Vérités

I am straightening up the kitchen today, when I find this list written on a powder blue post-it note.    

              Water plants

              Feed animals

              Paint houses

              Don’t break your things

I’ve noticed this errant piece of paper laying around on the side table for weeks.  I’ll move it to my husband’s pile of papers, it goes back.  I’ll put it on the stack of things for the kids to take up to their rooms, it somehow reappears.  Without paying much attention, I have tried to dispose of it – from side table to countertop to the other side table.  But here it is again…I guess waiting for me to stop and spend a few minutes to read it.

              Help others

              Be kind

              Put the caps on your markers

The one on capping his pens tells me it is our teen son’s list.  I laugh at all the times have I reminded him how quickly pens dry out.  Do I actually know how long it takes to dry out a pen these days?  Is it as urgent and severe as I make it sound?  Then I laugh again – this time at the endless stream of “urgent reminders” I dispense every day to my children.  Most of it is probably pointless.

Given its simple profundity, I’m not surprised this is his list.  My son is a super special person – yes, I’m biased, but I have a feeling he is more than his 14 years suggest.  He is very sensitive and empathic.  He senses feelings that are unsaid.  He knows my intentions even before I do.  He embodies the energy of the world whether it is joyful or at war.  He is tuned to a frequency we just can’t hear. 

              Don’t pollute

              Don’t waste

              Fix broken stuff

I admit that sometimes I don’t welcome the lessons he tries to show me.  Sometimes my walls are too high, my tender places too painful.  Sometimes I just can’t slow down long enough to take it all in.  My coping mechanisms block me.  And honestly sometimes his delivery of the lessons is hard for me.  It is loud and aggressive, triggering and confronting.  In those moments, my defenses make it hard to hear beyond my own fear.  And yet, he is compelled to show me where I need to grow. 

              Be honest

              Put things away where they belong

Today he’s giving us this list – this tiny guidebook of how to be in the world.  Beyond the literal, I sense the deeper truths inherent in each.  The simplicity of how to be whole in ourselves, and also how to be part of the broader world.  I am reminded of the power and simplicity of the Golden Rule. 

But will we listen?  Will we take responsibility for what we create, the beauty and the messes?  Will we put aside fear and listen to what others are saying without judging and throwing aspersions?  Will we side-step country, religion, and creed to see others for the brothers and sisters they are on this journey – all trying our best to live honorably?  Will we appreciate the planet we inhabit and care for it well?  Will we stand in love and not hate?  Will we take advantage of each opportunity we are given to grow? 

              Turn off the lights

              Don’t throw things

              Sure to check your belongings

It is easy to get lost in the daily menagerie of living.  There is just so much to do.  In the fog of living, we forget what life is actually about.  Showing up for ourselves, showing up for each other.  Doing our bit.  Living from a place of accountability, authenticity, and love.  Not being afraid to change and expand. 

On the last part of the page, he drew himself alongside various symbols.  There is a picture of him loving someone smaller – or perhaps being loved by someone bigger.  And then he celebrates his accomplishments.

              I did: 17! (I think)

I pride myself in being brave enough make mistakes and fall down.  But why not also do a little happy dance when I show up as the person I am growing to be.  Shouldn’t we all celebrate?  And while we are at it, why not enjoy each other and revel in these quieter times to acknowledge just how far we’ve come. 

A simple list – an eternity of learning.  I am just glad I gave that paper another look today.

Bisous,
Hanna