The button in the side bar takes you to the new Website that is hosting Five Minute Friday. There is actually only one rule and it is gentle, in keeping with the whole idea of having people trust others with their raw writings. The web site explains the paramount rule, read and comment on at least one other blogger's post, to encourage other writers by reading their offering, in five minute of flat out, no worries, and no holds barred, writing. Raw Writing.
The prompt word is, Reach.
"Don't let your reach exceed your grasp!" This is something we hear from early childhood. We also hear, "You can do this! Try harder!"
But what if people never tried to extend their grasp? How would you ever know what you are capable of? So, you fall on your face trying to ride that horse, that motor bike that river rapid. So what? You tried and you learned a few things. That's what reaching is, It's going out and t rying to become every thing you want to be in life, it doesn't matter if you fail, it's that you will learn it might be something you don't want so much after awhile, like that million dollars, or that fame that comes with being the first to do something out of the ordinary. You, now, that "Look Ma, no Hands" thing. I don't know if ability plays the bigger part of achievement or pure stubbornness does. I think you have to keep reaching til you take your last breath. It's the way that we are, humans, and hopefully we don't kill ourselves before we really get to understand that the best things in life involve other people, not as competitors, but as companions on a journey. Companions on this Rotting Ball of Rock we call home. Reach across and give someone a pat on the hand or shoulder when they fail or flail around. That's the best part of reach.
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The prompt word is, Reach.
"Don't let your reach exceed your grasp!" This is something we hear from early childhood. We also hear, "You can do this! Try harder!"
But what if people never tried to extend their grasp? How would you ever know what you are capable of? So, you fall on your face trying to ride that horse, that motor bike that river rapid. So what? You tried and you learned a few things. That's what reaching is, It's going out and t rying to become every thing you want to be in life, it doesn't matter if you fail, it's that you will learn it might be something you don't want so much after awhile, like that million dollars, or that fame that comes with being the first to do something out of the ordinary. You, now, that "Look Ma, no Hands" thing. I don't know if ability plays the bigger part of achievement or pure stubbornness does. I think you have to keep reaching til you take your last breath. It's the way that we are, humans, and hopefully we don't kill ourselves before we really get to understand that the best things in life involve other people, not as competitors, but as companions on a journey. Companions on this Rotting Ball of Rock we call home. Reach across and give someone a pat on the hand or shoulder when they fail or flail around. That's the best part of reach.
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Great post....It resonated with me where I am in my life's journey right now.
ReplyDeleteIt's a journey, and reaching across the miles, I'd like to shake your hand and tell you that you are doing an amazing job! "Good on ya!", as the Aussies say.
DeleteYou are right when you say that the best things in life include other people...
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly Paula.
DeleteFor myself, I'd have never made it but for the kindness of friends and teachers who picked me back up and set me on my feet. Teachers do so much that is good for children, and it's mostly unsung.
I love the two meanings of reach you've written about here - reach as in trying and reach as encouragement. Wisdom comes in those old-fashioned sayings! A friend of mine just posted another wisdom (similar but without the 'reach') - it says "Courage is being afraid and doing it anyway". One of those you can't learn and grow if you don't try things. Visiting from FMF. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Janet. Currently Mr.Z. and I are watching a program about athletes who have done almost impossible things, impossible until they did them that is. And that saying about Courage has to be one of the best sayings about it that has been set on record. All the athlete's are extremely focused but they mention having to fight back fear from time to time. Thank you for sharing that!
DeleteI have a few things to do but will be back to read the FMF pages. They are so inspiring. It's a great meme!