It was a very simple moment in time, which I recognized as it was happening: it was one of those moments in my life that defined me.
I had returned to school in my late thirties. I sat in a class called “Women’s Studies”. They probably don’t have those anymore, but they did then.
The instructor stood at the front of the class and said, “Your assignment is to take out a piece of paper, and in one sentence, state what it is you want in life.”
I reflected, only for a few seconds. I wrote:
“To love, to be loved, to be happy.”
The instructor walked around the room and silently read each student’s statement. When she got to my desk, she read what I’d written, arched a single eyebrow at me, and said, “Well, now, that’s quite a tall order.”
I looked directly back at her and said, “Is it?”
It hasn’t changed. That statement still defines me. No, I don’t always love, and no, I’m not always loved, and I’m most certainly not always happy. But there’s always a glimmer of all three, sitting there waiting to be recognized by me.
©Janet Mitchell, May 2012
A glimmer of all three is always present….it just depends on our perspective. Awesome post! <3
Thanks for reading and thanks for the compliment!
Janet, I love what you wrote. Reminds me of the John Lennon quote – “When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.’ They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”
Your writing is beautiful.
Thanks for reading, and thanks for sharing the story about John Lennon. I think I’ve got some good company!! Janet
Janet, I think your reflection was spot-on! Hugsssss
I would have wrote a similar want: To love, be loved, and to have positive lasting impact to others.
Yes, that might be a tall order, but if we are going to “define” what we want, isn’t it best to choose the highest ones?
I agree with Jannatwrites, why would we settle for less?
Thanks for a very nice post!
I think your “order” is absolutely beautiful! Thanks for stopping by my blog and reading! Janet
Nice post. It might be a tall order, but why would you settle for less than reaching for the stars?
That’s exactly what I thought!! It IS a tall order, but why not?
And I LOVE this!
I completely agree with what you wrote…me, too….and the glimmer of them sitting there waiting to be recognized…ohhh…such a special way of saying that… : )
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed this! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Janet ♥♥