February 5th, 2023 | Issue #54

1 Quote. 1 Reflection. 1 Question.

1 Quote.

“There is not human being from whom we cannot learn something if we are interested enough to dig deep.”

-From: Eleanor Roosevelt

-Source: You Learn By Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life

1 Reflection.

Eleanor Roosevelt was an American political figure, diplomat, pacifist, and activist. She was the longest-serving First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, during her husband President Franklin D Roosevelt's four terms in office.

She accomplished several feats in her life including serving as the first Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights and playing an instrumental role in drafting the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

After Eleanor Roosevelt introduced the final draft of the Declaration to the General Assembly, 48 nations gave their approval, with no negative votes. This was followed by a standing ovation—something unheard of for women at the time. 

We can learn something from Eleanor Roosevelt's words. When we have our eyes, ears, and more our minds open, we learn things. 

The benefit of learning is we become wiser and gain a new perspective on life. Adding a new perspective to our life is like adding a new tool to our tool belt—we have more methods to tackle a problem. 

A new perspective will help us see we are the rich not poor

A new perspective will help us see we are healthy, not sick. 

A new perspective will help us see we are lucky not cursed. 

However, new perspectives won't always be sunshine and rainbows. They may humble us and force us to have a hard look in the mirror. 

A new perspective will help us see we have more to give, not take. 

A new perspective will help us see we have work to start, not finish. 

A new perspective will help us see we have been selfish, not selfless.

Let's be slow to speak and quick to listen. Let's shed out of shallow conversations and dive deep into meaningful dialogue.  As a result, we will be better equipped to tackle life and hopefully, make a few friends along the way. 

1 Question.

When is the last time you had a meaningful conversation with a stranger?