Day 360 -- Unknown Measures of Success

Spending today watching some old and some new recorded programs. One of my favourites is an episode from Doctor Who -- Vincent and the Doctor.  A visit to the Musee D'Orsay sparks a trip to Provence to visit Van Gogh. The writing addresses the concept of finding joy even in darkness. There is an amazing description of Van Gogh given by a current day museum expert played by Bill Nighy. In it he notes that this amazing artist never saw the acceptance of his works during his lifetime as many other masters did. Given his struggles with depressive issues, it seems somewhat sad to me. Yet, as the writers noted even from his despair he translated the beauty around him exquisitely.

Van Gogh has been a favourite of mine since childhood.  His bright coloured landscapes and swirling night skies have brought feelings of calm and joy to many. When privileged to stand in front of original artworks by Van Gogh, I've had tears. The gorgeous purple-blues of irises, the blues and golds of Starry Night and the myriad golds and oranges of sunflowers and wheat fields carry with them an exuberance and attention to detail of everyday scenes -- things many of us walk by without really seeing. This man found those mundane aspects of daily life interesting and committed them to canvas for others to view -- though he never knew anyone would find his painting worth tears. Perhaps one reason I enjoy this Doctor Who episode so much lies in the scenes where Vincent is taken to current day Musee D'Orsay to see his paintings and see so many people there to view them. It was something that this man was not afforded during his lifetime.

From this line of pondering, it seems clear that we should take advantage of the opportunities presented and stick to our convictions -- do what we love and know that there will be moments that make a difference to others, impacts that we may never know. So -- random acts of kindness, shared words or smiles, philanthropic acts -- we do have an impact on the world and those in it. Know that and try to find peace with it even when it seems that we are not meeting that 'success' we have defined for ourselves -- for we may not be meant to know how others measure our success. In his own words -- "I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." and "I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart." 

The selection for today also comes from the soundtrack of the 'Vincent and The Doctor' episode. The lyrics encourage us to make the most of our time. The artists are an indie band from the UK.  Enjoy!

Chances -- Athlete