15 December 2022 - A message from Frances

We do not choose who we are born to.

Much of what people believe, and whom they look up to, is a result of who they are born to.

An amazing thing about life is that you can choose who to look up to. You can choose your heroes. You can choose your guides.

4 days ago, somebody from my circle, who was a hero to many, left this world.

She was 107 years old.

She kept contributing right to the end; and then left, peacefully, in her sleep.

Her name was Frances Hesselbein. 

Frances lived a life of service; and spent a lot of her life teaching others to manifest that principle in their lives too.

(In NYC three years ago)

 

(As I remind friends who don't like photos: fond memories are gifts that keep on giving)

Before she left us, Frances had my friend Sarah promise that she would share a message with us. 

It was the following:

- Listen to the whispers (those quiet voices inside that speak to you, of you true you)

- Work is love made visible (consistent with Gibran)

- Don't forget (that your one life is your life's work)

Life is indeed a gift, and an opportunity.

Opportunities, actually.

It's a blend of both constantly preparing and constantly executing. 

Then learning. 

Then repeating the blend. 

You get to choose the blend sweetheart.

The key is to actually do it.

The key is to be a creator.

A creator of value.

Less consuming. More creating.

Being a consumer is ok as you prepare. What you consume ought to be of value to you. It also ought to help you become better at executing. That is, better at creating value for others.

Your life is a new life; not even four months yet.

Your sister's life is a young life; not even fourteen years yet.

The attentive eyes that you have, will stand you in good stead sweetheart.

Both you and your sister are endowed with more than enough latent potential, to feel out, and create, your unique lives of meaning.

Frances thoughts do indeed evoke contemplation and focus. She'd be delighted to know that you and your sister got to absorb the thoughts she imparted. What a wow it'd be, if your life trajectories were positively impacted. 

Frances passing reminds us of a solemn truth: Life is fleeting.

Remember to use your life energy wisely.

Remember that you are always building something, and simultaneously building into something.

Remember the importance of habits that you create for yourself. 

Become conscious of them, and change them if you need to. 

Why? 

The habits that you live with, will determine your destiny.