Monday, December 17, 2012

Day 347, December 17

"Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." Henry Van Dyke

Knowing that I love good quotes, a sweet friend sent this to me.  The words resonated within me as I tend to not want to do things when I know I do them badly.  I don't particularly like that trait in myself, but there it is.  How much happiness do I deny myself because I fear failing?  A lot, I'm afraid.

I've never excelled at sports and avoid them at all costs.  But could I find a bit of pleasure in joining a softball game and trying to hit a ball?  Couldn't I laugh at myself and my ineptness?  Likewise, I've never been skilled at sewing and other needlecrafts, but if I practiced enough, maybe I could fashion something useful, if not lovely. 

This I know for sure:  much of life's joy come from trying something new and discovering that I like it.  (Like broccoli!)




2 comments:

  1. I totally hear you on this one about shying away from things that you know you're not good at.

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  2. Me too, but I'm learning. I avoided running. It hurt. Then, not to put too fine a point on it, I discovered that sports bras are very helpful. I took up running this summer, and did very well. At least I can run now without feeling embarrassed. Sewing, not so (sew) much.

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