Who Do You Remember?

"People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

Who do you remember? Who remembers you?

You don't actually have to take the quiz below. Just read the questions straight through, and you'll get the point that it is trying to make! 

Take this quiz: 

1. What are the names of the last six Academy Award winners for best actor or actress?
2. What are the names of the five wealthiest people in the world?
3. What are the names of the last four winners of the Miss America contest?
4. What are the names of the last three Heisman trophy winners?
5. What are the names of the last two World Series MFP's?
6. What is the name of the Time magazine Person of the Year, five years ago?

How did you do? Did you remember all, some, or none?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They may be considered the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. 

Here's another quiz to take. See how you do on this one: 

1. What are the names of six heroes whose stories have inspired you?
2. What are the names of five people you enjoy spending time with?
3. What are the names of four people who have made you feel appreciated and special?
4. What are the names of three teachers or mentors who have aided you on your journey at school, work, or life?
5. What are the names of two people who helped you get through a difficult time?
6. What is the name of someone who has taught you something valuable and worthwhile?

Was this easier? 

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They aren't necessarily the most well-known, most popular, or the most famous. They are the ones that care. They are the ones that made a difference in your life. The ones who are there for you in your times of need.

Close relationships, more than personal satisfaction or one's view of the world as a whole, are the most meaningful factors in happiness.  If you feel close to other people, you are four times as likely to feel good about yourself than if you do not feel close to anyone. Making a million friends is not a miracle.  The miracle is to make a friend who will stand by you when millions are against you. In life, you will realize there is a role for everyone you meet.  Some will test you, some will use you , some will love you, and some will teach you.  But the ones who are truly important are the ones who bring out the best in you.  They are rare and amazing people who remind you why it's worth it.

It is clear that, this year, the holiday season will be like no other we have experienced in our lifetime. It can be a difficult time for some, even in normal times. Filled with stress and anxiety. But especially this year when everything is so different. With the CDC recommendations to avoid travel for Thanksgiving, and with public health experts telling everyone that the safest, most prudent approach to celebrating the holidays this year is to stay at home, it's hard not to feel a bit solemn about everything. To be "all in this thing together" means we must stay apart, is a challenge in itself.  

The holiday season is a great time to rekindle past relationships, and take advantage of opportunities at work or among your neighbors to expand your friendship base.  People need to feel that they are a part of something bigger, that they care about others and are cared about by others in return.  

People are finding all sorts of ways to connect, to celebrate and reflect. Whether it is on a Zoom call or other video chat, or maybe in a small outdoor gathering around a fire pit, or hanging around on a porch with a heat lamp, there are ways to reach out to check on others and make a connection. 

We can rise above our circumstances to make a difference in someone's life. Being challenged in life is inevitable, but being defeated is optional. What people see you do may not be remembered; what people hear you say may be forgotten; but how you make them feel in their times of need will be remembered, forever. 

Who do you remember? More importantly, who remembers you?

Make today great!

Curtis

"Never underestimate the difference YOU can make in the lives of others. Step forward, reach out and help. This week reach to someone that might need a lift." - Pablo