Greeting dear Sunny Optimists,
Well, now, this is a fine day to be sending some delight your way. I hope all is well with you and that life is being kind to you today. There is lots of turbulence around the planet at the moment. I know many concerns can take us away from our inherent connection with the sacredness of life. For me, it is the ‘youngers’ in my life that keep me connected and optimistic. Their joyfulness and sincerity are the best antidotes to any discomfort I might have.
Intergenerational Delight
As many of you know, I take great delight in intergenerational conversations. Recently I subscribed to a newsletter called ‘That’s Philosophical.’ I so enjoy the writing and appreciate the shared commitment the author and I have to bring a little brightness to our readers.
Imagine my delight when I found out that the author Rufat is 16 years old. Amazing! We met in a Writers Group and then had a delightful Zoom conversation. To have the degree of insight, skill, and confidence at his age is truly inspirational. I commend his newsletter to you. I would love you to have a look and share it with your network, particularly any youngers in your life.
May it inspire them to follow their passion too.
The Wisdom of the Youngers
This experience with Rufat took me to think more about the wisdom of our young people. I went back to a book I first came across in the late 1980’s called ‘All I really need to know I learned in the Kindergarten’ by Robert Fulghum. Have you heard of him? I love his stories. I find his writing so evocative and friendly.
As I dipped into the book again this week, I can feel the influence he has had on my writing. He has such a relatable writing voice as he looks out of his window and comments on the everyday life he sees around him. So often, there is a wee tear in my eye by the end of the stories.
In the first story in the book, Roberts says, ‘Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate-school mountain, but there in the sandpile at Sunday School.’ As a Church Minister he had ample opportunity to watch the children at Sunday School.
Below is the wisdom he gathered.
Does it not just make you want to hug a child right now?
I can hear my Mum's voice, my voice, and now my daughter's voice as I read these words. These are messages to live our whole lives by.
Just a delight.
Where do the Mermaids go?
The beauty of Robert's stories is they always feel just right for where I am in life. Here is one of my favourites.
One day Robert was looking after a large group of children, and he decided to get them to play the game Giants, Wizards, and Dwarfs. The kids had to choose a category to join in the game. All but one of the children joined in and started to run around. A young girl stood by Robert's side and asked,
'Where do Mermaids go?'
I remember my tummy flipping over when I read this. How many of us have wondered where we belong at some point in our lives? The little girl so touched me, by
knowing who she is,
having the courage to ask the question,
not just following the crowd but stepping out to be seen.
I realise that there have been several times in my life where I wish I had asked the question, ‘Where do mermaids go? It seems to me that this is wisdom in action. This wisdom does not come just with age but with an innocence and trust in life that moves beyond conforming. Mmmmm.
Questions for this Week
I feel very uplifted by the topic of the wisdom of the youngsters this week, and I wonder;
Who are the youngers in your life that delight you?
Are there other Kindergarten ‘rules’ that guide your life?
What mystical creature best captures the essence of you? Big smile!
As always, I would love to hear your musings.
Ann
A lovely post, thank you
Thanks for the kind words, Ann! Your writing is so beautiful, loved today’s issue!!