I wrote yesterday’s post as a little peace of mind for me, with the plans of only loading up Adulting – Second Half when I return from the wedding and my trip in later September, but then yesterday, the world lost a really, really, really good one. I’m not a huge country music fan, and I’m not one to be a “fangirl” to celebrities, but like so many, I’ve shed a few sincere tears about the loss of Dolly Parton, and I’m betting I’ll shed a few more.
There’s nothing to say, that hasn’t already been eloquently said about an amazing, inspiring, “true to herself, true to her family and friends, and most importantly, true to her amazingly huge, beautiful heart”, performer, songwriter, altruist, and all-around incredible, one-of-a-kind human being, Dolly Parton. For a person who loved to write (she said she’d open up her “drawers’ drawer” and find notes that she had jotted down to write yet another song), ironically, there are no real, actual words to encapsulate a life so well-lived.
I pray and I imagine that when people think about what the best of what the United States, and “the American Dream” has to offer, Dolly Parton would be one of our finest examples. I think that we all have a little bit of Dolly in us. She unapologetically gave all of her “Dolly” out into the world. To honor what she gave to our own living experience (and this spans generations, all over the world), if we would all unapologetically give “that little bit of Dolly” in each of us, out into this world, on an everyday basis, can you imagine the difference? Dolly Parton loved sparkle and she was a light. Too much sparkle and light was never too much for her. If we all shined our own little inner lights, just a little bit more, like a stadium full of flashlights, or the starriest night sky, can you imagine just how much more bright and kind, and beautiful and joyful, this world would be? As it has been and will continually be repeated by all who remember her, Dolly, we will always love you. In Dolly’s words:
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose”.
“If you see someone without a smile today, give ’em yours.”
“I have a strict policy that nobody cries alone in my presence.”
“You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.”
“I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world.”
“I think everybody should be allowed to be who they are, and to love who they love.”
“I’m the little engine that did.”
“I’ve always tried to never step on anybody to get where I am. I’ve had to walk around a few people, jump over a few of ‘em now and then, but I think you’re a true success when you’ve seen your dreams come true and you can take pride in how you did it, and take pride in and respect and appreciate the people that helped you get there.”
“Being a star just means that you just find your own special place, and that you shine where you are.”
Are you passing on love or are you passing on pain? Heal your pain and pass on love.