Journalled on Tuesday, 4th of April 2023 | Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: 28 degrees, hot, sunny, and cloudy.
It is Tuesday, a beautiful autumn morning with a slight breeze and a temperature in the low 20s.
Walking to the end of Leme to exercise, I saw the sea in a rough swell, waves crashing against the shore and rocks with force; it was stunning and impressive to watch!
On Tuesday, Yasmin should come and stay with me, as she has functional training after school in the evening. She should have had it last week, and as she is mad at me today, she cancelled coming to stay with me and doing it.
She probably thought she was getting to me by not coming, but little did she know that the day before, I had met her trainer by chance on the street and cancelled the sessions because I would be moving this month.
When Yasmin messaged me to say she wouldn’t come today, I promptly replied, “OK!” Just an OK!
I have reached a stage in life where I can’t force a situation anymore. If my daughter wants to be with me, GREAT!!! If she doesn’t want to, or is angry with me, even though I was trying to teach her something to help her improve herself and her life, and she doesn’t know how to appreciate it.
WHAT CAN I DO? And GREAT TOO!
I have reached a point where I no longer care about what others think or say about me. I reached this stage a long time ago. However, recently I have become more selfish, focusing more on myself and my needs. I have realised that, even though I have given a lot to others, I sometimes don’t receive recognition or appreciation.
I’m not constantly seeking praise or validation, but it’s hard to ignore that people often forget your past efforts and sacrifices when you change your stance.
My daughter will be shocked when she realises that I have cancelled the training sessions and that her cancellation was for nothing. This situation reminds me of Dona Rosa. I taught Dona Rosa for 6 or 7 years. She was a little old lady from a traditionally wealthy Brazilian family.
She was already in her late 70s when I began teaching her, and she had a powerful personality and an opinion she was never afraid to express in any situation. Unfortunately, she is no longer with us, and telling her whole story now would be too long, but Dona Rosa taught me a valuable lesson:
“WHO HAS THE POWER TO GIVE ALSO HAS THE POWER TO TAKE AWAY”
It is a lesson I have never forgotten, and I carry it with me. Many people don’t realise this, but it is very accurate. Since Yasmin is no longer coming, I can teach the last few afternoon classes, read my book, and go to bed early.
WHAT MORE COULD WE ASK FOR???
In bed by 9.30 p.m.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading my blog. Check out my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments.
Richard
