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 Always
Something There To Remind Me
Cherries
on a tree grow in little families. If one is picked the rest continue
to grow and adorn the tree, but the symmetry of that group is
forever changed, but not diminished. The cherry that has been
picked goes on to be a wonderful food for others.
We all
need to be thought of as special at times! But for many, as friends
and loved ones die and move away, those who genuinely care become
less and less available. Yet, it need not be as hopeless as it
would seem if we would all work at seeking out and becoming life
affirming friends. Ideally, of course, we would all have a close
loved one, a spouse to help us through difficult times, but often
friends can become very close and caring, too.
William James, once said: "The deepest principle in human
nature is the craving to be appreciated!" (Note
emphasis on the word craving.)
Mark Twain put it this way: "I can live for two months on
one good compliment!"
Gandhi inspired millions to contribute beyond their apparent limits
by ignoring the bad while always affirming the good in others.
He brought about significant changes in human beings by regarding
them not as what they were but as though they were what they wished
to be, and as though the good in them was all of them.
Dale Carnegie makes a strong case for appropriately bestowed praise:
"The rare individual who honestly satisfies this heart-hunger
will hold people in the palm of his hand and even the undertaker
will be sorry when He dies!"
McGinnis suggests affirming others can put them in one’s
debt claiming that: "You will linger in their minds long
after you are gone. It has been said that one way we become more
interesting, thereby attracting friends, is by being more interested!"
Emerson, noted for his profound insights, made the very simple
observation that having a friend involves being one. Friends can
also be used, hopefully somewhat cautiously, to enhance one’s
opinion of oneself.
Old stresses that we all need to occasionally look at ourselves
through the eyes of people who love and admire us!
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