—managing to struggle through it all. Maybe it's the biology of survival, or spirit rising or simple hope, but we do it. And while doing so, we add value to the world. The lessons become clearer and strength becomes crystalized. And it is passed on. The path continues, value gained from value.
When you're impatient or weary of others, find their value; whether it's their smile or their shoes. And, most importantly, tellthem. Everyone brings something to the table.
If you're low, remind yourself of the value you bring to the world. If that isn't showing up, tap into the value of your ancestors—that's you!
And, most importantly, walk their Path of Value.
All Good Things,
Vicky Rose