Donna Seebo-Delphi International-July 2005 Newsletter

The textbook of life has a way of turning its own pages into lessons that often we don't expect to experience. When I read Emily Post's quote a memory flooded into my mind that gave a reminder that no matter who you are there is always something new we can learn.

There was a very special holiday event that my husband and I attended many years ago. All dressed up and excited about the evenings activities we found ourselves seated in the most elegant surroundings. It was fabulous. To our chagrin, however, we became aware of something we had never experienced. Our table was set with a line of 12 forks to our left, 12 knives and spoons to our right. We were to have multiple courses and we didn't have a clue as to which was which for each course.

A waiter came to the table and we asked him if he knew and his reply was, "I have no idea!" So much for help at an exclusive 5 star establishment!

From a nearby table a woman's soft voice spoke to us and said, "I know exactly how you feel. You start from the outside. And don't feel embarrassed because it isn't often one has a formal fourteen course dinner served to them."

With this wonderful, thoughtful assistance from a perfect stranger, we relaxed and went on to have the most wonderful evening, chatting with our dining neighbors, enjoying the richness and beauty of everything around us.

Often we get so preoccupied with outside appearances that we forget that to become what we really want to be we must take the time to refine our thinking, actions and perceptions of the world around us. Sometimes we become very critical of others because they don't know the rules, aren't educated enough or we decide we know better than they what is best. They are inferior so we turn our backs on them, feeling they aren't worthy of our attention.

It only takes a moment of thoughtfulness to share insight with someone. I like Emily Post's comment, "Manners are the sensitive awareness of the feelings of others". Sensitive awareness can be cultivated and it is a wonderful resource to have handy at all time, whether you are dealing with a child or an adult.

When you are questioning what fork to use at a fancy dinner or giving a speech to a group of people you don't know, remember there are those people with more experience who will be happy to assist you and also, you can do the same for someone else when the opportunity presents itself.

Perhaps Richard Bach expressed it best when he said, "Learning is finding out what you already know. Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Teaching is reminding others that they know just as well as you. We are all learners, doers, and teachers.

Donna Seebo

My sister walked into a men’s clothing store looking to buy a shirt for me and pants for stepfather. Now, I’m well over six feet tall and my stepdad is pretty short, so she asked a salesman for help.

“I’m looking for a shirt with an 18 neck and 38-inch sleeves,” she told him, “and trousers with a 30-inch waist and an inseam of 27 inches.”

After absorbing those measurements, the salesman said, “I have to ask. Do this guy’s knuckles drag on the floor?” ~John Hale

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