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Golden Inspirations |
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"We are not the web of life, but merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves."
- Chief Seattle
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Home  Featured Columnists Alexandra Delis-Abrams, Ph.D The Attitude Doc Give a Little, Receive a Lot
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Give a Little, Receive a Lot
Independence Day is celebrated all over the 50 states with picnics, parades, relaxing and of course, the fireworks display enjoyed by many. (Except, our furry four legged friends.) The Statue of Liberty was the backdrop for immigrants filing through the halls of Ellis Island in gratitude as they embraced their new home. My father was one of those immigrants from Lala Elias Greece who came alone as a teenager in 1916 to join his brothers and start a new life in the land of milk and honey. All my life I've admired him for his gumption, fortitude, and courage to leave what was comfortable and step into the unknown. He wasn't alone in his bravery as there were many brave folks who left the only homes they'd ever known, family members and good friends. Regardless, something pulled at their hearts to leave.
"So when I came to Ellis Island, my gosh, there was something I'll never forget. The first impression, all kinds of nationalities. And the first meal we got - fish and milk, big pitchers of milk and white bread, the first time I saw white bread and butter. There was so much milk, and I drank it because we didn't have enough milk in my country. And I said, 'My God, we're going to have a good time here. We're going to have plenty to eat." -Marta Forman, Czechoslovakian, at Ellis Island in 1922
What stories these folks had to share-what memories that could enrich our lives-what lessons that could be learned by our younger generation. But did we invite them to share these jewels? Did we listen? Truly listen to them? Hearing their stories of struggle could be the prescription that might help to put your daily challenges in perspective. Did we acknowledge them for their determination to pursue freedom?
No doubt there were those that discounted that freedom to pursue their passion, their goals, their creativity, their dreams to start a business, further their education or be of service to humanity. But there were others like my father who chose to start a business with horse and buggy, those who sought political position, and others who farmed and worked a harsh land to grow food and provide for their family. As sad as it is, the elderly, with all their wisdom and history sit in nursing homes, mostly ignored feeling useless and waiting for the day they take that last breath. They just might be feeling like a caged animal in isolation, pacing back and forth merely surviving.
I invite you this holiday week-end to reach out to someone you know whose experiences might just make a difference in your life by making a difference in their life. Meet with them and offer encouragement to share their memories and learn what freedom means to them. If you don't know of anybody who emigrated here feel free to visit your local nursing home, bring your gifts of song or dance and I guarantee you'll leave feeling like a million bucks.
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About the Author
Alexandra Delis-Abrams, Ph.D., also known as The Attitude Doc., refers to herself as a "stretch," rather than a "shrink." Her website www.theAttitudeDoc.com offers ways to improve ones attitude, which determines the quality of ones happiness. Check out the bargain bundles that effectively and brilliantly support life change. Visit her other website www.abcfeelings.com, offer important teaching tools for the 21st century to help children learn to identify their feelings through the alphabet.
Contact The Attitude Doc to learn of the Teleseminar she'll be offering in the fall on the subject of Oral History as she'll offer a class on how to record the life stories of your loved ones, or even yourself. www.theAttitudeDoc.com
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