As many of you already know, I've been participating in The Next Chapter: The Joy Diet, hosted by the wonderful Jamie Ridler. This week's chapter dealt with a doozie - desire!
All week long I had this topic in the back of my mind, trying to figure out what to write about it and, more importantly, how to write about it. I don't like to write long epistles, and this chapter could easily inspire one! The author, Martha Beck, talks about how many of us learn to deny what we truly desire so we won't be disappointed in life, to please those around us, and to fit into society. This was certainly true for me.
In my life, I had many examples of people who were living their dreams, but even more of those who will insist on living a life that denies their desires in at least one important area of their lives. As I have watched their spirits struggle to shine through and seemingly diminish over the years, I have felt more strongly than ever to find what makes me truly happy!
I am a people pleaser by nature, and finding my own way has had its ups and downs. I am still sorting out my true desires and shedding those I have taken on that are really other people's (well-meaning) dreams for me. Do you know what I mean?
I know that me starting to paint and to blog about it was the direct result of identifying my very deep desire to live a creative life, to spread beauty, to express my true spirit and to communicate it with the world fearlessly.
I also am very aware as I look at my loved ones lives, and see how much better their lives could be if they just allowed themselves to follow their bliss, that I must not impose my desires for them on their lives. When their own desires call to them loudly enough, they will listen. And as soon as their desires are stronger than their fears, they will act on them. And I will be there to cheer them on!
In the meantime, I love tuning in to myself and expressing my true nature! And maybe, in the process, I get to be an inspiration to some in the same way so many of my family and friends (and that includes all of you) are an inspiration to me.
(All photos were taken in the marsh area around Wilmington and Tybee Islands)As I was pondering this topic of desire, I realized that I still have many desires I can't wait to see manifest, and some that are so dear to me and so important that I keep them very close to my heart. You can be sure, though, as they unfold (and I know that they will) I will share them with you!
And now I leave you with my fervent wish that all your dearest desires come true!!
I love your photographs...such a beautiful area! And I completely understand what you are saying about desire. What really strikes me is the dreams that other people think we should have; they have decided for us that this would be a perfect thing...I had a friend who used to do that all the time, always saying "you should do this" or "you'd be really good at that", as if I couldn't figure out anything for myself. Drove me nuts!! :)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I love your art!!
Such beautiful photographs and beautiful words too. I'm really struck by your letting go of the desires that you carry that may be other people's. Such a good point, I need to think on that one myself!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post and what a beautiful person you are. I wish only the best to you in your future art endeavours.
ReplyDeleteA stirring post Silke, that sounds to the depths of my soul. I am a people pleaser too, I have decided I love that part of me and when I have time to please I do. But me first comes out a lot more the older I get.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to turn my people pleaser in to pleasing me all of the time. I have served long enough and most benifit from me being pleased! ;-D
Love and hugs.
a very stirring post - and i love hearing about your journey through this fabulous book. living your true desires is such an admirable goal - i know that i am in that direct struggle and engagement right now - :)
ReplyDeleteDesire. Such a strong emotion, and yet often we move through our daily routines without even considering if we are doing what we really want to be doing, if we are really moving toward our dreams. Your excellent post serves as a reminder to all of your readers that we each are responsible for our own happiness. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteLove your thoughts, Silke! Most of us are brought up in an atmosphere of "pflicht" responsibility first. And for some, enjoying life is almost a sin. But sometimes it is hard to know what we truly desire and which desires are not real, but make us lose our path.
ReplyDeleteHugs! Great photos!
Beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteDu kommst ursprünglich aus Deutschland? Das ist ja lustig. Vielleicht magst du beim Paper Swap mitmachen. Hier mehr Infos: http://wovenletters.blogspot.com/2009/10/paper-swap.html
Wir lesen uns! LW
Gorgeous photos to accompany your reflections on desire. I think I've really spent the last 20 years finding myself. It is really only in the last 10 and now more so in the last 5 years that I am separating from what I think other people expect of me. Isn't it wonderful to explore what we truly desire? Thanks for sharing this journey.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. I like this books messages. I may have to buy it for myself. The photo of the sunset through the marina pilings is gorgeous!! Do you sell your photos? I'd love to have a copy of that one.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thought provoking post. It has made me think of my own desires, so long buried I'm not even sure what they are. Your photos are gorgeous, I especially loved the one of the two people sitting on the beach at twilight-just lovely. It is so good to know you.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right - your example of following what makes your heart sing will provide some inspiration to those around you. Let them see it, and they will answer their calls when they are ready to. It's wonderful to see that it is far more healthy to follow your dreams than deny them.
ReplyDeletei need to get this book
ReplyDeletebeautiful thoughts and i wish you happiness on your journey to joy
Ditto on appreciation for posting these lovely photos - & for seeking the path of your own desires, sorting out which are desires others wish you'd seek! Fine line, at times, & intriguing to sort out!
ReplyDeleteblessings
You are so right that some people seem to diminish as they plod along instead of following their desires. And thanks for the reminder that we can't hurry others along their path. I am glad you are embracing your creativity and I have enjoyed seeing your art here.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes indeedy, I can resonate so much to your post! (my post whispered of that same longing to please others). I am thrilled to be your witness as you express who you are! :)
ReplyDeleteIt was so beautiful to read your musings on desire while experiencing your photos. I felt like we were on a walk together, taking in the beauty around us and chatting about desire.
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