One of the most admirable qualities a person can possess in life is grace. People who live life with grace are not so easy to find though. Although I don’t think I have it figured out quite yet, I aspire to live my life with the grace of those people whom I feel have that certain something about them that sets them apart.
There’s no doubt that some of the greats of yesteryear like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Cary Grant or Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis made grace seem effortless. But how many people in today’s culture really live up to this same standard? Not too many come to mind really; at least not to the same level.
I can say that one of the most gracious people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing in “real life” is my stepmother, Linda. She has been in my life since I was 5-years-old and she is the epitome of grace. Linda is a lovely woman, inside and out. I have never seen her angry. I have never heard her utter a mean or insulting word. She is just a wonderful person and always carries herself with grace and kindness.
I introduce you to Linda because she has taught me so many lessons over the years (and I don’t even know if she realizes how much she has impacted my life). Here are some of the best lessons that may mean something to you also:
Disney’s projection of the wicked stepmother is definitely not always on point ;0).
Grace and kindness is the most incredible beauty regimen of all (all of the people included in this blog are beautiful people…made even more so simply by their way of being).
Carrying yourself with grace can actually keep your stress levels at bay and instill greater calm in yourself and those around you.
Linda taught me how to be a great stepmom as well and how to show love and caring with an open heart. She never judged me, she was always there for me when I needed to talk, she uplifted me and she always made me feel welcome.
My Dad and I have become much closer over the past few years and it has been the most wonderful experience for me. I have always sought his approval and wanted so badly to impress him and make him proud of me. Our communication struggled in the past due to many reasons, mostly beyond both of our control, but Linda was always there to buffer our interactions and somehow she always kept her cool and didn’t haul off and slug either one of us…even if we deserved it.
I love them both so very much and likely wouldn’t have the relationship with them today if it wasn’t for Linda’s grace and kindness. Thank you Linda! And to all of you out there, let’s all try to live with a bit more grace and kindness…the world can really use it right about now! Be well everyone and much love to you all.
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