Yesterday, as I was unloading a truckload of debris at the local forest products place, a fellow woman gardener pulled in beside me with the same task. I said "Hello" to her, and she asked if I was still gardening. Not recognizing her, I said that I was and wondered whether or not I should know her. The conversation continued as we emptied our trucks, sharing the merits of working for ourselves: being able to quit when we wanted on a hot day, not having to answer to a boss, working outside rather than sitting in an office.
As I was leaving she told me that I was her inspiration. After getting into the truck I realized she was referencing the fact that I am leaning toward the elder state yet still working at such a physical job. Instead of acknowledging that as a compliment and a very kind comment, my thought was, "Do I really look that old?" That would be called denial. I guess I thought I had been camouflaging the reality. It's been a busy season and apparently I haven't looked in the mirror that much.
I realized that when it comes to being viewed as inspirational my ideas, thoughts, and perceptions are far more grandiose than that of being an old gardener. Somehow that one didn't show up on my list. I do think I need to reconsider and give some thought as to what inspiration really means.
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