It's all in how you look at it
Often I listen to audiobooks to keep me motivated during long stretches of production as I've been doing this week to fill orders for stores as well as to build inventory for the upcoming 4th Avenue Spring Street Fair in Tucson, Arizona April 1-3. I've just finished "A Town Like Alice" by Nevil Shute, and it is my very favorite type of book in that it has adventure, takes place in another country, and it has a strong female character.
Suspended Pearl Earrings, photo by Grant Boyle, ©2011 Kathy Frey
Yesterday I made 26 pairs of these earrings, and the time flew by since I was listening to an audiobook
At its very core, this book is so inspiring to me as a woman business owner. The woman in the book is amazing, and business comes rather naturally to her. There are facets to her character that are incredible as well since she endured many hardships as a prisoner of war, yet she didn't dwell on the hardships or bury them to be ignored. It seems she learned from them many lessons about taking things day by day, patience, endurance, strength of character and leadership.
We all have things in our lives that can be viewed in different ways. They can be heavy if we dwell on them, or we can focus on the lessons learned even when there's nothing positive about an experience itself. This makes a personal burden lighter and allows us to proceed with our lives and the making of art in a more open manner.
This year I've been processing a lot of information about the relationship with my mother as she has been officially diagnosed with alzheimer's disease at a young age. Over the years we've had many hardships and our relationship has been a roller coaster of highs and lows, yet I've always loved my mother because I know that without her I wouldn't be who I am today. We are such different people with different taste -- there are similarities, of course, especially when it comes to our sense of humor -- yet I can't deny that somehow both my brother and I run our own businesses, have thoroughly distinct visions about design, and both enjoy art and writing.... none of those things specifically learned from our mother.
Satellite Lariat, photo by Grant Boyle, ©2011 Kathy Frey
Today I set up 16 chains for necklaces to be completed tomorrow... I better find a new audiobook quickly!
Someone told me, when thinking about my mom and the journey we are on now, to focus on her trait I most admire. The word "independence" popped into my head immediately, and that makes me feel very positive about her. It made me feel proud to have learned that from her. It's also been a good guiding word for figuring out next steps for her.
That's also probably most why I love "A Town Like Alice." Jean, the woman in the story, is truly independent throughout her life in its ups and downs. Independence doesn't mean she's alone. She carries her strength of character from youth throughout her life with friends and romance, family and business. Check it out for an inspiring read, and let me know of any books of its ilk that you would recommend as I'm now in need of a new listen!