Yesterday at the end of youth Farm, Tim rode his bike over to the pick up site to ride home with Anjali. Some boy said to Anjali, "Hey-is that your bike?" Fortunately Anjali didn't hear him and Tim did, understanding that the next comment was going to be something along the lines of a sarcastic, "Nice bike."
Tim replied, "Yes, that's my bike and I like it."
The boy asked, "Is that your daughter?"
"Yes, that's my daughter and I like her." Then Tim rode away.
This answer struck me on several levels. One, I was proud of Tim's quick, strong affirmations. Good parenting and being a loyal friend. Two, I reflected on how much all those kids and comments used to hurt my feelings and just really, really don't anymore. Thank heavens. Three, I am struck that I want more and more to have this attitude about myself- genuine fondness, pride in my life being mine, and a willingness to face negativity with panache. Not simply out of determined loyalty or forced optimism or fear of failure and abandonment, but because I really do embrace my whole self with greater self understanding than can be threatened by criticism and petty comments. If I can embrace myself at my worst moments of my worst days, what could possibly be left to say that will undermine me?
Yes, that's my life and I like it.
Yes, that's me and I like me.
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14 years ago
Amen & amen . . . THAT is what I want for me, for you & for our kids.
ReplyDeleteYou're my wife and I like you a lot. And I'll have a side of panache to go please.
ReplyDeleteAmy, that is just too cool! You really do have a way of the profound in the everyday!! It pleases me so much that Tim had the presence of mind and heart to say that in the moment. I think up until a year or two ago I was really threatened by what people thought of me, too. It's still a lesson that I'm learning.
ReplyDeleteI love this story. Thanks for sharing.
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