Everyone has something to share. Right now, I am sharing a snuggle with a warm, purring cat. It can be as simple as this or it can be a project you begin and share with family or community. What talents and abilities do you have that others might benefit from? What have you accomplished that would be useful, helpful or delightful to others? What would you like to do in the future that you could share?
I have learned that the ability to sit quietly and simply lend an ear can be the greatest gift you can share with another. My children have taught me that it is not necessary to have an answer to every problem they share with me.
When I attempt to interrupt with a solution from my lifelong experience, they respond with, “Mom, I’m not finished. Please just listen.” Hard advice to hear, but I am learning. That learning is helping with my friends and peers, too. In other words, keep your mouth shut until it is your turn to share.
The more we share of ourselves, the more we are loved and remembered. But only if what we share is something others want and need. Have you asked children and grandchildren which of your treasures they would like to have? Either now or when you are no longer here?
What do you have in the way of “stuff”? Too many of us have become “collectors” as we add more and more “must-haves” to our lives. I have often bemoaned the fact that I did not invest in the storage business. Every day, I see another set of units being built and know they will be filled to the brim with our “stuff.” I’m as guilty as the next person as I have a large unit that I use as a closet. Time for a clearance sale.
So, sharing. As simple as a smile, as complex as a legacy. Begin now, make lists of what you can do and what you would like to share with others – smiles, time, heirlooms, books, treasures, meals. Or consider combining some of them: invite people for a potluck meal and have them bring a book they have finished reading or a piece of clothing they no longer wear and share smiles, talk and time while you’re at it.
Pat Nichol is a speaker and published author. Connect with her at mpatnichol@gmail.com.