January 3, 2022
Cindy’s Blog: Be Like Betty White
Legendary actress Betty White died on New Year’s Eve, just 17 days shy of her 100th birthday. The world mourns her and it has been said without irony that she lived to a very old age, yet not long enough. What was it about this woman that made so many people love her so? (And really, have you ever heard anyone say anything bad about Betty White?)
One of the best articles I read was written by David Von Drehle in The Washington Post. He captured it perfectly when he wrote that “the essential Betty Whiteness of Betty White was that, in a world of so much anger and fear, she wasn’t mad at anyone or, seemingly, afraid of anything.”
Betty White – even in her nineties – was fearless and game for anything. From Super Bowl commercials, to Saturday Night Live, to sparring with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. She faced everything with a wink and a secret smile, letting us know that even if this didn’t turn out perfectly, all would be okay.
Von Drehle summed it up when he said, “She poked fun at herself, expressed joy in her friendships, sampled youth cultures, and was game for anything so long as it sparked delight. Betty White became an exemplar, an aspiration for people who not only want to live long, but want to live better. To live with love, forgiveness, kindness, and hope.”
So, my resolutions for 2022 are to BE LIKE BETTY WHITE. I resolve to:
Let go of fear. I will look at each day with the resolve that I can do what needs to be done that day.
Be slow to anger. I will look past daily clickbait and vitriol posted and spouted and simply and patiently share the truth.
Forgive. For those who are making choices that put other people at risk; I will try to understand.
Be kind. I will assume positive intent. I will stop and think before I speak critically or with frustration.
Hope. I know that 2022 will be a better year than 2021 or 2020. We have learned much about Covid. We have learned much about ourselves. Our team is strong. It’s not just hope. I know we will rise.
Find joy. Even on our darkest days, I will look to the light.
Rest well, Betty. Thank you for sharing your inspirational, aspirational life with all of us.
Cindy Firkins Smith, MD, is the Vice President of Rural Health for CentraCare.
Well said!!!