“Your assumptions are windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.” – Isaac Asimov
A friend called to see what was up for the weekend. I told her we were in L.A. for the Women’s March. “You’re kidding,” she said. “I thought you don’t like crowds. I couldn’t find anyone to join me and didn’t think you would go.”
It’s true – I don’t like large crowds or driving on the freeway to L.A. There were incredible winds and a rain storm the day before the March. I worried freeways would be jammed or flooded. Assumptions proved us wrong. We drove to L.A. in record time. My conviction to Human Rights outweighs a fear of being in the midst of thousands of people. Over a half of a million people came together peacefully, supporting each other, saying “I’m sorry” for bumping into someone, helping those who had tripped and fallen. The amazing experience reverberated around the world.
Last week, I helped friends feed the homeless. I wasn’t sure what to expect at a center where 60 people receive dinner and place to sleep for the night. They’re back on the street in the morning. It’s a heartbreaking plight. Their graciousness, gratitude, and pleasant demeanor touched my heart.
These examples remind us to expand our expectations. When we change our view, it can be a bright awakening.
Pick-Me-Up Pearls 
I’m thankful I’m highly visual. I have to change my view on a regular basis, and learn and grow as a result. One of the views I have been blessed to see is that which comes from the people I spend time with as a Reminiscence Coach. They have dementia, and have many of their beautiful memories swept away, and hidden from sight. Still, and with some prompting, we find them together. I rise their quality of life, and they raise my view of our lovely older Americans. They are special people who have contributed much to our world. They now see without many of the blinding filters that can cripple a life in today’s world. It’s like walking on a cloud to be in their presence!
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As a young child, I appreciated older people sensing their wisdom, fortitude and determination throughout life. Although it was sad initially, I enjoyed going to nursing homes to sing with the Girl Scouts or perform with my dance school watching somber faces light up. I think somewhere in our anti-aging focus, we’ve lost sight of the importance of our elders. An article I read about Ikeria, Greece said one of the reasons people live to be in their 90’s or 100’s is because they are still valued in society.
How wonderful to be a Reminiscence Coach. I’m sure it must be so rewarding to help them remember. Do you also use music to trigger memories?
Thank you for sharing. Best wishes to you and them!
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