Want to hear better?
The Starfish
Story and
Slowing
Down
Dear Avalon family,
How are you? Really…how are YOU in this moment in time?
It’s good to quiet the mind and check in periodically. It’s too easy to run on automatic and not even know how you really are?
I like to call this, slowing down to the speed of life!
One of the things that I came across was this story…a story that inspires me and sits deep within my bones. I would like to share it with you!
The Starfish Story
One day a man was walking along the seashore. He noticed that during the night many seashells and starfish had washed upon the beach. Thoroughly enjoying the morning sun and cool sea air, the man walked for miles.
As he strolled along, he noticed a small figure dancing in the distance. It made him chuckle to think of someone celebrating life in such an uninhibited way. As he drew closer, however, it became apparent that the figure was not dancing. Instead, she seemed to be repeatedly performing some ritual.
He drew nearer still and noticed that the small figure was a child. She was methodically picking up starfish and tossing them into the surf. He paused for a moment, puzzled, and then asked, “Why are you throwing these starfish?”
“It’s high tide,” she replied, “If I leave them on the beach, the sun will soon dry them and they will die. I am throwing them into the ocean so they can live.” The man considered her actions, impressed with the child’s thoughtfulness. Then he motioned up and down the miles of beach. “There must be thousands of starfish along here,” he said, “you cannot possibly make a difference.”
The young girl stopped. Her face darkened. She chewed thoughtfully on her lower lip, “You’re probably right,” she said softly. She looked down at the sand. Then she leaned over, carefully picked up another starfish, pulled back and arched it gently into the sea.
With a tone of gentle defiance, she said, “But I made a difference for that one.”
And now, a starfish-kind-of-story about Emily and a Japanese man
Last week, Emily Phillips, an Avalon Hearing Care Provider, was at one of our Hearing Clinics out in the community. Angel, our Patient Care Coordinator, partners with Emily to bring basic hearing care services to several retirement communities.
So, Emily opened up her iPhone and used the translation app to convert what she was saying into Japanese. He was able to read it and was so deeply touched by her thoughtfulness. He said, “I usually go to Kaiser but I am coming to you because you meet me where I am.” He put his hand on his heart. It brought tears to both Angel and Emily’s eyes.
You never know when a small gesture or kind words can make a difference
May you slow down to the speed of life, today. Who knows, you just may be the starfish that gets tossed back into the ocean by someone OR you may be the one tossing that starfish into the ocean. Slow down, be open, and allow yourself to make a difference.
If you are struggling with your hearing and understanding…
Would you please call Avalon today at (916) 235-9771 and make an appointment to have your hearing checked? We will do everything we can to meet you where you are!
Betty Vosters Kemp, BC-HIS
The Hearing Lady with Heart
Owner, Avalon Hearing Aid Centers, Inc.
Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist
would you please forward this email to them (or toss it to them!!!)?
Avalon Hearing Aid Centers, Inc.
1260 Fulton Avenue, Ste B,
Sacramento, CA 95825
Avalon Hearing Aid Centers, Inc.
8146 Greenback Lane, Ste 100,
Fair Oaks, CA 95628