Speech, Speech, Speech!

My sister gets married tomorrow and I am her maid of honor.  She is my only sister and she and her story are very special to me so I've been thinking a lot about what I want to say when it's my turn to give her maid of honor speech.  In her capacity as a provider of services for ecumenical weddings and other life events, my mom has a facebook page for Bountiful Blessing Events on which she recently posted a link to the commencement speech author George Saunders delivered to Syracuse University graduates.  Saunders focuses on the impact of mindful kindness over conventional measures of success.  His recount of regret over an instance of not being kinder to a fellow student in seventh grade struck a chord with me and made me think about the ways I have learned to be kinder since the harsh jungle days of middle school.

Like other stirring speeches I have encountered, this one spurred me to reflect on Saunders' message and continue a discourse on kindness in my mind.  The main point I would add to the conversation is that in addition to being kind to others it has been a life journey for me to learn to be kinder to myself.  There can be a fine line between selfishness and self care but the difference is palpable.  Moments where I am stronger at providing self care I also have more kindness to give.  The other takeaway was that the strength of Saunders' speech was that it had a strong point of view, a positive and thoughtfully crafted message, and was a starting point for additional reflection.

I have loved my sister for 24 years and 132 days.  I know I will only be able to touch the surface of how deep my love runs for her but I hope to take what I've learned from Saunders and other great speakers and speak honestly and from the heart and invite reflection on what will already be on the minds and hearts of everyone in the room - how much we love Sarah (and Noah, I mustn't ignore her WONDERFUL!!! fiance!).  Obviously, it is too soon to divulge what I plan to say as the bride often reads my blog, but stay tuned! I can say this with confidence, people should bring tissues :)