Crowned by arches
lit by lamps
Choose wisely
more than once
Gilded handles
rusted knobs
Oiled hinges
sticky jambs
Ring the bell
tap the knocker
All will answer
seek no more
Walk on through
no key required
Gower Street, London, June, 2011, c.b.w.
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c.b. 2012
When Wreck This Journal instructed me to make a sign, I had to think about it for a while. Signs are supposed to convey something important like “Stop,” Wet Paint,” or the name of a street. They say things we all need to be aware of for one reason or another, so I took this assignment very seriously. It came down to the question of “What is something I think everyone should know?”
After mulling it over, I realized my sign had to reflect the most significant lesson I learned as an adult. Let’s call it my “epiphany moment” as it shaped my entire outlook on life. I wasn’t very far outside of 18 when I learned my goal for life would never include the word “normal.” One evening, it dawned on me that there is always more than one road and it was up to me to find them. It seemed fitting that my journal page should be a visual representation of this epiphany:
A Fork in the Road
Reality sometimes has a pretty narrow view of life and it often fools us into thinking there is only one path in which to travel. It’s easy to think that being normal is what we should all strive to be as that’s what we are taught from the very beginning. At the very least, normalcy is the most comfortable and safe way to think. I’ll admit, I find myself in that rut from time to time, but I never stay for long. Life should be about challenging myself to seek out other paths and live a life that has meaning to me as an individual. This sounds like a no-brainer, but it takes a bold mindset to wander off the paved road and get your shoes dirty on the less traveled path. There are no lines dividing traffic and no rules about how to drive. Sometimes there are twists and curves that defy logic. It takes loads of self-belief to shoulder the confusion of those who don’t understand. They’ll stare at you and shake their heads. However, the hardest part is making the choice to see there is path meant only for you.
What would you put on your sign?
c.b. 2011
One day I was walking through a book store when an old man flagged me down and asked, “Why are you so happy?” This threw me for a couple of reasons: 1) This man was a total stranger 2) I didn’t think I was doing anything that made me look happy. My confusion must have been obvious because he added, “Every time I see you, you are smiling.”
Interesting. I wasn’t even aware that I was smiling. All I could do was shrug and say, “I don’t know, I just am. Life is too short to be otherwise.” He laughed and shook his head as if I had just spoken gibberish. I totally understand his reaction as most people find my almost constant perkiness a little overwhelming and annoying.
The old man’s question got me wondering why I bounce through life like I’m surrounded by sunshine and rainbows. Now, I’ll be the first admit I’m not happy all the time, but for probably 95% of the time I’m wearing a dorky grin on my face without even realizing it. Truthfully, I believe that smile is there because I make a conscious decision each morning to embrace joy whenever possible. It’s a choice, plain and simple.
Naturally, this chain of events lead to a very Wreck This Journal moment where I used one of the blank pages to paste in a free write (please forgive the run-on sentences and grammar monstrosities!) and a visual representation of why I believe so ardently in the power of choice.
The sun shines even when you can't see it.
The sun: When I wake up every day I have a choice on how to perceive my day – no matter what happens. On days full of good things, its easy to be happy and see the sun. But then there’s also the choice not to take it for granted and be grateful. On a day marred by bad things, its a little harder to find the joy, but not impossible. This is where the work of deciding really comes into play. I could choose to be angry or sulk or paint myself a victim. That would be easy, but it defeats the purpose of being alive. If I take a more difficult road I might see the good in the bad. If I choose to count the moments in between the darkness, the light becomes much brighter and flushes out the dreariness . . . and its because I am aware of my choice.
The rays: Let the day begin with the light of a hopeful smile.
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For previous Wreck This Journal posts, please see my sidebar and tag cloud.
c.b. 2011
This week’s Wreck This Journal is a little bit different from the rest. Instead of destroying, ripping, or bending with my own independent spirit, I found myself paying homage to a writer who I greatly admire. I’ve written about David Foster Wallace before, but I don’t think I can ever properly convey how much he means to me as a wordsmith and a source of inspiration. His essays, novels, and short stories capture the truth of humanity with an unparalleled sense of humor, compassion, and honesty.
Shortly after his untimely death, a speech he gave at Kenyon College in 2005 was published as a small book called This Is Water. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve either read or listened to Wallace’s words concerning life, awareness, and the power of choice. His philosophy is one I consider on an almost daily basis as it reminds me to see everything with relentless curiosity and wonder.
So, when Wreck This Journal gave instructions to doodle on the inside covers of my journal, I couldn’t help but scribble some of my favorite lines from “This Is Water”. This entire process has been about making a choice to let go and see things from a new perspective, which is a main point in just about everything Wallace writes. My journal just wouldn’t be complete without him.
Click on each image for a full-size view, (it makes it much easier to read!).
Words to live by as far as I’m concerned.
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For previous Wreck This Journal posts please visit my sidebar and tag cloud.
c.b. 2011
As darkness fades
sunbeams breathe
Renewed by fate
destiny divides
Wrapped in white
cloaked in black
Revel in life
or die inside
Walk with joy
or crawl in pain
A line between
leaves one choice
c.b. 2011
