As I reflected on some time back, I remembered a time when I gave an older, wise coworker a ride home. During the ride, she and I had a conversation. The dialog was linked to self-reliance. She conveyed to me the sad, yet harsh reality of this world system. The importance not to allow self-pity into your conscious was painted right in front of me.
The former coworker, at that moment, in her 50's or so mentioned she lost one of her arms in an accident at 15. She taught herself to remain active. She then discovered her body parts were just a part of her and did not determine her whole being. She alike many, learned to accept herself and to adjust to the unfamiliarity so that it can become familiar.
The coworker shared that her grandson who was about age nine at the time battled blindness. She seemed serious to put an end to her grandson's continuous plea for mercy and help with his daily activities. She told him not to feel sorry for himself because this world does not care. Those words carried a meaning against self-defeat and giving up on self and relying on others to come to your rescue. Yes, she was caring, supportive and even compassionate to her grandson's circumstance but she was clearer on self-reliance.
The past coworker of mine taught her young grandson about courage. She instilled in him confidence to care for himself so he is not solely dependent on others. The lesson learned is that when you consistently rely on others, there is a possibility that you will be let down. You can always depend on yourself and of course on your higher power to get you through.
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