 |
| The Exchange Library my husband built for our neighborhood |
Are you the mayor or the president or a CEO? Are you the leader in your neighborhood or a important volunteer with a charity? Are you important? If you feel important, why is that?
My husband and I were visiting yesterday about how empowered we feel in our little world. In a former life we were in positions that made us recognizable to people that we did not know. I suppose that is part of being important, although it depends on why that is true. The wanted posters come to mind.
But now we just are doing what we do to live in peace with our neighbors and maybe make their life a little better because they know us. But we don't serve on committees or dig in the public flower beds. You would not know us for that reason.
I really didn't realize how empowered I felt until we received a letter from our neighborhood association president that was pretty nasty. The letter was necessary but the wording was not. It was offensive. Our big crime was not being at home more. Things kind of back up when we are gone for a long period of time. We took care of the problems within a week.
We both looked at each other when we read the letter and said in unison "Does he know who we are?" Then we laughed because...well we really are not anybody important. However, when you get to know us, you will understand that we feel like we deserve your respect whether we do or not.
So, how important are you? Do you feel empowered?
Have a wonderful day.
b+
I love the exchange library your husband built. It's nice that he's keeping busy. Sorry about your nasty letter.
ReplyDeleteIt was no problem at all. In the end it reminded us of how strong we felt. I like that.
DeleteIt's the new invisibility. And freedom. We get to do things because we want to and enjoy doing them not because anyone's looking or noticing. Anonymity [in terms of our past] is the ability to step away from piling up the points--tho to be absolutely honest, sometimes I have to bite my tongue to stop myself from bringing up my more "famous" past or, as your husband put it, "does he know who we are!"
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post--gave me insight into a part of my semi-retirement life.
You are so welcome. Come back soon and leave your thoughts. I appreciate it more than you know.
DeleteIt's so interesting. I've gone to funerals of people who have a laundry list of important accomplishments and status as board members or executives and think of how important they must have been. Then I think of people like my sister-in-law who doesn't have any of that, yet she has baked thousands of cakes for events, driven countless people to doctor's appointments, wiped the noses of children, grandchildren, relatives, and neighbors, and otherwise dedicated her life to making other lives better. When I look at her I realize you don't need a title to be important.
ReplyDeleteYou understand. I hope she feels empowered because of her true worth.
DeleteI love that Exchange Library your husband built, I have 2 Little Free Libraries (that's what we call them) that I walk to with my dog and put books in. I like your take on "being important".
ReplyDeleteThank you Terra. My husband is a truly good man! He is in the garage building a planter for our youngest son's yard. I like him a lot.
DeleteThe exchange library cupboard is an idea that spreads knowledge, entertainment and compassion for its own sake. It looks well-designed, solid and weatherproof --as does its builder. Your importance, as is mine, is not defined or quantified by how much others depend upon your authority, but by how helpful and understanding we are in retirement. Respect is something we confer upon others --and ourselves-- and you have certainly merited mine.
ReplyDeleteGeorge,
DeleteThank you so much. In my world being important to my next door neighbor is what it is all about.
b+
I like the little library also. There's one on my neighborhood walk route. Last week I took a Robin Cook novel and left one of my own. Nice!
ReplyDeleteI wish you were close. I would love to read your books and you would love to read mine. :)
Delete