When I was growing up (many years ago) and one of my siblings or I had an emotional out burst (that's right, grandchildren, your generation didn't invent them), we were told we being a Sarah Bernhardt. I never really knew anything about her accept that she was an actress and must have been good being dramatic.
Today I read a quote I really liked and was surprised to see it was from Sarah Bernhardt. It seemed so appropriate for the present, I couldn't believe someone said it over 100 years ago.
"Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich." Sarah Bernhardt, actress.
I had to look into the life of this insightful woman and I found she was quite a woman in her time (1844-1923). She is referred to in many articles as the "mother of all divas". Besides being an actress, she was a painter, sculptor, writer, and savvy business woman. Her resonant voice and deeply emotional acting made her famous as did her shocking behavior. It was rumored she napped in a coffin, wore men's clothes (even took male acting roles), and had many love affairs including Victor Hugo, and Albert Edward the Prince of Wales.
Today, Sarah's words are still true. We can all create positive energy by listening, giving a word of encouragement, a smile, or a helping hand. Pay for the coffee of the person behind you at Star Bucks, start a conversation with the elderly lady who is having lunch alone, toss a ball with the neighbor boy, sincerely thank the grocery bagger, be extra nice to your spouse and children, send a card to that aunt you haven't talked to in years. Give-give-give that positive energy. It will return to you and you will be rich beyond measure.
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