Dear Reader:
Do you remember that momentous moment in your life when you realized that you had been trying to follow someone else’s path and not your own?
Twice prior to my teaching career…I had opportunities to switch majors over to medical/service or a secretarial career but something stopped me each time. I truly entered education thinking I would probably teach a year or two and then quit, marry, and stay home with family/children. Little did I know that ‘staying home’ was 34 years away when I entered Alston Middle School.
Little did I know that I would find my passion…and it was teaching. Who knew? God knew. My life turned out just the way it was supposed to turn out. And the wait to stay home and be with family has come true too…grandchildren family…the best. And wow…was it worth waiting for…
When I think back to the shy, introverted child I was at the beginning of my life and the “angels” who were planted to help me find my way…I am eternally grateful. I realize the biggest difference for me came from people (I knew and some I didn’t) who moved me along my path with encouraging words. These words literally steered me in the right direction.
And the wrong words…the hurtful words…they taught me how not to act and how not to go down the wrong path. I subscribe to Kelly Rae Roberts website and she had written a personal story on her blog about the amazing power of words…and how they can change a person’s life for better or worse.
How true…and we all need a reminder how important it is that we never say something that causes a loved one or stranger to detour off their given path. Thoughts from Kelly’s blog…
Rediscovering Our Brilliance
Kelly Rae Of Sunshine. Krae. Kelly Belly. KK. Kelly Smelly. Mama K. Kel. Kellogg. KB (short for Kelly Belly). KRR.
Just a few of the nicknames I’ve been given over the years. I never loved the Kelly Belly or Smelly. I was a husky-sized child for a few years and the belly remark stung. In fact, when I was 10, some kids teased me about my legs while calling me Kelly Belly and I DID NOT wear shorts again until I was in my early 30’s.
It took me over 20 years to unlearn something that I thought was true –something that some random kid (whose brain was still developing) said to me in 1985. Can you even? Now that I have a child around that same age, it’s impossible to imagine taking any such remark as truth, but when you’re a kid, these things make such marks on our paths, right?
I also had an art teacher in high school tell me she was shocked that my drawing was chosen to be shown at a local showcase for student art. I never made art again until many many MANY years later.
Sigh.
Adults and kids alike. They say stuff. And when you’re a kid, that leaves a mark. A lot of my spiritual work as an adult has been the practice of unlearning every single mark and returning to my original brilliance that was layered up with mark after mark after mark.
It is such amazing work to be revealed to oneself. To rediscover the brilliance that is no longer covered. To shine and to rise and to reclaim what has always been yours. It requires sacred excavation. And it is deeply valuable, life-altering work.
*When I finally put paint onto paper, my heart + life exploded with renewed passion and joy.
Sending love to all of you. May we all take back our brilliance and shine shine shine.Imagine a world lit up with all that original essence. CHILLS!
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Didn’t Kelly’s message bring back many memories…both good and not-so good back to you? It takes courage to leave negative remarks and criticisms behind….to learn from them but not to harbor them.
So until tomorrow…”The only person you are destined to become, is the person you decide to be.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
“Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh
*I had a wonderful surprise yesterday afternoon…Chelsey came bringing me aeroponic-grown lettuce. Isn’t it amazing? I feel like I am on the ride at Disney World where they show plant life and food opportunities in the World of Tomorrow. (Chelsey actually interned there one summer)
Chelsey now works for Vertical Roots...Vertical Roots is an indoor aeroponic farm located right here in Summerville. They grow leafy greens year round and harvest their crops right before delivery to local restaurants and markets.
But it is just not local restaurants and markets (Harris Teeter, Whole Foods…soon to be in Publix) they are servicing…but the public schools in Berkeley and Dorchester counties. How cool is that? What a terrific job! I have a feeling we are going to be hearing a lot more about this innovative endeavor.
Anne and I had lunch yesterday and she reassured me that monkey had been “resurrected”…the squeaker still works…monkey’s head has shrunk and its face is rather “smushed” in…(due to lack of stuffing)…but he is still alive and still Nala’s favorite toy. (Besides poor Nala does look quite contrite)
ichaseferalcats
John Turner
Legally Ohm
Becky Dingle
Yea for chelsey and her group of “farmers”.I know about hurtful words and the ones that come from teachers are the most damaging. I think that is why I hated school from the 7th grade on. Some teachers shouldn’t be teachers.
There is a whole new future to growing food now…so wonderful. The sad thing about teachers who do damage students’ dreams and precious sense of beings…probably never knew they did it.