Aristotle Onassis
Mr. Onassis's words resonate especially deeply with me today, and I'm not entirely sure why. As far as I can tell, I'm not surrounded by darkness. I'm riding a pretty fulfilling wave that sees me engaged in work that jazzes me and touches others. My creative voice has never been more vibrant.
Yet I'm keenly aware of how quickly life can turn, how cruelly it can all be taken away, how even when we're bathed with light it behooves us to know where the shadows are, as well. Because life doesn't follow a predictable path, and it probably doesn't hurt to know what we'll need to do if the darkness suddenly descends on us.
Your turn: Keeping the darkness at bay. How?
Keeping the darkness at bay... whew...
ReplyDeleteCarefully, I suppose. All these things, good and bad, seem to hang suspended by such a thin thread.
The same sun that melts wax will harden clay.
I'm never more cognizant of the proximity of failure than when I've succeeded. Acknowledging what is and what is not, holding it lightly, I walk the tightrope. That's all I've got, Carmi.
Those that know me, know of the people I have lost.. I find it odd how it had a domino effect... Lose one, then there was a succession of relatives and friends... I keep those deaths in the back of my mind.. It reminds me that life is short and to cherish each moment and day- to pick my battles.. That definitely has changed me. What I would let bother me, no longer does-since it seems too trivial.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what happened to my comment, this may be a repeat, but When darkness falls search for the stars..some where, some place you will find stars to lead your way...let the stars shine on....
ReplyDeleteThis might be coming at it backwards, but I quit struggling against the darkness. I found that if I could be at peace with the idea of my own death, then I wasn't afraid anymore. The darkness, I think, is really more about fear than anything. That doesn't mean I'm never sad. If I'm sad, I'm sad. But I'm not afraid of being sad. If I'm grieving over a loss, then I'm grieving. If I'm happy, then I'm happy. And even if I'm afraid, I'm afraid. But I try to shift from the fear of all these things. Then they just are. And the light is always there.
ReplyDeleteBy reaching out and connecting with others and avoiding social isolation, we can remain positive and hopeful. In a hopeful state, we can better see opportunities. I submit that too many people lead quiet lives of regret and solitude that can be completely turned around with socialization. That is the key to battling the darkness, in my opinion, Carmi.
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