By: Dorothy Webster
Changing Our Narrative
Authors of self-help articles, blogs and books often reflect on the significance of “life lessons” and offer readers myriad ideas about which experiences are the most meaningful. The alcohol induced musings of friends of a “certain age” at various social gatherings yield additional wisdom regarding this subject. But, no matter the source, the message is the same. We all want reassurance that we haven’t frittered away our time here, and that our lives have had value for those we love.
Since I am in the “certain age” demographic, I’m always interested to hear how my life’s experiences compare with those of my contemporaries. It’s also fun to try to figure out if any of us have actually learned something. I also confess to sneaking an occasional hour with the television “expert” of the moment, and reading periodical treatises on the subject. But, the variables of generation, gender, ethnicity, religion, education, income, geography, i.e., Navaho Nation, urban neighborhood, farming community in any state, suburbia or Park Avenue preclude the creation of a “Life Lessons Template”. That means that when contemplating my experiences and deciding if lessons can be derived from them, I’m stuck with introspection and self-analysis.
I’m a product of the segregated south, the Catholic Church, Catholic elementary school with white nuns and an all-black high school with formidable, demanding teachers…all of whom were allowed to humiliate us if we failed to be the best that we could be. Most of the “lessons” listed below result from those early years in the hands of dedicated professionals who were determined that we would all succeed even if it killed us.
These items are in no strategic order:
Education is required because it increases life’s possibilities.
The Girl Scouts said it first and they were correct: Always be prepared. I would add: Never be surprised, but it’s quite gratifying to be surprising.
A well-articulated plan is necessary for almost everything.
Fearlessness is the best approach to all matters, particularly those that present the greatest challenge.
It is unwise to compromise one’s honor, ethics or integrity for any person or purpose.
Never stop learning, growing, experiencing. Age is no impediment.
Embrace change when it is necessary and unavoidable.
Family is life’s best gift. Friends are a very close second. Mine never fail me. I try not to fail
By: Dorothy Webster, Guest Contributor, ReelUrbanNews.com.
