Finding Beauty

Beauty is both visual and intellectual. Beauty in and of itself is a paradox. It's such a simple concept because we all know it when we see it, yet every person has their own unique definition and way of identifying beauty. What one person perceives as beautiful may or may not be the common perception. The simple idea of finding and appreciating beauty no matter how unusual as it may be is what makes life beautiful.
As clichéd as it may sound, life is full of beautiful moments. Those moments might be small, personal, and internal, or they might be grand and in the greater world around us. Learning to identify and appreciate the beauty of those moments are what allows people to find happiness and reach their dreams. Finding beauty in life in whatever medium, size, shape, or form is the basis for inspiration. Capturing a moment and sharing an experience with the world is what drives an artist, both visual and performing. Recreating a moment, image, or event is what a writer hopes to do for their audience. Teachers work tirelessly to help their students find and present beauty in their lives. Doctors and scientists are always striving to find a way to preserve the beauty of life. Whatever it is that you do in life, I'm sure you've experienced one of those life moments that just made you say, "WOW!"

It's being able to recall those moments and finding them that is the greatest struggle. It was during my 4 years of undergraduate study that I finally realized all the little things in life I was missing. I think I finally learned to see and appreciate the beautiful moments I was creating, the ones that already existed, and the ones I was hoping to one day have. I'm not here in the blogosphere to wax poetic about clichéd moments or be overly sentimental. In fact, those who know me well understand that I'm usually a cynic and love a healthy dose of sarcasm. At the same time, I'm a firm believer in finding the goodness and beauty in all people and things. Some may call me naïve, others will say I'm too idealistic. I won't deny either claim since I know I can be at times. But really, the fact of the matter is that I'm a "closet optimist."
Why? I always hope for the best, but it's the fear of being disappointed that prevents me from verbalizing whatever hopes and dreams I have about every situation in my life, regardless if I can control them or not. No matter how small or insignificant they may be, I always want the best for myself and others. However, like every person out there, I don't like being wrong. It's not that I think it's a failure if my wishes don't come true but rather that I allowed myself to be disillusioned and experience a sense of guilt because I feel as though I have "lied" to myself. So what if this makes me seem week and insecure, isn't it better that I can reveal this about myself? Knowing this about myself helps me deal with the challenges life will direct my way. I know I'm better prepared for dealing with our crazy world because I am able to hope for the best, but prepare for the worse. I know I'm not perfect nor am I like anyone else, but at the end of the day, isn't that the beauty of life?

Embracing my identity is what makes me believe that I am beautiful and happy. Appreciating the beauty of knowledge is what drives me toward my future. Understanding the beauty of the human spirit is what makes me believe I can succeed.

So join me on my ride through life as I seek and find all the ways that "Unusual...is Beautiful"

I leave you with this,"To dream anything that you want to dream. That's the beauty of the human mind. To do anything that you want to do. That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits. That is the courage to succeed." - Bernard Edmonds.

Until next time,
Ruth


ps - Be prepared. With my various interests, this blog will be a roller coaster ride for my readers. Sometimes, I'll be intellectual and philosophical like I was tonight. Other times, this blog will be a vehicle for me to express my frustrations or excitement. And in all other instances, you can expect lots of fun and randomness.