One of the things that most strikes me about Nevin's blog,
apart from her very exquisite art,
is this photo on her sidebar...
This has been my guiding principle over the last couple of years or so.
Not that I witnessed a violent act in a dark alley or anything... It's nothing more horrific than that little inner voice of my own that's gently but firmly fighting its way out of a Burberry style cocoon and a corresponding conventionality that I find far too restrictive, albeit inherently well-meaning. I dream of Tibet while Beaker and social circle dream of Venice. I dream of sledding in Greenland while Beaker et al envision balmy golf days at club Med... Was I alone on this Earth to wish for such things? Tant Pis! Alone I would be...
Then Jeanne, another astute woman, sent me this:
| February 8, 2010 The Real You Virgo Daily HoroscopeYou may feel an intense need to express yourself more authentically today and let others see the parts of your personality you have previously kept hidden. A down-to-earth mood can inspire you to let your guard down in front of close friends and relatives in order to see how they will respond to the new you. You will likely be happily surprised today to discover that the people who care about you most are neither shocked nor put off by your revelation. This can be a good time to meditate on what you enjoy most about your relationships and contemplate why you felt driven to veil your true nature. When we let others see who we truly are, we come to realize that the people we care for will appreciate us no matter the nature of the idiosyncrasies we exhibit. Many individuals are loath to share their true preferences, opinions, and values because they fear they will be rejected for their honesty. Yet it is only when we are willing to risk this rejection by being ourselves in the presence of the people we care about that we discover which of our peers love us for who we are. Those that would prefer we wear heavy masks of conformity quickly retreat from our lives, uncomfortable with the new freedom we exhibit. And we are liberated from the need to hide ourselves behind conventionality. Your willingness to appear authentically before your loved ones today will help you understand how deeply others care for you. |
Jamie Ridler asks us on Wishcasting Wednesday 'Where do you wish to travel?'
Apart from Tibet, Greenland and the South Pole I would have to say ...to me!
Guess I'm on the right track...
And you?
Ange, I am so glad my email hit the right notes with you. Looks like it was very timely. What would we do if we did not have a means to express all these feelings??? Whatever passion one may have it is so important to express oneself. I can't imagine keeping it all bottled up....Yikes! Have a good day (what is left of it) and thanks for the mention.
ReplyDeleteJeanne :)
~aahh ange always inspiring are your words...i love coming here for a sweet indulgence for my soul...and what a thought provoking horoscope for you this morning...may we all take these wise words and keep them as a reminder to be true...genuine and real to who we are...as Ange wishes for herself so I wish for her too..may all your travels near and far come to be...brightest blessings~
ReplyDeleteAs Ange wishes for herself, so I wish for her also. What an exciting journey to be on... most of all to yourself!
ReplyDeleteDo you rember that cheesy song from the early 1980s by Charlene? "I've been to paradise but I've never been to me"
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7NFKwPWIJc.
Enjoy your journey to me Ange! May your wishes all come true!
Like that picture above and on the travelling:
ReplyDeletebon voyage, ma chere...
As Ange wishes for herself, so I wish for her also!
As Ange wishes for herself, so I wish for her also.
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head. I recently made a major break in my life and lost a lot in the process. At first, all I could see was the loss, but now, as I come into my own and feel more creative than I have in many years--or maybe even ever--I am glad that I broke free from the conventions that were trapping me. I'm also discovering that the friends who are truly my friends are still right there beside me, and maybe even more than before, because they are proud that I stood up for myself. The other people? Who cares? They can continue to climb the endless ladder they are clinging to. I didn't believe in it, I wanted off of it, so I jumped. And I landed, and here I am!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great post, Ange. You truly give me just the kick in the pants I need every time I come here. xo Gigi
What a neat post...love your words and image.
ReplyDeleteI am so frightened...no petrified of speaking the truth...But when I do and I try...it actually is so freeing.
You are defintly on the right track!
Delight in finding you're a Virgo too! I've heard we tend to be perfectionists...I fight that urge at every turn though! ~Lili
ReplyDeleteAnge, Ange, Ange, All I seek is the truth from others but moreso from myself.
ReplyDeleteIt's a long road but I'm taking that journey. Thanks for the words of encouragement!
Let's cast this one in iron and nail it over our thresholds
ReplyDelete'Cast off thine Burberry and Chanel - go forth in anoraks and flip flops if thou will'
xxxx
Yes to the truth and being the "real you!"
ReplyDeleteI so agree with your post and your horoscope (also mine!) I used to believe when I was younger, that if people really knew me they wouldn't like me. This fear-based thinking and trying to be what everyone else wanted me to be was very destructive.
Luckily I snapped out of it, through great friends and a journey of discovery. Now I try very hard to be who I am at all times. I still find myself occasionally doing something just to please someone -but I've come such a long way, I don't beat myself up about it anymore.
As Ange wishes for herself, so I wish for her also, may you travel back to yourself.
ReplyDeleteMay your wish fly you to your heart’s content…
ReplyDeleteAs you wish for yourself, I so wish for you as well…
Love that sentiment about speaking up...
ReplyDeleteAs you wish for yourself, so do I wish as well.
"speak your truth..." is one of my current mantras - I LOVE it. Sometimes it is difficult, isn't it? I love that you are you, as I hope to travel along on your journey, photographing the ride! I love you wish to travel to you (as long as Seattle follows at a close second!)
ReplyDeletexx
Dear Ange,
ReplyDeleteI have to let this one sit around and ferment before I can really add anything to this wonderful discussion. I like having my mind stimulated even if it is past midnight once again.
Warmest regards,
Egmont
HI Ange
ReplyDeleteWell speaking the truth.. .. One of the most frustrating things about working in the corporate world is it is a world of altered perception.. If you speak the truth you will most likely be damned for your negativity and I have a tendency to speak up!! hahaah the suck ups are rewarded for thinking the 'right thoughts' whereas it is us big mouths that get the project over the line.. Strange analogy I know but it is where i have spent too much time over the last few years... so it readily came to mind with this subject. I think I too am on a path for my true self....Hopefully we will all land where we need to be..
So Miss Virgo.. are you are perfectionist too? xx Julie
I cannot imagine a life that does not involve travel but this is coming from someone who spent over 1/2 her life travelling to and living in the most amazing places and as a result called everywhere she lived "home".
ReplyDeleteHome is where your heart is........Ange and travelling is so addictive, the more you travel, the more you want to travel inner or outer body.
Lx
What a beautiful post;it really makes you stop and think. I truly think I was born to travel! Do as much as I can, but not as easy as it used to be so I often travel in my mind.
ReplyDeleteRita
Ange......that is a wonderful way to look upon life - in truth -
ReplyDeleteglad to see you!
Well, Ange, you know that I have done lots of soul searching over the last few months and like you I needed some time for me. I am so happy that I quit my job and that I am finding time for ME during the day when I am home alone. The end result? I am a better person, mother and wife and everyone is happy! Enjoy your journey my friend!
ReplyDeleteTurning 50 had a magical effect on my tongue - it loosened it greatly! As long it's not hurtful, I find myself uttering honest words I'd never dreamt of previously. It's a liberating feeling, & so far I haven't got into too much trouble. I've realised I spent too much of my life keeping shush for fear of not being liked. Not any more!
ReplyDeleteMillie ^_^
I so believe in speaking the truth, and at least showing that you have an opinion, I feel as long as you are respectful of others by way of listening to their opinions, and accepting that they may think differently, you will be respected for yours. Sadly too many people think by keeping truths and opinions to themselves they are somehow superior, more polite, more considerate etc. Well after that little speach from me, may I also say I hope you go forth and travel where and when you can, if that is who you are and what you dream of, go get it Ange. xx
ReplyDelete