Bravery and celebration

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtBbyglq37E&list=RDS4F4SbGtqL4&index=6

Artists put themselves, their interpretations, into whatever medium they use.

Aretha Franklin was like no other and is an inspiration to me to bravely put self expression into life.

We may spend our days being afraid of what people think of us. We may not even be aware of what we truly feel or think about things. We could be hampered by self doubt or have been beaten down by abuse or circumstances, into hiding who we really are.

Let's think about it today.
Who are we?

We are all unique and are the only ones who bring our set of history, beliefs, talents, fears, desires, passions, etc to life. We have a unique mix of intelligence, of abilities, and a unique way of seeing the world, we just forget that.

We are at once different and alike.

It's our responsibility to bring our unique selves to the party. And our responsibility to accept the unique offerings of other people as well.

In the day to day world of survival, we sometimes push aside our offerings to the world.

Do you want to celebrate your offerings or hide them?

I am older, I have lived over half a life time, sometimes hiding, sometimes sharing, but have learned that it is important to remember who you are and what you have to offer the world.

The ultimate bravery is showing the world who you truly are. 

Ten different people can sing a song, and it should  sound different with each interpretation, while the underlying notes are the same. The structure is the same for all of us, but the interpretation is different. Different is okay, and brings richness to life if we can resist the urge to feel threatened by it.

Will we celebrate our difference or hide it?

Some people are judgemental of differences, and I wonder does that come from fear or hate, does hate come from fear at it's base?

Imagine all of us free to interpret life our way  and being accepted for our individuality.

 Imagine viewing others with interest, and acceptance.

Imagine being free enough to enjoy the unique expression of others.

This kind of celebration of spirit cannot thrive in an atmosphere of of fear, distrust, anger, and hatred.
Do the people you listen to, the people who lead countries, believe each of us has an offering and a way of contributing to the whole? Are they comfortable enough to allow others to be their best selves? Are we being our best self?

Will we be brave enough to sing a song our own way?

linking to
all seasons