Did you ever learn something from someone, almost inadvertently, that has remained with you for the rest of your life? This probably wasn’t a fact or a piece of specific information. Rather, it may have been an observation someone made about you or about how life works. And it may or may not have been directly stated, but for whatever reason, it has remained with you over time. Women Over 50: Has Someone Given You a Special Gift?

One Of My Lessons

In the July 14–20, 2024 Datebook section of the San Francisco Chronicle, film critic Mick Lasalle reviewed a new film, Daddio, starring Sean Penn and Dakota Johnson. The review describes how over the course of the film, Dakota seems to have learned something from Sean that’s not exactly describable, but that both of them (and us as the viewers) realize.

As I read the review, I immediately thought of something one of my undergraduate professors said to me. I had some kind of project due—I have no idea at this point what it was—I only remember how much I hated doing it. I finally got it done and handed it in. Whew. Thank goodness that’s over. Then I got a message from my professor. She wanted to talk to me. That’s almost never a good sign.

When I met with her, she wasn’t at all angry. She wasn’t judgmental. All she said was, “Sara, you can do better than this. I won’t accept it. Do it over.” Groan. Really, all I wanted was a passing grade, and she would not accept that from me. She knew I was capable of doing a better job.

I have never forgotten that conversation. And to this day, fifty-eight years later, I can still hear her saying that when I’m about to press Publish, or whatever, and I know in my heart the work is not up to my standards. I may still choose to let it go because of a deadline or because I’m overwhelmed, but I know it’s not what it should be. Granted, this hesitation can cause problems when “out the door” is more important than “perfect,” but the message still hangs in the air.

What Are Your Life Lessons?

Do you have one of these lessons that has stuck with you, the importance of which you may or may not have realized at the time? I certainly didn’t realize it when my professor said that to me. Insights like this are precious gifts, and if I could remember who the professor was, I’d write her a thank you note even though it’s very likely she’s no longer alive. If you remember one of those lessons in your life, is the person who taught it to you still alive? Do you have any idea how to contact them? If so, what a gift you would be giving back to them by saying “thank you,” even though they may have absolutely no recollection of the event.

And what a gift you would be giving to another person to tell them about something you see in their “essence,” something they may be capable of without knowing it. Or the lesson could be about the positive impact they’ve made on you that is totally transparent to them. This is not just “positive feedback,” although that is a wonderful thing to get used to offering often. It is something deeper, some way you see the person. Not so much what they do as how you feel with them.

Be The Bright Light

There’s a lot of negativity in our world right now. As a woman over 50, you have so much experience and wisdom to draw on. When the opportunity arises, use it to make the day a little brighter for another person. Offer an observation about how you see their inner strength and the impact it has.  

And do you have one of those moments when someone gave you this type of special gift earlier in your life? Please share it in the comments below. Something that made a lasting difference for you could now have an impact on someone else, just because you shared it.

Learn More…

The Prime Spark Membership Community is designed for women 50 (or close) and older to support one anotherWe learn and grow together while furthering the mission of Prime Spark. Membership currently is currently closed. If you’re interested in joining, please send an email to [email protected] and ask to be placed on the waitlist.

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