Is Your Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

What did you read in 2020? Reading was one of the ways I escaped my unpredictable world. I was looking for distraction, a way to shake off thoughts of COVID-19, the news, and the hope to find some joy.

For me, the most meaningful book for 2020 was: What Keeps Me Standing Letters from Black Grandmothers on Peace, Hope, and Inspiration by Dennis Kimbro, published by Penguin Random House. Mr. Kimbro solicited letters from 1000 black grandmothers. He asked them to write instructions to their grandchildren or to the next generation about how to live.

Many of these grandmothers grew up in grinding poverty, lost loved ones, and knew daily racial oppression. Many understood that education was a way out. Ms. Clara Jones describes growing up barefoot, “no electricity, no refrigerator, no nothing.” Yet, inspired by music on her school principal’s radio, she managed to go to college and become a music teacher. These grandmother’s stories about how they turned hatred into peace and richness of spirit inspired me to view my life as “a glass half-full rather than a glass half-empty.”

I read their letters each night before falling asleep. I laughed. I cried. I was reminded of the importance of hope, kindness, and respect. With these grandmothers I reminisced about the joy family and friends bring. Their stories rose above religious, national, and ethnic borders. I loved the words of Ms. A.G. Maute: “The longer you carry a problem, the heavier it gets.” Ms. Julie J. Williams reflected about how to be happy: “Be thankful. Be responsible. Be friendly and helpful. Strive for the best. Work hard and play by the rules.” So simple! Ms. Jeannie Rogers reminded me that the best things are free: “a colorful garden, a setting sun, a moonlit sky, a kiss good-bye, and the smile of a child.”

Image used with publisher’s permission.