One day my daughter called me with a question. She was working on a university assignment and was wanting to talk it through. She asked me what my “word” was. I was uncertain about what she was getting at. She said, “you know mom, what’s the ONE word that encapsulates you”? She said not to think about it too long . Just say the word that comes to mind. So I said a little sheepishly, “beauty”. It seemed a little shallow as I was saying it out loud and she started laughing. I quickly replied that I didn’t think I was beautiful but I did think that I see and feel beauty around me, not necessarily the physical beauty but the beauty nature creates and also the beauty that we, too, can create.
This quote by William Morris is good advice when we make decisions on how we live our daily lives. As you know, we all see beauty in different ways and in different things. It’s the beauty that YOU see that you should surround yourself with. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture…it could be a single flower on your nightstand or a vintage cup for your tea. It’s just as easy to consciously add a special touch to everyday things as it isn’t.
“It’s up to you to see beauty in everyday things.” unknown.
What is your word? By the way, we decided that my daughter’s word should be “menopause”!
Great start!!!
-Jack
Thank you Jack. I just figured out how to reply to you.
Judy…oh YES! I love what you said about BEAUTY. Anyone that knows you, KNOWS that you live that word everyday, with everyone you touch with your compassionate wisdom and in the way you listen and see things. You have an extraordinary gift in creating environments of beauty where people feel soulfully nurtured in. You are also a beautiful writer, and the fact that you have taken this leap of bravery, to share your thoughts with everyone, is so wonderful! . It is more meaningful than ever, to contribute to the BEAUTY, in a world that seems so out of step with it at the moment. Thank you for inspiring us to see the beauty in all things. I so look forward to reading what’s on your mind!.
Thank you
I’m a follower of your blog now–and have been a follower of yours for years–of your incredibly wonderful taste and warmth.
By the way, the full quote is this: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
― William Morris