Ponderings: On Commitment

In 2014, Jo_Goldsmith11 took it upon herself to initiate the Light2Love Project Good Words.

Jo pledged to use good words and publish articles used to empower, encourage, support and defend those who need to be shown love.

Jo offered us a good word for each week to focus our thoughts, behaviors and actions on...In the 16th week, Jo wrote her perspective on the word commitment.

However, as 2014 came to an end, Jo filed away her Good Word articles - as she begins the process of publishing it in e-book'. Shyron E. Shenko continues to write a beautiful poem to accompany each Good Word to inspire and lead us.

The ripple effect of the Good Words Project throughout the HubVille community has been heartwarming.

Please join me with some of my musical thoughts and reflections on the word commitment...

As I gathered my thoughts on the subject of commitment, I immediately thought back to September of 1987. I was twenty-five years of age and entering the state of matrimony.

The vows my husband and I exchanged were fairly traditional, as in the Anglican marriage vows I have highlighted above. Even twenty-seven years later, the idea of obedience seems (let's say) awkward, considering my personality style (LOL) - so we chose to omit that one...!

When I mentioned that I was writing about the good word of commitment, my husband's initial response was ... "302". ( Note: A "302" is an involuntary commitment for emergency evaluation and treatment for persons who are "dangerous" to themselves or others due to a mental illness which can last up to five days.)

Oy vey... what a difference in definitions! Forgive me for laughing ...

Back to those marriage vows...I believe these statements of commitment apply to our spouses, our family and friends and more importantly, to ourselves...

In 1999, I was 37 years old. I was in great physical shape and felt comfortable in my own skin.

As a Nurse Executive, I believed that confidence was demonstrated, even if not felt, when there was not a hair out of place.

After a life - altering incident in June, 1999, I appreciated what is was like to be totally vulnerable and dependent on loved ones. I was at my worst ever, at least in my own mind.

Yet, along with my vulnerability came clarity. I slowly became strong again and was finally able to shed my belief that perfection is possible or even desirable.

Living every day to the fullest is always my priority. Life experience, both the good and the bad, has taught me the most valuable lessons.

I had the support and commitment of my spouse, my family and close friends to get me through the worst days of my life. How could I not but give the same back in return...?

I recently taught a nursing student I will call Tina * (for confidentiality) in a 'Nursing Care in the Community' course.

The sub-culture that Tina selected to focus her service work on was the homeless population. She selected a specific shelter in a nearby New Jersey township, where she currently lived.

I was struck by the breadth and the passion of Tina's work. She focused on two issues of coping with parenting in the homeless population. She offered support groups for women on nonviolent ways to handle discipline and empowerment training.

Tina's final paper was exceedingly well written, demonstrating precision and structure. It was comprehensive, yet there was a strong undercurrent of passion and commitment. Tina's project was a clear 'A' by all accounts and standards.

Included with the paper was a handwritten note. As an Instructor, those are rare treasures. Tina wrote that she had spent two years of her life, from eighteen to twenty, in that same shelter, for battered women. She was trying to get away from a violent household, having been physically and emotionally abused for years. At the shelter, Tina repaired her wings and started Nursing school.

For her 40th birthday, Tina wanted to give back to the place and the people who had helped her become the amazing and beautiful woman she was in my classroom.

Who knew? And this is precisely what Tina taught me. You never know what makes people behave the way they do. I appreciated hearing Tina's reasons. I appreciated Tina's commitment to giving back..

My card ended with: "This is not a thank you note. It is a hug with a fold in it. Many thanks for giving of your time, your energy, your self. Love, Tina"

Tina would graduate with her B.S.N. just after her 40th birthday, still a lifelong journey ahead of giving to others and continuous learning.

I wrote a post last year on my Dad's birthday, November 16th. A year later, the words I wrote bear repeating:

In November, this month of gratitude and thanksgiving, I am especially indebted to both of my parents.Their children were the center of their worlds and today, we are all well adjusted, happy and productive members of society. My siblings and I are as different as family can be. Yet all four of us share the common love and respect of family and faith.

The loyalty and commitment of family, especially at times of sickness and despair give reason for hope and the push to keep going. For me, some friends have been just as supportive, intuitive and giving of themselves ... even across the virtual miles in this very community.

Peg Cole, is one of the most accomplished writers I know, both in HubVille and In the World.

If you check out Peg's portfolio of work, you will discover a variety of subjects including her experiences in: "the corporate world, a project manager on telecom infrastructure projects, a corporate buyer, a regional administrator for a fortune 50 company, an administrative assistant, a hair stylist, a small business owner and a flight attendant."

Over these years, Peg has become one of my dearest friends. As such, I have learned to read between the lines in her educational pieces on elder care and health issues. I respect and admire the devotion, loyalty and commitment that Peg shows to her mother, aunt, husband, and every pet that crosses her path. Peg is intuitive and caring, always knowing when and how to support her friends in the perfect manner.

I was delighted when Peg accepted the baton of commitment from me. Thank you for adding your contribution to the Good Words Project, dear friend.

© Maria Jordan (November, 2014)