"One of the most satisfying experiences I know is just to fully appreciate
an individual in the same way I appreciate a sunset....I don't find myself
saying, "Soften the orange a little more on the right hand corner, and put a
bit more purple along the base, and use a little more pink in the cloud color,"
. . . I don't try to control the sunset. I watch it in awe as it unfolds."
- Carl R Rogers
{A huge thank you to my kids for getting up extra early to allow me to witness this incredible sunrise}
It would be freeing wouldn't it, to just accept and be accepted for who we are.
To love and be loved unconditionally simply for no other reason than because we are human.
I mean, isn't that what we all strive for in this life anyway, above all else, to be loved?
And to belong? To not have to compromise our beliefs just to fit in?
I think when we allow for a mutual exchange of our experiences and knowledge and of how we
all see things, it will teach us respect, understanding and empathy towards each other.
It is, in these things that I believe we will find unity in our humanity, and love for our neighbor.
Because there is no hope for humanity without tolerance, no hope of love without first loving.
The intolerance I see growing simply breeds hate, hate destroys hope and without hope we become a world
full of despair and filled with fear. And fear is crippling. Maybe more like paralyzing . . . going
neither forward nor backward.
And hasn't history shown us over and over again that action needs to accompany wisdom,
because without it, it serves no purpose at all. It serves no one, not even ourselves.
To be loved, accepted and appreciated, we first need to find a way to love, accept and appreciate those
around us where they are, and for who they are. Not for who we want them to be.
Every sunrise is different and unique and no two are ever the same. We don't expect them to be the same.
In fact it would be inconceivable to think we could change a sunrise. And why would we want to?
Yet we have all at one time, probably thought we could change someone else, maybe even the way they
think. And who are we to think we should? I have seen a lot of sunrises and I admit there have been times
when I was disappointed because it wasn't what I thought it would be, or should be, or what I had hoped.
Because of my unrealistic expectations, I blinded myself to what was before me. And I asked myself that
scary question, "How many times have I done that with others?"
Over the last 4 years I have had the opportunity to develop a bond with nature in a way that has taught me
many things. Nature's biggest secret . . . is her patience. She has a rhythm, nothing is rushed, and everything
has a purpose. So do we. So do the people that cross our paths, it is simply not our job to change them.
My wish is that we could learn to embrace and accept our differentness. And when we get past the
expectations, then we will begin to see and appreciate the incredible things about those around us unfold in
awe as well.
Because perhaps, just maybe, we are all different because we were not meant to be the same!
Love, Kim
XO
Sharing with Texture Tuesday, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Communal Global
38 comments:
Very cool photo. Beautiful.
Love all the colors Kim processed beautifully.
So thoughtful and beautiful! And I just LOVE that picture, oo wow!
Beautiful photo....and, wise words.
You're right, it would be a much better world, if we could just learn to love that 'differentness' in each of us. Take the flaws with the beauty.
Keep sharing those beautiful sunrises with us.
Thanks.....
Acceptance can definitely be liberating. Great post. I LOVE the photo... such beautiful colors. :)
Another wonderful "thoughts from Kim" and the sunrise shot is spectacular!!
beautiful post, Kim.
I'm so glad you wrote this post! As it turns out, it is very timely for me, at a time when I'm trying to realize that being accepted for who we are means accepting others for who they are. You've definitely given me something to think about today! Someday I want to come and share that glorious sunset with you.
I meant sunrise!
Wow...I think God put you, and your words and images, into my life for a purpose. And I wouldn't WANT to change anything about you :). I NEEDED these thoughts today, thank you my friend :)
Your thoughts today are awesome, Kim! They are something I needed to here and I agree with you. Thank You for putting into words something I feel from the heart.
Beautiful sunrise.
What a lovely photo and accompanying words.
Kim, the picture is breathtaking, and your post is very thoughtful... Your words speaks volumes, and I agree with you, there is so much to learn from the nature and from each other, only if we were willing to listen!
amen!
and beautiful image to match.
xo
I love the differences in each of us, without these none of us would change and grow. It's ok to be different to think different, to act different, to live different than me . . . I might even like you more for it.
Very poignant ... and wise ... post, my friend. We all need more patience and more tolerance. Some of us need it by the truckload, it seems. ... *sighing* ...
xo
Gorgeous photo and I love your words. Beautifully said.
wow that quote packs a punch. such profound words. nature has so much to tell us if we just listen. thank you for sharing this wisdom with us.
Gorgeous photo - well done! I love the colors.
what a beautiful photo! what a way to start your day :)
Stunning photo! and I love the thoughts that you have expressed here! So true
Beautiful photo, beautiful words. Thanks for sharing!
Kim,such strong words, and such a great reminder to all of us. I wish it would all come so naturally for us all... and your photos is just perfect. Thank you.
Lovely! Now I miss the beach!
A spectacular sunrise. :)
Beautiful image and a beautifully written post!
Incredibly beautiful, both your image and your words!
What a gorgeous sunrise, beautiful photo and words !
Thanks for your nice comment,
Sylvia
I really enjoyed reading your post today.. The world truly would be a better place if we could just accept our each other for who we are. And what a fabulous photo.
Hugs~
Such wisdom and beauty - in your words and your stunning image.
I am simply undone, Kim... your words and the photograph and then your words and then the exquisite hope and possibility they reveal...
MWAH!!!
Stunning image, and beautiful words!
Oh gorgeous. That is such a stunning photo, and thoughtful words too.
I adore the hopefulness of this post, Kim. Of the sunrise, because the sun always continues to come up no matter what, no matter how badly we treat ourselves and each other and our planet, and of your convictions that it is possible to go forward differently, with acceptance and appreciation and even understanding. Brava to you!
Such a magnificent sunrise - you are so right that we never try to change nature's splendor. It is perfect just the way it is. The only thing I would add is that to love others unconditionally, we should learn to love ourselves as we are and without conditions. After all, we are part of nature's display.
You are a beautiful person and I would not change a thing about you! I sent this to e retune I know
Carol
I so enjoyed this post, in fact, I will book mark it and read it again. I loved your analogy of people and sunrises...good thinking here. (o:
Beautiful shot Kim and even more beautiful thoughts
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