Have you ever thought that sometimes you are connected with your past?
Today, as I contemplated articulating my thoughts, I didn’t have to go far to find my inspiration.
Each of us has several thousand thoughts per day; mine were derived from something in the ground. My inspiration is knowing how I can help others as I remain positive throughout my life.
How Many Thoughts Do You Have Per Day? And Other FAQs (healthline.com)
I’m also aware that you and I can breathe the air each day and repeat the process. Some things we miss are right under our noses.
Some things are apparent, and some things are not so obvious. Specifically, it’s been watching all the new construction around me.
I’m glad to see the economy moving because someone has a job with every new home built.
In my area, we have both the Military and NASA, with plenty of disposable income being spent to help the economy.
Notwithstanding, there are also many new places to eat and drink.
Last year, Huntsville, Alabama, was voted the best place to live.
Why Huntsville Is the Best Place to Live in the U.S. in 2022-23 (usnews.com)
I didn’t expect to see how someone’s livelihood would affect my state of being. I realized that my values and education helped play a role in understanding what was being revealed to me.
Because of all the other distractions, metaphorically speaking, growing right under my nose, I was watching what I thought was a vegetable growing in the fields. Instead, it was cotton.
Yes, cotton is tied to my values, assumptions, beliefs, and expectations (VABES) about life.
(24) The Power of VABEs and Propensity Health and Safety Leadership | LinkedIn
Being observant of my surroundings, I focused last month on the brown cornfields. Today, they have all been harvested or harvested throughout the week.
I’m not a farmer; however, I’m learning the routines of planting and harvesting just by the times of each season.
Each of us will go through various seasons as well.
I’m also aware in the coming months, I must take every plant off my front porch and provide shelter out of the freezing elements. Last year, I missed bringing one of my favorite plants inside to my sunroom, as I learned a valuable lesson of starting over.
About three months ago, I planted a Gladiola bulb in my front yard that was given to me by my Aunt, who lives in Virginia. The symbolism of connection was my late Uncle, who passed away in October 2021, had these in front of his house. Today, it’s over three feet with red flowers blooming.
However, seeing the cotton blooming at about the same time made me think of those who came before me. These people had little choice but to pick it.
Living on the West End: Cotton-picking time, the 1930s | News and Press
A large family together might pick 500 or 600 pounds a day. That was more than this writer would pick in a week. A family of pickers might earn as much as $5 in a day!
Cotton Picker Salary: Hourly Rate September 2023 USA (ziprecruiter.com)
Interestingly, “Alabama ranks 49 out of 50 states nationwide for Cotton Picker salaries.”
Living in Alabama now and seeing the cotton fields are my reminders to never forget about what others have done for me in the past. People work long hours to make a living to feed their families.
The necessity to live and wanting to do better.
The pioneers and trailblazers that came before me.
Every day, we make new connections; what’s your link today?
Mine is in cotton today, and I’ve never forgotten where I came from and those who went before me.
McKinley, my thoughts today are for you. Happy Birthday to you my good friend and Brother from another mother . Love you man.
Scott,
I’m honored by your friendship. Thanks so much for my Birthday wishes. Good friends are hard to find. I’m honored we found each other. I Love you too. I’m looking forward to some more crawfish etouffee that your mother made during my last visit.
McKinley
Thank you McKinley for sharing yet another thought-provoking ‘Thought’. I love the symbolism of the 3 foot tall Gladiolas you have enjoyed watching grow and its connection to your Aunt and Uncle. I also find the connection between the veggies/cotton you enjoyed watch grow, when younger, with the pioneers who came before and worked so hard making a living from it. How interestingly our perspectives of our world change over time.
Thank you.
Carolyn,
Greetings and thank so much for your comments. I humbled by your words knowing it was a thought-provoking ‘Thought’. My Uncle helped shape my life and watched me growing up and I had the support from my Aunt and Uncle. I get to return the favor. Your correct, “how interestingly our perspectives of our world change over time.”
McKinley
Happy Birthday CM and may GOD continue to bless you to see many more laps around the sun!
The theme of “The Connection to Life” definitely resonates with me as I am often reflecting on life. First and foremost, my humble beginnings growing up in Lake Providence, Louisiana reminds me why I am determined to continue to live a purposeful life. Most African American families from my hometown know each other and have navigated through trials of life growing up in a period of which they were not viewed or treated as an equal citizen in our country. Nevertheless, they established a strong sense of community, servant leadership and work ethic that has spread amongst all the grandchildren. Ultimately, I have kept those values with me throughout my life and have ensured that I don’t take anything for granted.
Terrance,
Greetings and thank you so much for the Birthday wishes. I’m honored to know that today’s theme of “The Connection to Life” resonates with you. I proud of you for keeping that strong sense of community, servant leadership and work ethic and those values that you have ensured that you don’t take anything for granted.
CM
Great points. My grandfather grew tobacco in Virginia. He had a vision to acquire land and raise his kids. He instilled in me, hard work and dedication. Colorado Springs is growing too. We need to pass on to the next generations to strive for great things. Thanks.
Don,
Good evening and thank you for your comments. Nowadays when I hear the stories of growing tobacco I’m transported back in time. It’s those lessons we need to hear and pass on to the next generations to strive for great things.
CM
Great points. My grandfather grew tobacco in Virginia. He had a vision to acquire land and raise his kids. He instilled in me, hard work and dedication. Colorado Springs is growing too. We need to pass on to the next generations to strive for great things. Thanks.
Don,
Good evening and thank you for your comments. Nowadays when I hear the stories of growing tobacco I’m transported back in time. It’s those lessons we need to hear and pass on to the next generations to strive for great things.
CM