Some of the most spectacular moments are the ones when something I’ve always seen one way changes, and I see it in a new light.
One of the toughest cookies I know is a gal who trains at a CrossFit gym. One day my heart melted when I realized she wasn’t just trying to outdo men with her badass exercise routine. I saw a shield she’d built after a harrowing grief and betrayal. She was slowly becoming a diamond, hardened into stunning beauty.
The song “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid was my theme as a kid because I always wanted to be ‘where the people are.’ I resisted solitude for any extended period of time. But when I read The Artist’s Way at age 23, I realized the preciousness of “dates” by myself and the quiet thoughts that sprang up when no one else was there became like gold to me.
In the post-college years when I still lived at home, my sister and I fought like pros. It dawned on me that, though I didn’t start all the fights, I was doing a poor job at “investing.” Our emotional account was just about bankrupt on time I spent snuggling my sister, something she craved and loved. And lo and behold when I added a few hugs, those fights started to dry up.
My eyes are only human, and I go for years before the light hits something differently. Then I blurt, “Oh! I never thought if it that way!” and my heart dances because the walls of the maze have shifted and hope is fresh in the air.
What things have you suddenly seen from a new angle?
Katherine
30 Jul 2012My couch. No really! When seen through the eyes of my six year old it is a fort, a jungle gym, a trampoline and most importantly, the place to snuggle and relax at the end of a long day. It isn’t just furniture, it is important. Having a child reminds me every day to look through the eyes of my own inner child. Of course she also teaches me a patience within myself that I didn’t know I could ever have 😉 But that is also a wonderful gift.
Beautiful post Elise – thank you for sharing this piece of yourself with us.
Elise
30 Jul 2012Thank you, Katherine! I love that your daughter helps you see your couch in a new way. That’s perfect! And I love how your young one teaches you how to keep on growing. So beautiful!
Galit Breen (@GalitBreen)
30 Jul 2012I love this view, this reminder, this way.
{Thank you, girl. I needed to read this.}
Elise
31 Jul 2012You are welcome! I think of this is the “everyday magic” of seeing. Every moment like this is so exciting!
Kara
31 Jul 2012My 2 year old has completely changed the way I view things. Just yesterday I watched her giggle and grin as she chased her shadow around our deck. Amazing :). Love this post!
Elise
31 Jul 2012Chasing her shadow, just like Peter Pan! The epitome of wonderful childlikeness and adventure. Love it!