Gratitude Post 13: The Roots of the Family Tree
It’s already the 4th Wednesday of the month, which means it’s time for a Gratitude Post.
Gratitude Post Wednesday is a time to reflect back upon life and be appreciative for the people, events and lessons that have helped me grow into who I am today.
In the past I’ve mentioned things like 1963, 2400 East, Highline, friends, family, life and You.
I’d like to dedicate this post to two people essential to the roots of my family tree.
The Lee’s.
Out of Balance
For those of you who have been reading Three Key Life for any considerable amount of time, you may already know that my grandparents helped raise me at the base of the Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah.
You may also know that growing up I didn’t have much of a relationship with my father. Not having much of a relationship with my dad also caused me to not have a close connection with my father’s side of the family.
Some of you may think, “ok, and why are you telling me this…”
I mention this because I’ve found in my life that it is imperative to open our minds and hearts to the people who have helped our lives come into being. Even if the relationship is nearly non-existent.
Despite having an out of balance relationship with both sides of my family, I embrace the importance each person has served in the creation of me.
Especially my Grandma and Grandpa Lee.
Thank you.
Embracing Our Roots
I’ve noticed in my life I’ve spent a lot of time shining gratitude towards my Grandma and Grandpa Seely (my grandparents who helped raise me) throughout my life. Their love and care may be the greatest blessing I ever received in life, even though they are no longer here.
However, my Grandpa Lee, who was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas in 1933 and my incredible Grandma Lee who was born in Mississippi, helped me see my life in a whole new light.
Being African American in the South during the 30’s and 40’s, my grandparents on my father’s side taught me about an entirely different world than my grandparents who grew up in Utah did.
Prior to the passing of my Grandpa Lee, I recall his stories about segregation, being shot at as a youth for walking on a white man’s property and his moving from the south to Wyoming for more opportunities.
Truth is, though I may feel like one side of my family helped me grow or develop more than the other, both sides of my family were essential in creating me, Jeffon.
Appreciation.
Saying Thank You
My Grandpa Lee passed nearly 6 years ago and I never really told him thank you. My Grandma Lee is still with us and I try to remind her each time I see her that I am a product of her.
I let her know I am thankful for her pushing through the racist south. I thank her for meeting my grandfather, raising my aunts, uncles and father, and just being her.
There is a great power that flows from you when you take time and say thank you to the people in your life who helped make you, You.
Even if these people are no longer walking this earth, similar to my Grandpa Lee, we can still quiet our minds, open our hearts and say thank you from the depths of our spirit.
I find sharing this gratitude from the depths of my being to be one of the most empowering things I can do.
Give thanks.
3 Keys of Gratitude
#1 – Say Thank You – Reach out to someone in your life and simply say thank you for being you. Ideally, make this someone who may be left out from the inner circle of your family or group of friends. Make this someone you have left out of your consciousness, someone you know could use more appreciation.
#2 – Strengthen Your Roots – Regardless of your upbringing, be grateful for the roots that have brought you into existence and nourished your life. Feeding your inner roots with gratitude, appreciation and joy can lead to incredible transformations. If you ever find yourself down, upset, discouraged or feeling unworthy, open your mind to the vast root system (family tree) that enables your life to be.
#3 – Creating History Now – Remember, you are building your family history this very minute. As you strengthen your inner roots today, you strengthen the roots for the generations yet to come. Even if you grew up in a less-than-perfect family setting, you can recreate the future for you and your family. The best way to do this is to appreciate and be grateful for everyone.
Gratitude
Take time today to say Thank you.
Peace
Happiness
Compassion
Respect
Jeffon Seely