Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Thanks for Noticing Me~

 This is supremely my most beloved goblet. I utilize it at daybreak to hold the coffee I consume. I make use of it during the day to devour water and I employ it in the evening to savor my tea. This chalice is a gift from one of my former students whom I absolutely adore. ‘M’ is a fantastic young lady (read about her here) and I take pleasure in her company.

I find the beaker irresistible because it has my preferred colors: pink, purple and of course, Carolina blue. I am a passionate fan of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, but most of all, I love it because printed on the surface of the mug are the words ‘Thanks for noticing me’. The metaphor of the gift from a special needs child doesn’t escape me.


In light of the post I submitted entitled Titles and Labels which generated very thoughtful and profound comments; thank you my friends, the theme hasn’t faded from my mind. Interestingly enough, a certain reflection came to light as I stared at the phase on my stein: ‘Thanks for noticing me!’
 

Isn’t that precisely what we all want? Regardless of how we are or may be labeled as a result of dress, mannerisms or actions to be noticed, or recognized--a basic human need is to seek and gain the attention of others.

Just look around-do you know someone who screams ‘notice me!’ with their antics? How about the ‘drooper’ as my son calls the individuals whose pants sags far below their underpants? What about the child who acts out by spitting or touching an object when already told ‘no’? Furthermore, think of the gun wielding individual who threatens suicide. We knowingly or unknowingly ‘label’ individuals who are different.
As an adult, most of us have learned adequate socialization skills to be more subtle in our endeavors, but nonetheless, when we find ourselves exhibiting certain actions or conduct to obtain a result, don’t we all want to announce; Thanks for noticing me!?
I know I do~

"When we talk about understanding, surely it takes place only when the mind listens completely - the mind being your heart, your nerves, your ears- when you give your whole attention to it."

by Jiddu Krishnamurti



40 comments:

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Gorgeous mug, Trac..... I love those colors also... At my age, I'm probably better off when people do not notice me... ha ha

Hugs,
Betsy

TexWisGirl said...

What a sweet gift... And truly, sometimes just a smidgeon of attention is enough to turn a person's day (or even life) around. Thanks for this!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely mug Tracy. My husband's family (originally from MI) have all moved to NC and we know all about Carolina blue! It's important to seek to find the best in each person we meet. God made us all unique and He loves each of us.

Linda Reeder said...

Yes, I do like to be noticed, but not too much. I think we all do. That's why we like comments on our blog, so we know we've been noticed.

CountryDreaming said...

Intriguing timing ... You and I both posted on the same night on the topic of receiving a well-loved simple, inspiring, and useful gift from a friend! Yep, I noticed. :-)

The Words Crafter said...

More than attention, I find myself seeking validation....

I love, love, LOVE that mug! (Watch out, I might steal it *wink*)

I think I'm gonna do a post relating to the question you left on my blog today....and thanks for stopping by!

Pat - Arkansas said...

This truly is a thoughtful spot for you, Tracy. Loved your post.

Bossy Betty said...

Love this mug and these thoughts too!

Ginny Hartzler said...

You continue to post very thought provoking subjects. Well, I think some people do not want to be noticed, they just want to kind of fade into the woodwork. But I think everyone wants to be affirmed! That kind of goes back to the judgement thing, too. But how many times we are made to judge! We have to vote for a new pastor, or a politician, and many other things. And each time we vote, we are judging many people.

Jules said...

I love Eeyore, my favorite character. Personally I like being the fly on the wall, but hey I notice you. Good Job :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Jayne said...

To be heard, validated, and loved... yep... the most basic human needs. I will send you a writing I posted not long ago to my blog I think you'll enjoy Tracy. Have a lovely day.

Peggy K said...

Eeyore's my favorite, too.
My Thoughtful Spot has become a place that I like to stop to give me something to think about for the day.
Thanks for that! You help to keep those synapses expanding!!

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

Oh, that is a neat mug, I can see why you have it with you all day. Its brings a smile.
I love pooh, I have a wrist watch with him on the front in the honey pot and the second hand are bees circling him. Yep, even at my age, I love to wear it.

I gather that is what bloggin' does in a way, it says notice me...

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

Wonderful post. I'm sitting here with a million things to say, but it all boils down to, "Thanks for noticing me." :) Have a great day!

Catherine said...

A pretty cup always makes coffee/tea taste better doesn't it?

And you are right ~ sometimes all people need is a little attention and to be noticed for the good they bring into the world.

Good stuff!

xo Catherine

Rae said...

I have a favorite mug, too. But yours came from such a nicer place.
Have a great day!

Wanda..... said...

Love your mug, Tracy and your way of thinking. I missed commenting on your "Titles and Labels" post, but so enjoyed reading all the comments left by others. Just a simple smile to someone in passing, can be given by everyone, a very simple way of "noticing" someone.

Nancy said...

I craved attention in my younger years. Now, I'm just content noticing the people and places around me. :)

Angela said...

Did I mention I LOVE the mug!

From the Kitchen said...

I, too, have a favorite mug. It's actually part of a collection of mugs but it's the one I reach for every morning.

I am Virginia (Roanoke) born, raised and educated.

Where is Holly Springs? I think of Jan Karon every time I see the name since one of her more recent books is "Home to Holly Springs" and it is in N.C..

Best,
Bonnie

KathyA said...

Absolutely!!

I've often thought that long after kids forget what we've taught them, they remember how we treated them.

Rita said...

What a beautiful blog that I have just discovered. Love your quotations and the way you write.
It has been so many years since I have stopped teaching, but some I will never forget. How lucky we are to have had this opportunity in our lives.
I wonder; Is this the reason I blog;
Thanks for noticing me.
Happy to meet you,
Rita

Brian's Home Blog said...

Such a great message, everyone needs to pay attention more and notice what is really going on!

Out on the prairie said...

Oh dear, oh my.With my deep voice I do a pretty good Eyore.I try to give a smile and recognize all who meet my gaze when I am out, it may have made their day as well as mine.

Donea Lee said...

Depends on my mood ~ :) I can play a pretty good invisible gal when I want to. But, I agree - everyone loves to be noticed, appreciated for their uniqueness, no labels, just a kind wave or nod or smile. I try to live up to that as best I can. And my best friend would LOVE that mug - Eeyore's here favorite.

troutbirder said...

I had the same favorite coffee mug all the years I taught high school. I noticed yours. Very nice and fun blog too! :)

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

I am quite smitten with your Eeyore mug!!!

I loved your thought provokin' post today...it gives one much to ponder over. I'm retired Special Ed. and everyone just wants to be loved.

God bless and have a beautiful day sweetie!!!

Unknown said...

I think the most generous gift a person can give someone is the gift of "seeing" them. What a beautiful post!

Love your mug. One of my favorites also features a Disney character (well, the mug came from the Disney store, at least) -- it's a dusty pink, oversized mug with the Cheshire Cat lounging on it, its tail curving up to form the handle.

Wanda's Wings said...

Love the mug.

Kittie Howard said...

Beautiful post, Tracy! Your lovely mug is a sweet way to remind us, yes, let's pay closer attention to those around us, more compliments, more smiles, the stuff in life that nourishes the soul!

Connie said...

I love the mug, Tracy, but I love the story behind it even more. So true, yes, we all want to be noticed, I think. Nice post.

Pellie / Penny said...

I love your mug too - And it is so great to be noticed.

Your post is so inspiring.

Hugs,
Penny

Myne said...

Cute mug! I love the colors and donkey from Shrek makes it more awesome. And yeah, most of us want to be adored..

Diana said...

Love eeyore. cute post.

mamahasspoken said...

It is a cute mug! Though it reminds me of a saying that some motivational speaker gave to a group of sped teachers. It was about do you want to be an Eeyore or a Tigger. Thanks for making wanting to be an Eeyore enjoyable again!

LV said...

Enjoyed your blog so much. However, your mug stole the show. Love it and glad you stopped for a visit.

Unknown said...

Things I have noticed about Tracy:

She is kind and likes to help people.

She is genuine and knows the true meaning of sharing.

She hurts more for the injustices and misjudgments against those she cares for more than she does for those against herself.

And, she's an excellent writer. :o)

Hope you are having a wonderful evening!

Alexandra MacVean said...

What a cute mug! =) All of us need a little attention from time to time to keep us feeling good inside! Hugs!

Trixie, Lily, and Sammy-Joe said...

Our Mama says everyone feels invisible sometimes... but for some people, when that feeling of being invisible and not mattering just stays and stays, who can blame them for trying whatever they have to try to get people to see them?

DoanLegacy said...

Gorgeous cup and wonderful color! It's so nice of you to pay tribute to the creator of that cup..I'm pondering in thoughts with your post today!