Sunday, April 3, 2011
Reflections
Thanks to Dorothy (Sorenson) Puklich for sending the following reminder. "Greetings from Bismarck. When I look back to the old days, I remember something that I read sometime back. It does so apply to life and how simple, but true. This is not the exact quote, as age gives me only the meaning as the important thing: "You will long forget exact words a person has spoken, but you never forget how they made you feel.”
As we approach our 50th, it’s interesting to note that we can’t remember all the details of those days, but we do remember how we felt—both good and bad. As The Dali Lama says, “ Be kind whenever possible…it’s always possible.” Thanks for the reminder, Dorothy. Have a great day all! Diane (Sauer) Hughes. RLM 4/3/2011
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4 comments:
Dorothy,
Your "almost direct quote" is very true, and a good reminder about how important kindness is . . . wish that when we were young people, we realized the long-term importance of others' feelings . . . guess that is something that comes with age!
Barb (older but wiser after 50 years) Sheppard Lang
Absolutely! Well said. Both Dorothy's quote and Barb's comment. I have to pinch myself every now and then to face the reality of how many years have passed. As I sit here going into my fourth year of retirement, realizing my entire working life is behind me and how fast it went...and I have a granddaughter that will celebrate her 22nd birthday next week..and the other one is 19 and the third is 6, boggles my mind. Where did the time go? I know that's a cliche, and I used to hear the "old folks" say that. But now that I'm one of the "elderly," (can you believe I'm using that word?) I must say, what the old folks said was true. God bless you, Dorothy, Barb and all. Been a wonderful year of renewing friendships and memories...that's continuing!
There are a couple of quotes which relate to Dorothy’s claim. The complete version of the first, by the German writer Carl W. Buechner, is: "People are disturbed not by things but by the view they take of them. You will long forget exact words a person has spoken, but you never forget how they made you feel.” What I find most interesting is that the first sentence, not paraphrased by Dorothy, is a direct lift from the Greek Stoic Epictetus. The second related quote is from the American author and poet Maya Angelou which seems lifted from Buechner: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I was impressed Dorothy refused personal credit while these two famous authors did not acknowledge those from whom they apparently took their ideas.
Here’s a similar statement I found in a blog which I think applicable to the site and the post: "I was only a child, but I remember that
...they made me feel safe
…they made me feel like I could do anything
…they made me feel like life was full of joy
…they made me feel like I was always welcome
…they made me feel judged
…they made me feel like I should just go away"
I suspect at one time or another in those long-ago years of our childhood each of us felt all these ways. I also believe that most of us long ago concluded that no one can make us feel anything as we ourselves have total control over the ways we individually feel.
This is a test comment. It is of no informative value. Just checking the comment system.
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