Three keys to success and happiness!
Hey dedicated readers,
First, I’d like to thank you for stopping by as often as you do. Taking time out of your day to read my words means a lot to me. And comments thrill me! Love the interaction. Second, I’d like to re-post a piece I wrote several years ago when the muse of the month at Skirt! Magazine. It’s something the world could use more of on a regular basis. Enjoy …
Three Things:
Seasoned Earth visitors have much to teach us younger folks. A few years ago, I went to a relative’s wake. After expressing my sympathies to the family and catching up with some cousins, I took a seat next to an older gentleman with thick eyeglasses leaning forward onto his cane. I learned his name was Frank and we were connected through one of my aunts.
I asked Frank to tell me about his life. A proud son of Sicilian immigrants, he spoke glowingly of his parents’ birthplace, painting a picture for me of its beautiful mountains, vistas and architecture. We talked about his business, his children, his grandchildren and a forthcoming book his family had written to celebrate his life.
Understanding the amazing gift of life experience sitting to my left, I leaned over and said, “Frank, what do you believe is the key to success and happiness?”
Without missing a beat, he raised his index, middle and ring fingers and said, “Three things.”
“What are they?” I asked, inching closer to the edge of my folding chair.
“To be kind, to be kind and to be kind.”
His words caused me to pause, to take inventory of my own kindness meter. Yes, I could give away more kindness each day. For whom had I been saving it?
If I want to live in a less violent world, a kindler, gentler world then I need to practice Frank’s philosophy of life during my special visit here on Earth.
Postscript: since I learned this secret from Frank, I’ve made it a point to try and help others as much as I can, to offer my “seat” so to speak to someone who needs it more than I, to clear the air in times of disagreement and to gift as many warm hello’s I can.
Thank you for the kindness of stopping by.
Giulietta
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As always, beautiful, Giulietta.
We’re fortunate when a ‘Frank’ wanders through our lives, and even more blessed when we can be somebody else’s ‘Frank’.
Thanks for being a ‘Frank’!
Michael, how kind of you to stop by and be my “Frank!” Thanks …
Giulietta
Isn’t it sad that society often neglects the elderly and even more sadly, dismiss their wisdom when actually the greatest lessons of life can be learned at the feet of an elder?
After reading your post I decided to give my 93 year old granny a call and just remind her how special she is. It made her day! And mine!
Thank you!
Hi Tracy,
Words of wisdom! I don’t know why we shun the elderly and/or lock them up so we can’t “see” them anymore. Some of my closest friends right now are at least 20-25 years older than me. It’s ironic because as you point out wisdom accumulates over one’s life time. Instead of celebrating that wisdom, we ignore it.
I’m happy you called your granny!
Readers, consider hugging and listening to an elderly person today …
Thx. G.
Great advice! May we all learn to be kind in that we do and say.
Hey Pink Heels! Maybe we need kindness classes?
Thx. G.
Giulietta –
Frank was onto something. Kindness means compassion, consideration, caring. It is selfless and beautiful to share with others. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with such generosity.
Phil
Hi Phil,
Just passing Frank’s words along … I’m sure he’d like that.
j.
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Thank you for sharing this post.
Definitely not coincidence you read my most recent post on my recent Frank moment. It attracted me to read this post.
Being kind is more intentional than being nice. I know I have some growth in being more kind, caring, and thoughtful along the journey.
Thanks Giulietta!
Eiji, thanks for leaving a comment. it’s strange how I landed on your blog and our recent posts fit together! I agree that kind and nice are different. You can be “nice” yet it’s not really kind in the medium or long run. G.