Mar 30, 2022
None of us have gotten to where we are today by ourselves.
I’ve learned it’s very easy to ignore the help one has received and focus just on what we believe are our own achievements. To me, that’s the difference between individual and collective awareness. No matter how good/intelligent or talented one is, others have helped you along the way.
A primary example of this philosophy is our schooling. Think back to a teacher you had in elementary grade school. That teacher laid many verbal and intellectual foundation stones for further learning. Think of your parents — how much foundation laying did they do for you? We could continue for a long time about the people who have given us support along our life’s pathway but, let’s just remember a very simple fact of life.
We are social animals and we rely on each other.
Throughout history, this has always been true — even if the bells of time try to tell us something different. There have been many times in my life when I’ve needed to remember that adage, and many times when I’ve reminded people of this thought, too.
One time in particular comes to mind for me. A kind gentleman was retiring from his position after serving for many years. He had been good to me and welcomed me into his inner circle. Upon hearing he was retiring, I bought a bottle of his favorite wine and asked to see him. Upon arriving in his office, I congratulated him on his many achievements and we chatted for a bit reliving past experiences and laughs.
Just before departing his office, I handed him his bottle of wine, looked him squarely in the eyes and, asked him that while he sipped the wine, to think of all the people who’ve helped him achieve so much over the years. I’ll never forget the look in his eyes. They said to me: “Maybe today is when I remember to honor those who helped me.”
By the way, the wine was a blended wine — a wine that brings together different grape varieties to produce something good. Sound familiar? Yes, we need to not forget those who helped us, and we also need to show kindness, represent humility and do acts of kindness.
So let’s have a bit of fun and allow me to say something about each of those attributes using a favorite wine.
First, remembering those who helped us along the way — a blended wine is a perfect representation. One of my favorites is 1924’s Limited Edition Red Wine Blend. There’s a nice mating of Zinfandel, Merlot and Syrah grapes that produces a pleasant bit of spiciness and mild cherry taste. If I were to put some faces on that blend, it would be my father (a bit of spiciness) and my mother (a bit of mildness). Of course, that’s who I am today!
Secondly, showing kindness — we can’t do enough of that! Out of kindness comes some sweetness and niceness so let’s have a glass of BOSC Moscato D’Asti. If you’re a sweet wine lover, this one’s for you. With an ABV of just 5.5%, you know this wine is going to be kind to you and allow you some sweet time. I can hear some of you saying something about me being sweet? Yeah, right, sweet like a green apple! You’re probably right but I try and like to think my trying reflects the traits of my friends toward me.
Next, humility is always important. No one person has all the answers to everything, and even if you think you know the answer, listen first and then, talk. I’ve learned to speak softly (usually!) and use my two ears rather than my one mouth in conversations. So, let’s raise a glass of Burgans Albarińo to mirror humbleness. This wine has a very simple taste — light in citrus with a pleasingly dry finish. It doesn’t dominate but adds to the moment. One of my sisters called me a “pleaser” while growing up — is that a kind of humility or what? Interesting question and I’ll drop it for now!
Finally, do an act of kindness — no matter how small or large it is. Kindness begets kindness. I’ve met some rather unkind people over the years, and as much as I’d like to give back to them what they give, we should try for the high road. That doesn’t mean to be a patsy — you stand up and speak in a civil manner. Like a glass of Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc. It’s politeness will sooth your tensions and remind you of the goodness around you. This wine is filled with melony tastes — it’s an act of kindness to you.
So, what’s this all got to do with maybe today? Simple: today, think of those who’ve helped you along the way and thank them; notice kindness and be nice to each other; reflect honest humility to those around you and do an act of kindness — no matter how small or large it is.
Maybe today is the day to either begin or continue these four positives of humanity.
As always eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!
Cheers!
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