Courage is the discovery that you may not win, and trying even when you know you can lose.”
Tom Kraus
Joel Osteen gave a sermon on the challenges in life. He said that a pearl is the result of an irritation. A grain of sand in the shell is an irritation to the oyster. The oyster creates fluids to coat the irritation and results in creating something beautiful. Our challenges, like that grain of sand, give us great potential.
Sometimes the biggest challenge is to be true to myself instead of doing what everyone else expects me to do. After I moved away from home, I struggled to find a place between what was expected of me and who I wanted to be. During this time in my life I was frustrated. I was trying to be true to myself while still trying to please everyone else at the same time and it wasn't working. My schedule was hectic because I was working and taking night classes so all errands were done on my lunch break. On one of my many lunch time errands I met a woman I will refer to as Mrs. V and over the next year our paths crossed many times. Watching how she lived her life helped me define how I wanted to live mine.
I went into a drugstore across the street from where I worked during a lunch break and as I waited in the cashier line an older woman with a grey slacks, grey sweater, a lavendar hat, and matching scarf began a friendly conversation as we waited. As the cashier tallied her items she charged her a higher price than what was marked. There was only about twenty five cents difference but this lady was unhappy. She demanded to see the store manager. The items had been mismarked and she reminded the manager that if he marked it incorrectly, he needs to offer it at the price it is marked at. I thanked her for speaking up because now both she and I were able to get the lower price. As she prepared to leave she turned and apologized for delaying me but she said I should not ever be afraid to speak my mind. Freedom to stand up for yourself is what this country is all about and nothing has ever been accomplished by accepting something that doesn't feel right. Mentioning the encounter later in the day I was told that this woman was someone who had a reputation of fighting for change if she felt something wasn't right and is well respected in the community.
You get what you tolerate
Joel Osteen
The following summer I did volunteer work with senior citizens. One of the people who was also involved in helping the senior citizens was Mrs. V. By my estimate, she was about 75 at the time. She told me that age is just a number and, although some people call her eccentric, if she still has all of her senses then she will help those who can't help themselves until she can't do it anymore.
It was a wonderful summer. I was able to spend time with several intelligent women who were deducated to helping others, cultured, open minded, and strong willed. Because of Mrs. V and the people I met that summer, I learned that nothing is absolute. Art, music, theater, literature, opinions, and people are all subjective to personal preference. Beauty is everywhere and beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. Each piece of art is unique and art is all around us. Life itself is an art. Life is not absolute, it is always subject to change. The most valuable lesson was that I can't be unique and be like everyone else at the same time.
"Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be”
George Sheehan
The last time I saw Mrs. V. was at a concert in 1980. It was snowing so I carefully walked through the ice and snow in my best dress and heels. In the lobby of the auditorium I heard a commotion and saw Mrs. V. sweep in wearing a long black velvet dress, some beautiful jewelry, and one of her many hats. She was holding her long skirts high and I smiled as I saw she was wearing fur trimmed snow boots with her formal attire. When she saw me she smiled and waved hello. Then she saw my shoes her face broke into a wide grin as she pointed to her boots and wagged her booted foot. Before I could reply she was caught in a crowd of people and ushered to her seat. A few months later I moved away and never saw her again. About 16 years ago I heard that Mrs V passed away a few months after her 100th birthday. I remember her with a certain fondness but I still admire her for her courage to live her life with passion and apologize to absolutely no one for being who she is. This incredible woman had the courage to embrace her uniqueness. Although she is not known for breaking any records, her success can be seen through the many lives she touched.
Because of Mrs. V., I found the courage to be true to myself. She showed me that it may be easier to follow others but I can never be truly happy living someone else's dream. I learned that it is best to speak up when something doesn't feel right. Always do what makes sense. High heels look beautiful but, if it is snowing outside, but don't be afraid to leave them at home and wear snow boots. If my shoes are the catalyst for acceptance, then my acceptance would be temporary anyway. I have since learned to follow my passions and what I learned is that art and living are both subjective. Life is not black and white. It is a myriad of beautiful colors for those who have the courage to open their hearts and embrace it. The most important lesson I have ever learned is that a winner follows their passions, not to compete with others, but to be their personal best.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
Herman Cain.
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