Backstory
When I began speaking in public, a mentor advised, “They may not remember who you were or what you said, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.” That’s what my sister Karyn leaves behind. (Be sure to read the P.S. to this story.)
Click to listen or follow below to read.
My Sister – #503
My sister and I were having a discussion about what we wanted to leave for posterity; what we wanted people to remember about us when we’re gone. My sister is a very spiritual person; learned in religions of the world, yoga student, teacher of meditation and other skills for achieving tranquility and ease of well-being. I can imagine that she leaves many people with the tools to find serenity.
My sister has found that inner place for herself. Her daily ritual of meditation is often held in conference with nature. When she’s at the ocean, she ventures out in the darkness before sunrise, finds a comfortable place within eyesight of the ocean and lets the calming waves bring her into the new day. What joy she must achieve, for herself only, for this is a time of inner focus.
And the rest of her day is spent outward bound in the creativity of a writer, a genealogist, a grandmother, a gifted crafter and a would-be businesswoman whose strategic plan usually reverts back to meditation rather than achievement.
She is a full circle success, my sister. And her legacy will be the joy known by anyone who has made her acquaintance. You would remember her red hair, her welcoming smile, and that you felt instantly at ease in her presence.
Some of us leave monuments for posterity, others leave the gift of just having known them.
P.S.
You’ll find my sister, Karyn Romani, these days at The Positivity Tree. She has joined her daughter Ella Miller to become a cultivator of positivity rooted in optimism. The Positivity Tree is about being curious, empathetic, self-aware, balanced, less stressed and more appreciative in life. Together, they explore how to bring more optimism to work, home, family, relationships and life. It’s a beautiful place. https://www.thepositivitytree.com
[Show #503]
imo says
My dear Annette, your words take all of your readers to remarkable places. Mentally, I’m sitting with your sister at the beach in the pre-dawn hours. Wondrous feeling. Join us!
Annette Petrick says
Oh imo, what a lift it gives me to hear that reaction. She deserves it and I so wanted to deliver it.
Juin says
❣
Lisa Thomson says
Love you both so much!
Mary Lee Sweet says
I love reading your stories! Thank you for posting the perfect thoughts at the right moments.
Annette Eleanor Petrick says
We keep trying – every week.
Mary Lee Sweet says
It is amazing how you include so much in such a short narrative! I love reading your stories!
Annette Eleanor Petrick says
That’s the trick, Mary Lee – lots and lots of editing.
Elizabeth H Cottrell says
Ohhh, love this and have signed up for their email list and connected with them in their Facebook group. You and your sister are a dynamic duo!
Allon H Lefever says
Sounds like you have an interesting and content sister! Thanks for sharing.
Joan says
A nice story to begin the day
Thank you
Both of you
Annette Petrick says
Enjoy this lovely day, Joan.