Your life in 250 words
Well having written of my life in several volumes, I would have considered this nigh on impossible but after attending a workshop with BBC Southern Radio last week, I have changed my mind. It was a long arduous day and condensing anything from your life to 250 words meant picking one solitary event that meant something to you and spoke a thousand words.
My subject was violence in the home, and how that can have a profound effect on children involved, leaving everyone with haunting memories. Amazing that so few words can portray so much……………………………in peace, Janet
Janet on April 17th 2007 in Creative Thinking
Harry responded on 19 Apr 2007 at 11:13 am #
If I was to put my life into 250 words, there would also be much violence and despair. However, I would choose to ignore that and pick out the happier things in my life. I would discuss how I met my partner Becky, the happy life of my cat that sadly died a few months ago, how much I enjoy the work I do and what I believe the future holds for me. I think it is easy to dwell on the past, but a lot more beneficial to look to the future.
But you are right, its very hard to do it in just 250 words!
Janet responded on 19 Apr 2007 at 4:47 pm #
I would have to agree, there are so many wonderful things in life that make it worth living, however for the BBC my subject was violence in the home. I have today attended a meeting organised to get feedback and make sure services are in place and doing the job they were set up to do. I am a volunteer in that environment. However, the sun is shining, and it is such a beautiful day, I will leave you with one of my favourite poems:
“Desiderata”
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence As far as possible, without surrender be on good terms with all.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud aggressive persons, they are vexations to the Spirit. If you compare yourself with others you may become vain and bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God whatever you conceive him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann Found in old St.Paul’s church Baltimore.
Dated 1692
cathy savels responded on 20 Apr 2007 at 8:32 pm #
I’d have to agree with Harry. Much of my past was tinged with abuse, violence and sadness but to dwell on this is just not helpful. We can learn from it certainly and I embrace it now because it has shaped me to be the person that I am today. It’s made me appreciate what is important in life and this is what I would write about, my lessons learned and my journey forward. Cathy
Harry responded on 29 Apr 2007 at 4:53 pm #
Nice poew Janet. Reminds me of that Sunscreen song:
http://www.generationterrorists.com/quotes/sunscreen.html
Harry responded on 29 Apr 2007 at 4:55 pm #
*poem not poew. I type too fast sometimes!