Reflection #18 Our Better Selves
The Gap Year: Reflection #18 Our Better Selves by Patricia D. Brown
“We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.” --Clare of Assisi
Now, at this moment not waiting til the end, I look at my relationships and ask myself, “Do I love enough? Do I spend hours each day marveling at other people? Being happy with others, feeling the joy of a relationship, devoting myself to tenderness? While living in this earthly home, it is time-- definitely and completely, to love tenderly, and compassionately-- for there is nothing more. I believe we want to be loving; opening our souls, and our hands, looking with kind eyes, hugging tightly all that we love, walking free of anxiety, and radiant with affection. We dream of being someone our friends wish to be around.
I don’t intend to become a compliant old woman with only a cat – or dog -- for company. I ask, am I surrounding myself with people who bring out the best in me and I in them? Can I find friends to spend time with— to talk to? Those who love me just the way I am? To see myself through their eyes? From today on, I commit to being someone who loves others exactly as they are too.
How kind and wise we would be to live these years of retirement being present and being authentic with others. If there was ever a time, it is now. To simply wish to embody our better selves – at home, with our faith community, at the store, or even at the grocery store while waiting in line.
Now it’s your turn
Take time to reflect and if in a group, share as you feel able.
Viewing myself through another's eyes, I see a person who:
a) marvels at other people.
b) is happy with others.
c) is joyful in relationships.
d) is compassionate and tender.