When Did I Stop Being Heard?

The theater of life plays itself out. Time, like a coiled wire, gently unfolds, revealing new scenes from day to day. As I have passed through my life, I can see there have been different phases. There were times when I had little responsibility as a child, as a young person, and as time moved on, I took on responsibility. And sometimes, perhaps I may have taken on too much responsibility. But I also look back at those times with a smile, knowing all of this was life simply playing itself out.

There were times when I was called upon to make important decisions and to carry the burden which comes with making decisions. And now, as the family has grown and children have matured I also understand that responsibility passes on to another generation, and I too move into another phase of life. Just as taking responsibility and making decisions helped me to grow and to mature, so now I find those same opportunities and lessons come to those who are younger than me, and I move into this next beautiful chapter of my life where the need to be involved in all decisions is no longer a need that I carry.

I allow decision-making to happen by others around me. Where and when needed, I share and I offer my thoughts and views, but I let go of the need to be in charge. I let go of the need to make decisions. I let go of the need to control. And even though I am not actively involved in all decisions, but I know deeply in my heart my dignity, my self-worth, my self-value is contained deep within myself.

I understand in life I have played many different roles, perhaps of a son or a daughter, or a husband or a wife, a father or a mother, perhaps a grandfather or grandmother. But I'm also aware I played these roles, but I was none of these roles. These roles expressed me. These roles enabled me to share a part of my personality, but the role was never me. I am greater than any role I have played or any role I may be playing today.

I remain in this awareness. I play a role, but I am not a role. I do not measure my self-importance or my self-respect by the roles I play. And so at this point in my life, when making decisions is no longer in my hands, I choose to share good wishes, to share kindness, to share encouraging words to those whose turn it is now to make decisions for the family and to guide the way forward.

I remain steady. I remain balanced. I remain strong. And I fill my heart with kindness, good wishes, and positive energy.