The Fragrant Salve

[Image courtesy Hamed Saber]

Recently, I’ve felt a deep shift in my perceptions.

I find it interesting that, lately, people have been telling me what’s on their minds—or maybe I’m finally listening?

Examples:

• A dear friend of mine said when she thought of me she thought of the word, “grace.”
• Another friend deemed my blog the “The Most Positive Blog of 2009.”

Initially I thought, “What? You talkin’ to me?” Thanks, dear friends, your words really made my day!

And, to be honest, I’ve always looked up to graceful, positive people.

The dictionary’s first definition of grace is as follows: simple elegance or refinement of movement—she moved through the water with effortless grace. Or as in courteous goodwill—at least he has the grace to admit his debt to her.

One of the most graceful women I’ve ever met was my Aunt Mary.

She is a beautiful woman, a successful (and highly regarded) nurse-anesthetist, a wonderful mother, and a compassionate human being.

I spent a few summers at her cabin along the lake with her and her husband. She was always full of hope, full of positivity, and willing to lend an ear when I needed it. Aunt Mary is the person who sent me a fancy skin-care package when I was living in the desert in Saudi Arabia.

This was back when I was cutting my hair with KleenCut paper scissors and washing my clothes in a pail. I was amazed how luscious the fragrant lotion from the mini-bottle felt on my skin after having lived the previous months with sand up to my ankles alongside other “interesting” living conditions. (And I’m definitely not the froo-froo, girly-girl type.)

She always knew how to make my day.

I can remember the way she moved; she reminded me of the grace of a giraffe combined with the sleek movements of a puma. And the way she spoke to me immediately made me relax, smile, and feel proud to know her.

I always wanted to be like Aunt Mary.

Today I’m happy to be me with a splash of Aunt Mary. I feel that I’m finally listening, seeing myself for who I am, and no longer afraid to be proud of the way I’ve faced challenges (and believe me, I’ve had my fair share).

In 2010 (and beyond), I want to focus my efforts in the service of others, with grace and positivity.

Many days I’ve had complete failures showing grace and positivity—that is for sure. But I feel at peace today. I want to put the feeling I’ve had the past few weeks into a bottle, so when I wind up in my own inner desert again, I have something to remind me that good days will be here again, just like the fragrant salve or lotion.

And this is what I’d like you to think about today, even just for a moment: are you really listening to all the great things people share with you about you? Do you hear what people are saying about your wonderful self?

Thanks to my friends and family for helping me to see a new side of me. And in the words of the recent movie, Avatar, (which rocked my world, by the way), “I see you!”

Create a great day!

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