Cinnamon Toast
Admittedly, I have always wanted to be independent and not need anyone else to live. But it is a polar opposite of my internal beating drum that wants and yearns to belong. But somewhere along the line of my early life I thought don’t ask for help, do it yourself and it was deeply rooted. I loved having friends, but never wanted them to think I needed them because they might think I’m needy.
Independence – I remember the very first time I felt it and I was four years old. My Great Aunt Dot was staying with us and I was an early riser, compared to my parents. Mostly I would get up and explore the house, getting into several adventures that made my mom wish she woke up earlier because it seemed no matter what I tried to do I failed at my intention. I tried grabbing a vase on the shelf to look at and dropping and breaking it. Then there was the brilliant idea to get my own drink so I didn’t have to wake up mom and dad,I reached up to a shelf above my head and the whole things came crashing down on me. I was starting to feel like I could not do anything myself, and at four that is a concept that was weird to have, maybe.
So I came down the first morning and Aunt Dot was already at the kitchen table drinking coffee and eating something that smelled delicious. I walked over and stood next to her, and asked what she was eating. She said Cinnamon and Sugar Toast and asked if I wanted to try it. So I did, and I loved it. She asked me why I came moping into the kitchen first thing in the morning, and I told her every thing I try to do I can’t. She said that can’t be true and asked if I would like her to teach me how to make this toast. I thought wow, if I could make my own breakfast that would be great, but I had my doubts from recent failures of tries to do things myself.
So I said yes and she showed me how, when that toast popped up and I put the two pieces on the plate, I was so proud of myself. We buttered it and then sprinkled the cinnamon and sugar on it and I loved watching the cinnamon soak in the butter and turn from light brown to dark brown it was like magic. And Ta Dah I was now independent I could make my own breakfast. It was such a strong feeling in me or need to feel like I did not need anyone, I’m not sure where it came from but I was talking about it out loud to my aunt. She then stopped my fast talking and excitement. She said something simple but that stuck with me for a lifetime so far, “independence is a great thing but now you also have the responsibility to share that gift with your parents. Why don’t you make them some toast.” So I did then I went and woke them up to come have breakfast. I had plates on the table and the toast with the butter melting. I showed them where to sit, and when they ate the toast I made for them I saw how happy it made them. It made my little four-year old soul smile big. I wanted to help everyone because it made them happy. And looking back in life i wonder if that was the moment that sparked my inspiration to help others find their gifts so they can pay it forward to help others with the gifts.
Do you think you can influence someone’s path in life at such an early age. I hope you are thinking yes because I know that day started my path to wanting to meet people , hear their stories and help them find their gifts. Think back, who set off an inspirational spark in your life as a child that inspired some part of your personality or character today. What is it and what were the circumstances? Add your story as a comment, see you soon.
