The most important lesson from this past week since Dolly Parton left us comes from reading the monumental number of tributes and the love expressed for her.
Why is that an important lesson? When was the last time you told someone you love and admire what it is about them that impresses you?
Why do we wait until someone’s gone to talk about their wonderful points? Does that do the other person any good?
Haven’t you heard of people saying something like “oh I wish I’d known they were sick. I wish I’d told them How much they meant to me.” How many times have you said that?
Daily Gratitude: “You Can Be Larger Than Life ByBeing Smaller Than Everyone Else.”
I think this was Dolly’s secret to success in all aspects of her life. Even early on she recognized that she was being held back on the Porter Wagoner show. She also knew that she had to be careful about how she made her exit. Sure, it was different back then because she was a woman. But she also could have stayed.
Porter initiated a lawsuit but eventually Dolly was able to leave. Despite all the hassle he caused her, she wrote “I’ll always love you” to show him how important he was to her and what he meant to her. It’s hard for someone to be angry with if you’ve written such a beautiful song. She was putting him first and telling the world how important he was.
She has done this all her life. She never demanded that people tell her she’s great or that they are so grateful. Many of her humanitarian acts weren’t even that well known or advertised. And she did it all quietly and personally – the personal aspect is key, I think.
For instance, her imagination library sends books directly to the children, not to the town or some organization. When she was helping flood victims she sent money to each family, not to a big pot where who knows what could happen in the distribution. All the stories told about her by people show that the memories are memorable because of the one on one interaction.
Listen to her songs too. Most of them make another be the important character. For instance you could think of Coat of Many Colors as a poor me type song or about bullies. But it’s about her mother and what she made for Dolly AND what she taught Dolly. Look at the lyrics for Joshua and you’ll see her wanting to give to another human the love and kindness she has (and also wants).
Even when Barbara Walters and Oprah tried to shoot her down in their interviews she just responded nicely, standing up for herself with both facts and jokes but never shooting back which most of us would want to do.
Daily Gratitude: “Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.”
I know I’m still on a Dolly “kick” but frankly I don’t think there’s a much better kick to be on.
She was a motivational speaker, a mediator, a success guru, a spiritual leader and a Mother Teresa clone – all wrapped up into one.
I watched the Grand Ole Opry tribute to Dolly Parton last night and continued to be astounded by the stories and connections every person has. The speaker said she was the most beloved person on earth. And that just hit me as a perfect description.
It’s amazing how much we can learn from this one beautiful (and not just in looks) human being.
So even if you’re not a country music fan, you most likely know who Dolly Parton was. It’s worthwhile though to take time to shine the light deeper and find out who she really was and then to try to be like her in at least one way.
Be kind and generous.
Give life your all.
Don’t let discouragement get you down.
Dream big.
Work hard.
Be true to yourself.
Never sell out.
Never give up on something you really want and that will serve others.
