Yesterday was Super Tuesday in Texas. It was a day that we exercised our right to vote on the things that matter to us in this country.
Our vote matters.
The results do not always end up how we voted but it is a blessing to live in a country where we can still EXERCISE the right to vote.
At our voting polls, the Democrats vote on one side and the Republicans vote on the other. Lines were long but I did not mind waiting. While waiting, I saw lots of people from the neighborhood, both Democrat and Republican. With a couple, I helped them to their correct line. It really is not surprising to run into people I know. I did not always live here but I have for most of my life.
What was surprising was the comment of the woman I walked out with, after voting. I did not know her, but she shared how funny it was that I knew which lines my friends would be in, Democrat or Republican. The ones standing in line with her apparently thought it was funny and newsworthy to discuss me. Okay?
Honestly, I was caught a little off guard by the comment. She was not being malicious, nor did I take it that way. But there was something oddly inquisitive and suggestive about the nature of the comment, and the point that the people around her discussed my knowledge.
I felt I had to justify the reason I knew is because most of the people I spoke to I had known for over 50 years. We have loved and cared for each other all these years, regardless of politics. And that it is ridiculously selfish that politics has torn our country apart so definitively, and that it was so unusual that the people in line with her discussed our comradery.
I shared with her about our neighborhood and how we are a community of individuals, with individual beliefs, but that caring about each other ran much deeper than political viewpoints.
We chatted in the warm sun for a few moments, and she shared how refreshing it was to hear that there were still neighborhoods like ours. I shared my mantra of “life is not about me” and laughed.
That mindset starts with a deep desire to care for and be of help to others. It also means it starts with me. I am gravely responsible for my behavior towards others.
Living Legacy
My adopted godson was here visiting with my goddaughter and their young son. We talked about the legacy we leave behind, that it is not about the financial inheritance but what we instill in others, how we have invested in others as worthy humans, regardless of race, disabilities, political party affiliations, financial status, et al. My parents mentored this to me. My dad was very involved in this city and his actions modeled to me the life I am to lead. I have tried to continue that legacy, that leadership modeling for others, as he did.
We may not see that legacy, or the difference we make in others’ lives by our action, or even by our inaction. Our actions may never gain recognition. Discouraging, yes. Debilitating, no. It is only discouraging when the worn mantra slips, and I allow the discouragement. Might take me a few moments, but I’ll be back at it soon.
The greatest payoff, the greatest dividends, the greatest legacy we leave behind is how we care for each other. It matters not if it is reciprocated. I do not do it to gain favor or to be admired. I do it because it is the right “thing” to do. Being kind to each other is never wrong.
I speak Maya Angelou’s quote often in presentations:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
I first saw this quote on the wall, at my elementary school, after voting in another election years ago. Though meant for the kids that pass through those halls daily, it has stuck with me since.
Our society is fragile right now. The upcoming months will be challenging. Make a difference in your neighborhood, in your community, wherever your feet trod. Be the one that cares regardless. Be the source of kindness and encouragement everyone needs. We, me included, are so hungry for kindness. It starts with you.
A little something extra…
I have used ethics surveys for years in taking the pulse in the dental industry, prior to speaking, the results shared with the audiences. Because it has been fascinating to see changes, I have created a broader scope ethics survey, unrelated to the dental industry.
The survey is completely anonymous. I do not collect emails or IP addresses but I would love to collect your thoughts. Please take a few moments to answer at https://forms.gle/HbzS14HE39J2CBYbA and feel free to share the survey with your friends. I truly want a broad spectrum of society. Thanks!