Ourselves, Our Posterity

In this OPTIMISM issue: recent historical discoveries on Chopin and the Mayans that link to aging well, reminders about your worth and how to smile, and music to keep your spirits high.

Optimism is a powerful weapon we underutilize. By wielding it genuinely, we are modeling for our grandchildren that life is good and there is much to look forward to. 

Hidden Masterpieces, Timeless Lessons: Discover a Chopin Waltz and a Mayan City  

History has a way of revealing itself in unexpected ways. Recently, two remarkable discoveries—a lost Chopin waltz and an ancient Mayan city hidden under a jungle canopy—have offered us more insights into the past. However, they also serve as a reminder about aging well.

• We must be relentlessly curious; there’s still much to discover. 

• We must be a continuous learner; we don’t know it all. 

• We must value the power of legacy; every era and person leaves something of value for future generations. 

• We must understand that legacies work best when they are visible and available to others. 

The discoveries reflect the mission of Ourselves, Our Posterity—to live our best lives, age well, and leave a legacy that future generations can discover, learn from, and be inspired by.

Notes From the Past: Chopin’s Creative Process 

A newly discovered waltz by composer Frédéric Chopin was described as “thrilling” by New York’s Morgan Library & Museum director. Discovered by curator Robinson McClellan, the approximately 4” x 5” manuscript was authenticated by experts and likely dates back to the 1830s. The handwriting, ink, and paper match those typically used by Chopin, and the score includes fingerings–numbers and symbols that indicate which finger to use when playing an instrument–and dynamic markings– indications of the volume or intensity certain pieces should be played–suggesting he intended it for performance.

The piece provides a fresh glimpse into Chopin's creative process and expands our understanding of his work as a composer. 

Uncovered Legacy: Mayan City Revealed 

While the waltz discovery reminds us of Chopin’s musical genius, the “new” Mayan ruins offer another example of forgotten glory. 

Imagine the excitement when Tulane University PhD student Luke Auld-Thomas discovered a Mayan city hidden under the jungle canopy on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula for centuries. Using Lidar, a technology used to create 3D map images, Auld-Thomas and his team uncovered a complex network of pyramids, sports fields, roads, plazas, and reservoirs, suggesting the city once held a population of 30,000-50,000 people around 750-850 AD. The city, named Valeriana after a nearby lagoon, is a short hike from a major road, yet it lay forgotten for over a thousand years.

The Mayan civilization’s achievements included a 365-day calendar, elaborate engineering, and the production of rubber products long before Goodyear. However, the civilization collapsed several hundred years before the Spanish arrived in the Americas. Their demise is attributed to drought and internecine war, fighting amongst themselves. Hmm? Is there a lesson here for the U.S.? 

Sources: Lost Mayan city found in Mexico jungle by accident

Lost Chopin music unearthed nearly 200 years after composer’s death | CNN

Chopin waltz unearthed in New York after almost 200 years

Two Powerful Tools: Self-Worth and a Simple Smile 

I haven’t had many mentors in my life, but I am grateful to have had Nancy Livesay. 

Back in 2009, Nancy loaned me Elizabeth Gilbert's book Eat, Pray, Love. My family and I hoped to visit Italy, and she thought the book would give me some good ideas. 

Gilbert, already a published author, was paid by her publisher to live in three countries–Italy, India, and Indonesia- and write about her experiences. (That’s my dream job!) 

Fourteen years later, two powerful ideas from the book still stick with me. The first was this quote: 

“You don’t realize it until you finally decide to stop picking up other people’s crumbs that you deserve more than what you’ve been settling for."  

I looked for validation from others, many of whom frankly could care less about me. This was an important part of my journey toward not pinning my self-worth on others' opinions of me. 

The second is advice Gilbert received from a medicine man in Bali when she wanted to learn to meditate. He laughed at her ambitious goal and advised her to start simple: sit in a quiet room and just smile. Smiling is powerful! Give someone a smile today. 

Optimism on Repeat: Uplifting Tracks for Any Outcome 

Here’s an upbeat, mood-boosting playlist designed to inspire optimism and lift spirits, no matter the election outcome. These songs are all about resilience, hope, and celebration. So hit play, take a deep breath, and enjoy these fun tunes. What would you add to the list? 

1. "Lovely Day" – Bill Withers

2. "Don't Stop" – Fleetwood Mac

3. "Happy" – Pharrell Williams

4. "High Hopes" – Panic! At the Disco

5. "What a Wonderful World" – Louis Armstrong

6. “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” - Lee Murphy and Kenny Chesney 

Remember, there’s always a reason to look forward!