Tending to your roots

As a child moving around - it was easy to lose a sense of rootedness. But my mother, with her persistence in corresponding with friends and relatives showed me that there is no time and distance where people you value are concerned. And the weekly letters I received from my grandparents - 20 page onion-skin missives - were my connection as we moved around. "Roots are important" --- especially when you realize that your roots are as scattered as your travels --- but when tended, the roots extend and grow, allowing a garden, fierce in loyalty and beauty, of relationships to flourish. Where you are right now doesn't matter - where your roots were planted, and how well you took care of them - that's what does.  

Whatever you are going through,  if you tend to your roots, and let your relationships flourish you will never be alone.  No matter where you are. Because everyone is going through something - and whether or not they let you know - the important thing is to recognize the spark in each of us - and see that what may appear as anger is actually pain or grief or sadness. And this may be something we are carrying too.  As my teacher, Karen Berg, asks of us every day, no matter how difficult - #BeAForceofKindness.  In the end, that's what matters.  That friend you made when you were 14 - rejoice in her triumph over adversity; that friend who is grieving today, let him know you are thinking of him.  Or, just sit together and listen.  One day, we'll all need that listening ear, that kind word.  

I'll never forget two years ago when I was struggling - someone I barely knew but respected immensely - pulled me aside and said "I heard you're going through a lot -  you should know whatever is happening - it's not about you. Just keep doing what you're doing. "   I had met her maybe twice before - but I was so inspired by her compassion - her willingness to go outside herself and just say that.  It meant the world then.  And it still does.  So,  "BeAForceOfKindness.  Connect. Listen. Share.  Remember Who You Are.

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"What's been your greatest accomplishment?"
"Keeping in touch with distant friends and relatives."
"Why is that important?"
"It's important to always have people who remember you at various stages of your life. It's especially important as you get older, because there are less of those people around. And they remind you who you are."