Unexpected Honoring

Here’s a Webster’s definition of honor: to regard or treat (someone) with admiration and respect; to give special recognition to. Last year on the weekend of my birthday, October 20, I was so honored by a complete stranger.

I had taken a small group of women with me to DeSoto Falls after our reset retreat had ended. We were sitting around one of the picnic tables after enjoying the energizing water, and a woman began walking toward us from the parking lot, holding her phone as if she were on a mission. She came directly to me and gently asked, “Are you the tiara lady?” I had forgotten that my article in The Groundhog that month was about my tiaras and how I use them as a symbol of honoring myself. All of the retreat participants and I were wearing tiaras.

I replied shyly, “Well, yes I am.” She wanted a picture with me because she was so inspired by my article. (She was visiting from Birmingham.) Now, mind you, I’ve written four books and spoken at conferences and universities all over the country for 20 years. Yet, I never had this kind of amazing experience. We took pictures and she went back to her van, which looked as though they’d been camping at the park. Within a few minutes, she returned carrying a pen and the newspaper open to my article. This time she wanted an autograph. She said it was for her granddaughter, who was going through a rough time. This loving grandmother thought my article would inspire her and raise her spirits. Of course, I signed it gratefully.

This perfect stranger had no idea how significant her request was to me. She was doing it for her granddaughter. (I hope she sees this article.) But the blessing and honor was for me. I walked a little taller and smiled broadly, as a queen would do. Later that day, we were eating my birthday lunch at the Wildflower Café, and another woman visiting from out of town asked me for a photo when she told me she was celebrating her birthday too. (I don’t know who she is, so I can’t include her photo here.) I reached into my bag and took out one of my extra tiaras and gave it to her.

“Look, Honey!” she yelled to her husband excitedly, “she gave me a tiara!” I told her to wear it in honor of herself every day, not just on her birthday. Her smile was gorgeous. I think it’s important to honor ourselves, no matter how small the accomplishment. Sometimes getting out of bed to face the hardships of our days is something to honor. The little things are vitally important.

I honor myself with my tiaras. What do you do to honor yourself? I hope you will make this the most beautiful day of your life.