Recollection, Reflection, and Renewal

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Written by: Alexandra Abell

Recollection

Twenty-two years ago, I was barely a teenager when my mother was putting forth her best efforts to find a way to portray the depth of my grandmother’s selfless and beautiful soul. While floods of sadness and grief filled her heart, she searched for inspiration to honor her mother as she prepared for her eulogy.

As she sifted through my grandmother’s cherished belongings, my mother discovered an old anthology with prose and poems. The faded bookmark, tucked between the pages, caught her eye and sparked her curiosity. She opened the bookmarked page, revealing this poem:

WORTH

It is not what the world gives me

In honor, praise or gold;

It is what I do give the world,

So others do unfold.

If by my work through life I can

Another soul unfold,

Then I have done what cannot be

Made good, by praise or gold.

One tiny thought in tiny word

May give a great one birth,

And, if that thought was caused by me,

I lived a life of worth.

—Richard F. Wolfe

Interpretation

The overall meaning of this poem invites interpretation by the individual and their philosophical perspective. Even the briefest encounters, the simplest exchanges of words, or what may appear to be insignificant actions, can have a meaningful and lasting impact on another person’s life or even the world itself. We may never be aware of the impact that was made, though these moments possess the ability to create positive change or inspire profound transformation. Living a fulfilling life includes understanding that our presence and actions, no matter how small, matter deeply. In this way, fulfillment is often found in the quiet contributions we make, and the ripples of kindness and intention we send out to the world. The influence one individual can have on another, and the potential to influence change, surpasses any value derived from recognition, material possessions, or financial gain.

I find that this poem encourages one to work towards self-realization; self-awareness, humility, and living as your true self, guided by your personal values, and sense of purpose. The beneficial and influential effects of one’s efforts towards personal growth alone are a worthy cause.

Introspection

In reading Worth, I think of my grandmother and feel a sense of peace for her and the life she lived. Her beliefs, spirituality, values, and life purpose were carried through in her daily practices and connection with others. This poem brings light to my personal values, intrinsic motivation, and sense of purpose. Peace and acceptance rise to the surface. A deep yearning for healing and comfort for others lingers within. It is a yearning that reveals elements of uncertainty, vulnerability, reflection, and hope.

Reflection & Renewal

A few years before her death, my grandmother planted a fig tree in her yard. Each year she patiently waited for it to bear fruit, knowing that growth would take time. It was only the growing season after her death that my grandmother’s fig tree finally produced its first fruit. As I recall, the first fig, this new life, contributed to my mother’s feeling of solace and a deep sense of spiritual connectedness. Just as the fig tree’s transformation brought hope and meaning, we too can use the quiet of winter to nurture our own growth. Perhaps use this season as an invitation to rest, connect, and look within.

Journaling, mindfulness, and meditation are some examples that may help you discover what truly matters to you and nurture your sense of purpose. Other approaches include using a voice recording or audio journal, which enables you to record your thoughts verbally instead of writing. Purchasing a guided journal for self-reflection and awareness can be especially helpful. Guided journals provide daily prompts or exercises, offering structure and alleviating the pressure of a blank page. This format can support you in setting clear intentions and narrowing your focus, making it easier to track your progress and work towards specific goals in personal growth. Alternatively, a journal app offers the convenience of digital writing, with options for prompts and guidance in self-reflection.

A Look from Within

Consider one of these questions, with honest reflection on your feelings, thoughts, and what you will do next:

  • What does living a life of worth mean to you?

  • What does it mean to live a fulfilling life?

  • Do you have an experience or something you refer to that has been inspiring to you?

  • What do you yearn for?

  • Has someone sparked a positive change in you or your life?

  • Who is one person that you’re grateful for?

  • What is an area where you want to continue growing?

  • What personal quality do you value most in yourself?