The myth of the “self-made man”

Grabbing and stuffing - there is no end to it

Sharpen a blade too much and it's edge will soon be lost
Fill a house with gold and jade and no one can protect it
Puff yourself with honor and pride and no one can save you from a fall

Complete the task at hand
Be selfless in your actions

This is the way of Heaven
This is the way to Heaven
Tao 9

"I shouldn't be here, but I am
I'm here, I made it!"

Although the sentiment may be genuine, it may not be completely accurate.
Because, there were days where the outcome was uncertain.
There were days where the prognosis was bleak.
Or so I thought.

But there were others who disagreed. There were friends whose sight was clearer than my clouded eyes. Because, God knows, we all have days where our light is dimmed, and the skies look so much darker than wisdom sees.

And memory is sometimes misinformed. Because we may not remember the man who held the door for us - we with our arms full of groceries and worries.

Or we may have only half noticed the cool breeze or the newly bloomed rose, that calmed us and caused us to pause just long enough to catch our breath.

No, I say that any who claim to be self-made only proves to me that success is possible - even for those deliberately forgetful.

All that I am, all that I have become has been a shared endeavor.

Because all my joy and all the wonders I've seen must be shared with any who care to listen - to all who have contributed to my cause - all along the way.

dg

8/16

Sent from my iPad