Day 3 - 361 -- Seeing the World Differently

While out shoveling the snow today -- yes, again, but only a couple of inches -- a Facebook meme that I'd seen earlier wandered through my mind. It made me think. The text of the meme stated, "Blessed are the weird people -- the poets and misfits, the artists, the writers and music makers, the dreamers and the outsiders -- for they force us to see the world differently." Now isn't that a gift. I thought about the work of artists whose lives weren't smooth -- Leibovitz, Henry Moore, Warhol, van Gogh, along with many musicians and poets through the ages. Their works have moved me in ways that surprised me -- smiles, laughter, tears. Some were able to show their pain in their works, while others turned the pain into something beautiful. For some, their approach to their craft made them outsiders. New ideas and philosophical stances don't always make one sought after; often the opposite holds true.

Feeling ostracized, one could go in several directions. Doing something creative that leads others to a different place may be one of the most difficult, yet most prized of actions. Not all actions will live on for generations hence to ponder. That doesn't make them any less prized. Most people will not become famous, but their views and words can have great impact on one or a small group -- local artists and philosophers come to mind. In the Queen's Christmas message this year, she used the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta to encourage listeners to 'do small things with great love.' Even if those around seem not to be listening or watching, actions may be noticed by one person, easing this shared journey no one understands.

Further contemplation today brought to mind a song that I've used here a while back. It also brought forth a short speech from a television series. Both fit the theme of the day fairly well. The first link is for the song. The second link contains the speech with part of the song in the background (speech around 1:40). Enjoy!

Chances -- Athlete

Speech about the works of Vincent van Gogh -- from Vincent and the Doctor episode,  Doctor Who