A few years ago I dated a guy who told me that as the dean for admissions, I should not be driving a Honda Accord. He said, you should be driving a better car than that. My initial reaction:????? Honestly, I wasn't sure how to respond except to say that the type of car I drive and my title do not make me who I am. There are some people who place more importance on the appearance of things or status, than they do on other factors that are so much more important.
I'm not being naive about any of this. I know that status is important to a lot of people in life. Even though others may attach some status to me based on superficial things, I work very hard to make sure these things do not define me.
I have been thinking about this a lot recently as I struggle through some things at work and wrestle my way through a few financial difficulties. A fancy car, a title, or couture designer clothes do not exempt you from difficulties or challenges. I do not care to be known by my title or by what I have. Instead, I want people to define me by heart, the work that I have done to help other people, the love I give and they way I treat people.
Don't get me wrong, I am truly grateful for the opportunities and blessings (things) I have received. I appreciate that my family and friends, and most importantly God, are proud of me. However, if pride and "things" were all I had, my existence would be sad and full of confusion. Because they also give me love, acceptance, understanding, stability, and because they know my heart - because they know the real me, my foundation is based on more than "stuff", or titles.
Today I am grateful for ALL of the blessings I have had in my life. I am grateful for my title, my degrees, my car, my apartment, my job, my clothes, etc. I am even more grateful for the things that can not be taken away from me - the things you won't be able to immediately see when you look at me.
In my favorite book, the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, one of his agreements is Don't Take Anything Personally. He says, "Whatever others do, feel, think, or say, don't take it personally." "If they tell you how wonderful you are, they are not saying that because of you. You know you are wonderful."
I have to remind myself of this...in fact, it's one of my mantras: Don't take anything personally Traci - you know who you really you are! :-) I am grateful for that!
"Don't Take Anything Personally! If you keep this agreement, you can travel around the world with your heart completely open and no one can hurt you. You can be in the middle of hell and still experience inner peace and happiness. -Don Miguel Ruiz
