Читать книгу Chasing Worthiness - Tammy Sherger - Страница 17

That feeling of resentment you keep hidden stems from always giving to others but not receiving in return.

The last lesson my mom taught me before she died at ninety-two was about the negative impact of holding resentment. My mom lived her life for her husband and children, and I never heard her complain about that. It wasn’t until I visited her in the nursing home a few days before she passed away that she shared this truth with me.

I came for a visit, and perhaps because she had a bit of dementia (I think this is why because not once had she ever said this to me before) my mom said, “Tammy, I need you to promise me this one thing. You must go out and live your life to the fullest. I gave all my life to my children, and I love you. I love all of you. But I didn’t do anything for me. Tammy, you know I loved all my children, but now at this point, I regret not ever doing anything for myself. Don’t do that. Go out, go now, and do everything that inspires you, because before you know it…

“One day, Tammy, if you live long enough, you will be standing in my shoes; your time will have run out and it will be too late. Time will go by fast, and if you don’t go after your dreams, if you don’t follow what makes you happy, you will resent it. And it will be too late to fix it.”

My mom had many talents. Talents as a homemaker, as a mother, at anything I ever saw her attempt. She was also a talented writer. It was only when I was older and going through some of the family photo albums that I discovered Mom loved to write.

I found dozens of poems and short stories written on pieces of paper, probably written late at night when she had a moment to herself. And she was good!

She never pursued this passion, though. She never put herself first.

Mom would keep these poems she wrote tucked away on scraps of paper, writing late at night when she had moments to herself. I have several of these poems. After she passed away, I said, “You know what, Mom? We’re going to make you an author.” And in honor of my mother we created a book of her poems. If it’s okay, I will share one with you right now that she wrote for me.

You have a lot of inspiration. And a lot of talent too. You’re a credit to your family and we are proud of you. You had some fears and cried some tears, but you’re determined to go on. I always will be here for you, to keep you calm and strong. You are a treasure, that’s what you are. There is no doubt, you are a star. Love your mom.

One of my favorite memories of my mom is when she wrote her name. She would always say, “I have eight letters in my first name and eight letters in my last: Florence Pyykonen.” Thank you for allowing me to honor my mom by sharing that poem with you. If you constantly give to others and get nothing in return, if you always put everyone else first, you will end up living in resentment.

Giving to yourself first, putting yourself first, is not selfish; it is a magical gift that you give to others. It sets an example for them to follow. It shows them the roadmap for a passion-filled life.

From a place of full worthiness, you can offer others the highest version of you! And what could be better than that? Nothing!

What are you putting off until tomorrow? Don’t wait until it’s too late and your time has run out.