December 31, 2008 at 2:07 PM
I'm looking out my window at a bleak, gray day. The bare branches and even tree trunks are blown wildly by a cold wind. I hear its roar. The bleakness outside finds its counterpart within me. I'm far from where I want to be in my life. I haven't achieved many of my own goals.
I've hung up a little reading matter by my desk to help me when I get in a mood like this. It is by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
To laugh often, to win the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch...to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
I find it interesting how you and I are often in the same mood. I also think we write in somewhat of the same style. Thank you for that description.
I love that Emerson quote. It helps me cheer up too on bleak days. The snow is coming down hard outside my window right now. We're in for another storm.
Paul G., I read your most recent blog earlier today, and I agree with you. I think other people have similar moods, especially at this time of year. The global recession and financial insecurities compound people's bad moods and negative thoughts.
Yes..
But I feel kind of stupid becuase almost always after I write a blog, what I write about becomes the opposite of what happens...
Like I said that I was lacking motivation through music, yet today I practiced The Lark Ascending for three hours and Bach for a half hour and other random stuff and now I'm happy with music again.
I don't know. Maybe my own despair just motivated me.
Pauline - I'm telepathically sending Northern California's sunshine and mild temperatures your way today. For once, I seem to be released of all demons/angsts and am simply enjoying the mellow day. Here's wishing the same for you (and Paul). And here's wishing all of us a good 2009.
Terez, thanks for the gift of Northern California sunshine. Maybe it will relax me, too.
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