“My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here;
My heart’s in the Highlands a-chasing the deer;
A-chasing the wild-deer, and following the roe,
My heart’s in the Highlands wherever I go.”
― Robert Burns
Several years ago, I traveled to Scotland and was immediately put under a spell.
This trip was a major life moment for me for several reasons. As a new divorcee, I decided to take this trip by myself which I had never done before. I was also deciding to travel to an area of the globe where some of my ancestors had lived. To see the lands of those who came before me was quite moving.
While there, I fell absolutely in love.
Every year since, I immerse myself in all the Scottish love on what is called Burn’s Night or the celebration of Robert Burns, the poet of Scotland. You might be more familiar with his work, Auld Lang Syne, which we all drunkenly sing every New Year’s Eve.
A few fun facts about this Robert Burns (or Rabbie as the Scots call him).
- He died at age 37.
- He fathered 12 children but various women throughout his short life. Only 5 survived into adulthood.
- He grew up very poor with limited education.
- His first occupation was a laborer.
- He was a true romantic and had quite a roaming heart. (see the thing about 12 kids above)
- He was encouraged to sell some of his poems to pay debts not because he was making this is sole occupation.
I can almost hear y’all. Why all this Burn’s trivia!?!
Well, there are lessons from his life that really strike me.
- He wasn’t a privileged person and knew what it was like to be incredibly poor. That didn’t stop him from creating. He wrote because he loved it. Not because it was his job.
- He wasn’t perfect. By a long shot.
- He died much younger than I thought given his body of work.
- His work ultimately became the voice of a country. There was no way he could have foreseen the impact of his words.
This has often led me to think about my actions and words. If it were to all end tomorrow, what would the impact of my life be? How have I used my words? My actions?
The truth is no one really knows.
The point and the reason I drink a dram of Scotch every Burn’s Night is as a reminder. We can never really know the impact of our life. What we can do though is use our actions and words mindfully.
Share who we truly are, not what others want us to be.
Use our words and actions to better the world.
Share kindness.
Share the best of ourselves.
Let’s make the most of every day because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
So, here’s a toast to Rabbie Burns. And a toast to you.
Until next time…
Kimberly
