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Heartwings Love Notes 832 - The Many Ways of Cherishing Part 1

Heartwings says, "Cherishing is rooted in the heart and can take many forms."

The dictionary definitions of "cherish" tell us it comes from words that imply caring and holding dear. The French word "cher," or "cherie" meaning dear one is often used as a term of endearment. That and those we cherish are what and whom we hold in our hearts as precious. Keeping, implying more than just a momentary affection, is another dictionary definition of cherishing. I was thinking of this on Father's Day and of the memories I cherish of my late dad.

I fondly remember the sand castles we would build on the beach. We would go to my Great Aunt Alice's beach cottage so he could get away from the incessant telephone calls from clients who thought they were having horticultural emergencies. No cell phones disturbed our peace, nor was there even a landline to the simple, somewhat primitive beach shack our family slept in. Our daylight hours were spent on the sand, in the water or weeding the beach grass from the path to it. He considered that his way of repaying his aunt for her kindness in lending us the cottage.

This and other cherished memories from my young years are fun to dwell on. I keep them in my heart, along with memories of other dear ones, some of who have departed this life and others of whom live at a distance. I also think about and spend time caring for friends and family nearby. I do my best to keep in touch and make sure we stay current with one another's lives. I do this with email or phone calls, or even texts nowadays. The many forms of communication are a great help to me in my efforts

However, in my attempts to cherish I have learned that not everyone looks at life in the same way. For instance as in the tale of the monkey who fearing it would drown, so kindly put a fish into a tree, I try not offer help just because I think it is needed. I also must be mindful not to impose my values on a loved one who may have a perspective differing from mine. Most important, I must make sure think before I speak to hear what I am about to say and make sure that my words come across as loving. Sarcasm has never served me well, nor have clever comments or observations that may unintentionally wound. Cherishing takes many forms, and being mindful is an important one.

May you find many ways to cherish those you love.

PS If you would like to share ways you enjoy cherishing yourself or others, I'd love to hear them. I cherish responses from my
readers.

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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