This week has been a journey into the most interesting stories of them all- our own. Monday's Riddle was a sign post to our inner consciousness, that silent place where we listen to ourselves think. The inspirational story of Hana's Suitcase by Karen Levine reenforced how inevitably connected we all are, and how learning about each other leads to a higher understanding of us all- even when the key is something as ordinary as a young girl's empty suitcase. On Top of the Heap we shared our thoughts about life lessons that have had an impact on us through listening to the extraordinary experiences of other people. And Friday, we learned a little bit more about Michelle Isenhoff, author of the middle grade novel Beneath the Slashings. Today, we want to hear from you!
The DMS wants to know: What's the story in your suitcase? What are some of life's lessons that have had an impact on who you are?
We told you ours, now let's hear yours!
This is kind of hard to answer because I'm still growing, we all are. A lot of bad things that have happened to me in school (nothing too bad don't worry) like just being the girl who is shy and likes to read... a lot of people like to tease me about it at school. But you know it hurts and when a teacher tells you to just sit there and look pretty because you can't play an instrument right. All of these stupid little moments in my life have always made me want to hide but then there are moments when I feel like who cares really? I like books. I'm a quiet person. It still is hard but I think I've come out of my shell more because of friends who actually want to hang out with me. When after usually getting tomato red when you talk in front of people and then you stop because you're actually pretty good at this. When I actually stood up for myself once. That was an amazing feeling. I wish I did it more. I've noticed I'm a lot like my mother in that we don't stand up for ourselves. My life lesson that I'm still trying to learn is to be me. Stop worrying about what others think. Stop thinking that you are less than people. Think about what you think about yourself not what others think about you.
ReplyDeleteHi Adriana, You are very wise in just being yourself- after all, the depth of who you are can never be understood by anyone else. I think that if people learn to accept that they are unsure of themselves in this vast space, they will ultimately delight in just being here, and our world will grow in amazing ways. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us! We always enjoy hearing from you : ) ~ F
DeleteGood question. I've been a teacher for a while now and I've learned so much from my students. One of the most important is that circumstances don't define who we are. I've taught some incredible people who've lived in horrific circumstances. Logic says they should have crumbled and become miserable - instead they are full of life and joy and hope.
ReplyDeleteHi Jemi, This is such a great lesson- what is, is - and the reaction is always your own. Nothing good can come from feeling bad, so, I think, in realizing that all things are fleeting, comes the notion of peace, and the understanding that, regardless of your life situation, you are still you, your life is forever your own, and it's always right now, whatever time it may be. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us! ~ F
DeleteGood question! I would say my parents getting divroced when I was little helped shape who I am. I am pretty flexible because I split my time between two places and schedules and stuff like that change. I don't see my parents' divorce as a bad thing, but I am a lot better at change and compomising then most of my friends.
ReplyDeleteHi Trey, It's so great that you can understand the benefit to being able to accept things as they are and just go with the flow, remaining positive. Ultimately, that's how it's going to go anyway so you might as well enjoy the ride! Thanks so much for stopping by : ) ~ F
DeleteGrowing up, I had an elderly neighbor. We used to take her to get her hair cut and food shopping. At Christmas, I'd always set up her nativity for her. I really loved being with her. She was like my adopted grandmother. The whole experience made me realize how much we can impact another's person's life by helping them. She meant a lot to me, and I think our time together meant the same to each of us.
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly, I loved reading this! Those moments truly feel the best : ) Always lovely to hear from you : ) ~ F
DeleteWhat I've found is that most ordinary of experiences often turn out to be those moments that I look back on and realize just how special they were: accidentally meeting a person I haven't seen for some time, exchanging garden produce with a neighbor (too many cucumbers in my garden, too many zucchinis in hers), a kiss goodbye, a phone call from my kids, just to say hi. All of these make up a lifetime, yet so often we only remark on the trip to Greece or the new car. I'm learning to mark it all and cherish it as it happens.
ReplyDeleteHi cleemmckenzi, I am so happy that you mentioned this! I always think that people tend to rush around, always thinking about the next place they want to be, and then, when they are finally there, they are still someplace else. It is so interesting to slow your pace down to just yourself, and then see what's really going on and whose around to share it with- the simple, ordinary time suddenly becomes quite extraordinary and precious. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us : ) ~ F
DeleteLife lessons are just that - with you for life. I am 62, and the things that impacted on me as a child resonate through my life and fill my writing. Being the 'odd one out', finding friendships hard to make. Even today, smells like grass cutting and petrol and bread baking transport me back to my past. We need to see all these things as a good part of what makes us..us. Even bad things in our 'suitcase' can be brought into the light and transformed. I think. Good to meet you,DMS. Just stopping by to say 'Hi'.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol, Great to meet you too! I completely agree- as the good and bad are both subjective depending upon your story. I always try to remind myself when something happens that I think shouldn't happen, that I'm not in charge of the moment, just the story that I tell myself about it. And, looking back, I can see the connections of how some things that I thought were not so great, turned out to be fine : ) ~ F
DeleteJust remembering all of the things that my parents valued and taught me to value...I treasure them...
ReplyDeleteHi Patty, So important to listen to your parents! They have already done everything you think you're going to do : ) ~ F
DeleteMy son impacted who I am. (he's one of six boys and one girl) He has a rare brain disorder, but he teaches me stuff every day. I am SOOOO thankful for him. *waves peace sign*
ReplyDeleteHi Robyn, Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us! Life is completely amazing in what it can teach us ♥ Best wishes to you and your family : ) ~ F
DeleteA long time ago, I tripped across a single sentence that opened my eyes, heart & mind to a particular way of thinking, a simple sentence that would prove it's worth time and again:
ReplyDelete"Give thanks for your burdens, for they are blessings in disguise"
My suitcase contains blessings both disguised and otherwise <3 :)
Hi M.A.D. Great quote! It says so much, simply. Always great to hear from you : ) ~ F
DeleteAs I get older, I try to embrace everything that comes along. I spent years saying I would never get on a plane (because they crash!),then my son moved to Australia. It took four years and some strong Beta Blockers to get me on a flight. It’s amazing what you can do if you set your mind to it. I’ve been back to Australia twice since then and to Fiji and this year, I’m spending Christmas in Australia. So my life lesson - never say never.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, That line goes along great with our motto- fear not the unexpected! Anything can happen, right? Isn't life exciting! Great to hear from you : ) ~ F
DeleteI think the most important lesson that I'm still learning is to listen to myself and to not listen to others about what I should or should not do. Would it surprise you that I found this very lesson in Harry Potter? So often, those around him did not want to believe what he thought. Yet, as Lupin told Hermione and Ron - Harry's intuition was never wrong. Believing in ourselves and knowing that we CAN make the right decisions for ourselves is a very important lesson.
ReplyDeleteDonna- I totally agree with you! I love that you referenced HP! Lupin is so smart and his advice is spot on! We all need to believe in ourselves. :) Always love to hear your thoughts. ~F
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