32 Comments
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Amy Gordon's avatar

That, my beautiful friend, is a tried and true lesson on how to help yourself! Thank you for reminding me of that

Judith Gervais (Jude)'s avatar

Jennifer, you are a treasure. Whenever I'm feeling down I think of you and adjust my attitude towards gratitude. I pray your eye nightmare is soon over.

mrjest@fastmail.com's avatar

"I’d helped Tillie, it’s true. But, really, I’d helped myself.

'Next time you’re feeling miserable, do something kind for someone else. It’s a surefire cure for unhappiness, self-doubt, and disheartenment." This beautiful conclusion to the tale affirms another writer as well: you are the gift, and you deliver the gifts. Are you familiar with Lewis Hyde: The GIft? You sound like perhaps one of his acolytes! I love this also because I could have written it about a couple of neighbors who love treating others with surprise gifts.

As for the rough ones, especially in "medicine," we have plenty to go around. Perhaps being the patient patient you were/are, your example may bug him at some point down the line, like whenever someone about that one's equal in presence, they will discern they do not really like being that way after all.

Of course, yoga always helps as well, but only for those of us loving the inner peace it delivers.

Thank you for another bundle of gifts.

Namaste'.

Evil Harry's avatar

Thank you for another great read Jennifer.

Stephanie Lee Butler's avatar

This is so beautiful, Jennifer. I love that you did this for her, AND for you. 💜🩷🩵🥰

Randa's avatar

This is so beautiful. Thank you, I needed the reminder!

Sheila Dempsey, PhD's avatar

You and your puppy are just gorgeous, Jennifer.

Looking into Serenity’s eyes and hearing your open and beautiful voice is just what my heart needed today. Thank you.

Jill Couture's avatar

I agree with Sita Scott as I can see myself in both of you too. I have a relative that is very similar to Tillie and it would be a dream come true if he had someone make an offer to help or even just understand where he's coming from. It seems that you helped her and at the same time helping her helped you. Its a win win.

Summer van der Westhuyzen's avatar

God bless you for helping your friend even tho you were suffering! Love this post! Going to share with people I know need to hear it. One thing, did you really mean the dog had <baleful> eyes--i.e. menacing, hostile? :-)

Jennifer Margulis's avatar

Thank you for catching that, Claire. I meant soulful, not baleful. Fixed now.

Abigail's avatar

Thinking of you. You inspire me beyond. Sending much love.

Juxtapy's avatar

Know you’re not alone, and you strengthened others today. Thank you…

Nama Paula's avatar

You rock, Jennifer‼️❤️🙏

Sita Scott's avatar

Thank you for this! I see myself in both people.

Susan P ...'s avatar

Blessings to you Jennifer - a powerful & beautiful example to many. Being of service helps me reconnect with Spirit ...

Terri Bro's avatar

God Bless You Jennifer! You truly are an amazing and kind soul. Wish I had read this Sunday, when I was having similar feelings of grumpiness after an unexpected incident caught me off guard. All I would have had to do is help someone, but I didn't and it took much longer for me to get out of the funk (I had heaped upon myself) than was necessary. Thank you again for your insight and bringing me back to such a positive focus. You are a Blessing!

Jennifer Margulis's avatar

I feel you, Terri. We can both remember this lesson for NEXT time. Even just imagining the kindnesses we can do for others can help I think, especially if we have creative ideas. For me, rolling up my sleeves and getting filthy and being outside was also awesome. But bringing someone a meal, buying some groceries for them, running an errand, puppy sitting, or just sending a note of thanks via old-fashioned snail mail will also do the trick. xoxo

Steve S's avatar

This post leaves me speechless.