~~It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.~~ Henry David Thoreau
I look at you all here and I see grace, wisdom, kindness, and beauty. I see strength and compassion. I see hope, extraordinary courage, and humor.
Sometimes I have to look beyond your words....your blogs. Because in reading the words, I sometimes see pain, struggle, and fear. I sometimes see defeat, loss, and dejection. I sometimes see white flags of surrender.
So, you see, Thoreau is right. It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see. Because people who have felt fear often later face life with grace and joy. It's people who struggle who often come out the other side wiser and more gentle. Its those who have felt dejection who have the most compassion and empathy. I see that.
But how I see you doesn't really count.....it is how you see yourself that truly matters. Because while I see that for every second you don't smoke you are a success, you may see only someone struggling to stay quit. While I see a kind, gentle soul who is simply stunning in their quit, you may see a tired, haggard soul ready to give up.
It's up to you. But remember that your thoughts are your world...what you think, you become. Choose wisely, choose well, my friends.
My very best to each one of you,
Sheri
