imprint
One day, while walking along the beach, I noticed that even the ever-so-slight sea-bird left a subtle imprint in the sand. It got me to think… that no matter how small, we all make an imprint.
I think we're living in days of feeling like we have little or no impact on the world around us.
Our minds are wandering, but we're going nowhere.
We're wanting to move forward and experience living again, but we're stuck in this never-ending pandemic existence.
We all have this longing, longing to get out, see people, and make a difference.
To alleviate some of our loneliness, I think we need to look beyond ourselves and ask the question, what imprint can I leave on others?
We all leave imprints, whether we're aware of it or not. (And, I'm not referring to the many doggie imprints of footprints all over my house!) We are unable to control every influence we have on others, but perhaps during this dour-time, the world, or at least someone out there, would benefit if we look beyond our circumstance and do something positive for someone else.
Here are some tangible things to do.
In past years, around the Christmas season, we, as a family, put together Shoe-Box gifts for Samaritan's Purse, called Operation Christmas Child. I think it's time to do this again. It's a fun and easy task that leaves a positive effect on someone's life. There are other organizations that I support, like Compassion International. Our sponsored child in Indonesia will receive something extra for Christmas. Since we're in a world-wide pandemic, and there seem to be endless natural disasters, sending support and aid is crucial. These tangible things are very worthwhile, but do they produce those natural endorphins that we all need right now? Is there something else we can do? What else could have a different impact?
Maybe it's the intangible that needs more attention and focus?
How about making a concerted effort to reach out to someone when they come to mind. I think I wrote about this once before, but I'm trying to be more mindful of it now that I have more time on my hand. It's so simple to send someone a text or a message on Facebook. I would love to get a random message from someone I haven't heard from in a long time. It's also quite nice to receive a hand-written note or send a perfectly worded Hallmark card.
Last week I received a gift in the mail from a dear friend in New York. It was a cookbook by one of our favorite celebrity cooks- Ina Garten. I always think of my friend Ruth when I make one of Ina's recipes. Ruth left an imprint on me, and not merely because she introduced me to Ina but because she has been an influencer in many ways.
Two nights ago, I was the recipient of a text from another friend in New York. It was someone I haven't heard from in some time, and I haven't seen in a while since we're band from New York, as per Governor Cuomo! It was so much fun to have an unexpected conversation and catch up a little on life, but more importantly, reconnect. My friend Lois left an imprint.
Here are a few more examples of recent-imprints.
When my son drops in unannounced, that leaves an imprint.
Being a part of a family group-text leaves an imprint.
When a neighbor drops off something she made, that leaves an imprint.
When a dear friend, Maureen, calls to tell me she passed her holistic-Aromatherapy nursing certification, that leaves an imprint.
When another friend sends a text message, (Christine) totally out of the blue while I'm writing this blog- that leaves an imprint!
At times I find myself in a weird 'head-space' about where I stand in people's lives. So when I receive these subtle imprints, it lifts my spirit and erases the insecurity or doubt that I feel. I know that past relationships will change with time, but it's important not to allow ill-advised perception to take root and blanket the beautiful imprints once left behind.
Not all imprints are washed away with the incoming tide, which I suppose can be both good and bad. I think it's important to recognize those that leave imprints on our lives, but also trust that you too leave imprints wherever you go. So, send out some positive, figurative, and concrete imprints without delay. Someone is anxious to be the recipient of your thoughtfulness.
