Moby Dick, Gifts, Statues and Death

September 12, 2017

Last week I spoke of the connection between dreams and diabetes. Today, I’d like to speak about creating a legacy or leaving a gift for the world. Face it, we are all going to die and while a statue might be nice, I like to think of how I have helped others in their quest for betterment, and also to share the love in my heart. I am getting my life in order and choosing my gifts for the world and hope you do the same.

Remember, a gift is something we give willingly without any expectations of a return gift or payment, and without any expectations of how that gift will be used. Meaning, a free and heartfelt moment of giving that brings great joy to the “giver.”

Too often, I have seen supposed gifts, or giving thinly disguised as a way to try and control another, or reap benefit from that gift. Those are not gifts; those are second chakra, “hey, look at me how wonderful I am,” actions. Gifts are not taken back in the heat of an exchange; gifts are not a way to try and control another; gifts are not a means to manipulate others. They are given from the heart with love and joy regardless of the outcome.

I have been blessed to receive some wonderful gifts such as an Italian horn filled with love and protection, a pendant from the Camino that reminds me daily of all the different paths to God; a pen that I use often and with great joy, adorable llamas for my home, many heartfelt cards filled with words I so cherish, and yes, a barbecue that rocks my world!

These gifts were given without strings or expectations and emanate love for me and to me. Wow, I so want to pay this love forward. One of the gifts I have chosen is to sponsor an ethical, motivated and all around wonderful man who is dedicated to helping children learn and bettering his community in the Mara. That would be Peter, and I am personally sponsoring him for four years of university. This gift could be called one of my legacies, as I am “handing down an education” to someone I care about. Education is important to me and also a great joy in my life.

Now your gift could be as simple as ending a rift between friends, planting some trees, opening your heart to one in pain, writing words of encouragement and guidance to one younger and less wise than you; there are so many gifts you can bequeath to our world.

It’s never too early to put your life in order and choose what is important to you. Don’t wait, don’t play it safe, be in charge of your legacy. I want to look down from above and watch Peter [no, not that Peter!] read “Moby Dick,” the most well known yet not fully read books of our time. Oh, did I mention, he wants to study English Literature, an absolute love of mine?

I had the great fortune to meet his mother who is so grateful and happy for her son. For a parent to see a child have their dream come true, I don’t know…Does it get any better than that? I’ll let you know as I continue to formalize my legacy and consider how to leave my love for others. —Christel