Friday, November 20, 2015

Accomplishment


I heard something on television the other day that made a huge impression on me. I have no idea who said it. I cannot remember what program I was watching. I wish I could give the proper credit but I wish to share the quote and my thoughts about it.

"Don't give me credit for what I've been through; give me credit for what I have accomplished."

That is one of the most powerful statements I have ever heard. Too many people might brag about being in school with a famous person. Big deal. It is a fun bit of trivia but it does not reflect anything about the person.

The same can be said for someone who, for instance, has a loved one who died. It is a sad time and obviously the person needs comfort. But at the same time it says nothing about the person who is grieving other than the fact that they are in pain.

I have known people who take a traumatic event and make certain that everyone they meet knows that it happened. Then they bask in they pity they receive.

Instead of concentrating on having been a cancer victim why not feel proud that you volunteer your time and make things easier for other cancer patients who need help now. Instead of crying about having been abused as a child why not see to it that children being abused are safe.

Instead of trying to show that you are better than everyone else because you shook hands with your favorite movie star why not organize a group to watch movies periodically. Each person could host a night and provide beverages and snacks.

Now I do not diminish your experiences. Each experience has influenced you to become the person you are. But it is only an influence. It is not you.

I think I should take stock of what I have accomplished so far in my life. What more would I like to accomplish?

As I do just that maybe you would like to do the same.

6 comments:

  1. Interesting! It is very easy to talk, but not that easy to reach the aim.
    Funny: I just put a writing on my bathroom wall (in dark pink adhesive letters) that says "Who Wants Pity?" A quote by India Knight - and I certainly don't.
    But sometimes one has to remind oneself.

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    1. So true. I know I have dropped names and events in my posts. I keep telling myself that I am writing a record for my children and grandchildren. Hopefully that makes it okay.

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  2. That changes the lens through which one view their life. Everyone goes through trials, some much worse than others, but some people use the trials to grow, and other can't seem to move beyond it.

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    1. I think most of us know at least one person is is constantly complaining about everything and everybody in their life. My sister calls them emotional vampires because they suck all the joy from the room.

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  3. Sadly, there are many people whp do more complaining about their woes, then trying to solve their own problems, Emma. I tend to agree with yiur sister on her comment.

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    1. A smile works to make a person happier. Sometimes just digging in and doing what needs to be done works. And do not blame others. I am the only one who can fix my situation. I can ask for help but I need to do the work.

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