I expressed some of my own regrets in 2009 when I penned this poem:
Epitaph for a Spirit
A
beautiful, fragile flower has finished her season.
In her
own words,
“She did nothing, she left nothing, she had a good time.”
But
we know better.
Driven
by passion and guided by intent,
She
moved like a graceful, precariously balanced top.
Ever
bumping into opportunities to grow in empathy,
And
leave behind positive, fruitful energy.
How
tragically ironic that one so blessed,
Was
unable to feel these contacts more deeply,
Nor recognize the trail of tiny, mighty gifts in
her wake.
Few of us give ourselves the credit we deserve for the value we bring to the world simply by showing up. Our Judeo-Christian traditions emphasize humility over pride (one of the seven deadly sins, after all). I must have bought into this twisted belief early on. For me, accepting and appreciating my own "worthiness" has required persistent effort. Maybe that's why I have devoted myself to encouraging others toward self-acceptance in my daily encounters, and in my career, writing and art. I'm still working on it.
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| Love Yourself as You Love Others |
