Tuesday, March 15, 2016

OUTLOOK~


Or—

IT'S ABOUT HOW YOU LOOK AT IT

 

We know the saying— perception is reality. I never bought this completely. Some reality just is. But one’s outlook {not the so-named by Microsoft ;=) } does make a load of difference.

 

When I write from different points of view, I realize that my inner dialogue is transformed as well. The characters’ outlook shapes how and even what they see, and this in turn changes what I see. I hope that together we take the reader to a different vantage point.

©Shelagh Duffett

 

But the life-lesson, for me, is that a good deal of experience is internal and within the realm of choice.

 

I am reminded of an old family friend who passed this wisdom to her daughter with an evocative image. “Girl,” she said, “being born is like having been given an invitation to a party. Not every part of it is joyous, and it can get too loud. But while we’re here, let’s dance.”

©Shelagh Duffett

11 comments:

Evelyn said...

I really like your family friend's wise counsel to her daughter!

Vijaya said...

Those prints are so pretty, Mirka! The quote is lovely too. I have a similar one by Jesse Winchester quoted at the beginning of my thesis: If you are skating on thin ice, you might as well dance. (and this from a person who cannot skate but loves to dance)

Unknown said...

Oh, to be a cat dancing with cat friends upon a stone wall in a sunny field of trees and sunflowers! I will try!

Kelly Hashway said...

That is great wisdom! I love it.

Mirka Breen said...

You would have loved this lady, too. She knew how to dance through life.

Mirka Breen said...

Shelagh Duffett is a folk-art painter who lives in Nova Scotia. She get the credit for the joyful images.

Mirka Breen said...

Go do it, girl. Yes, you can!

Mirka Breen said...

Coming from one who is inspiring all of us to be productive, I don't doubt you find time to dance, Kelly.

Dionna said...

Might as well dance, chil', 'cause sitting in a rocker ain't no fun at all.

Yanting Gueh said...

I've been reading Elizabeth Gilbert's BIG MAGIC (I didn't make it past a page of her EAT LOVE PRAY but this one, BM, is good. It's fun.) and in it she reminds us how we're only here on earth for a short while. "so decorate yourself as playfully as you can, while you still have time."

Johnell said...

What a lovely saying. And the pictures are adorable.