Bariatric Buddy
Gallery of Love
This is a story from "Chicken Soup to Inspire a Woman's Soul" that I really like and thought I would share with all of you today. It was written by Diane M. Vanover. Enjoy and have a great day!
Gallery of Love
My slightly bruised ego whispers in my ear that it's time for another one-woman show in my private gallery. After yesterday's mail delivered a rejection letter in response to what I considered the best piece of writing I'd ever submitted, I'm feeling too thin-skinned to put up much of an argument with my inner urgings. I trust the gentle voices of my soul. They know when my self-esteem needs replenishment.
I enter the room housing my personal collection of framed treasures. No expensive Picassos in gilded frames adorned with jewels on the walls here. Just an ordinary beige wall with a dozen or so thin black frames hanging in random order. Behind the bordered rectangles of glass lie the riches of my achievements. More valuable than Rembrandts are certficates and diplomas with shiny gold seals and looping calligraphy detailing each of my hard-earned awards.
The morning sunlight is the lone observer of my sacred ritual. Peeking silently beween angled vertical shades, its reflective rays make the simple frames on my wall dazzle as if they were diamonds. A peace lily in an earth-toned pot spreads shiny emerald leaves, absorbing the warmth that permeates the small room. My index finger traces an outline in the gray dust accumulated on a dark frame. It's been a while since my last visit.
My gallery was born with the hanging of a single "plaque of recognition" when I was in my early fifties, soon after entering college as a first-time grandmother. One by one, new frames would decorate the wall and four more grandchildren would arrive before I fulfilled my dream of receiving a college degree. Somehow, during those stressful years of studying and final exams, I managed to find a balance between school and home. I coped with, and survived, hectic holiday celebrations, illness and the deaths of beloved family members.
You have never been a quitter, reminds the voice within. Don't start now.
I remember filling with pride when I hung my college diploma in its rightful place of honor, then christened the backdrop of my framed accomplishments the "Love Wall." Ever since that day, I come here to celebrate all that I have been and strive to be.
Gradually, a special magi****urs in my humble gallery. While quietly reviewing tangible tokens of past achievements, the self-inflicted wounds to my ego are soothed, and self-doubting thoughts dissipate in the glow of a new day.
I am happy and proud of me again - just the way I am.
Before I leave, I must ready the wall for my next visit. Gently I wipe the dust from each frame and pass a cloth over the glass mirroring my reflection, smile lines and all. It may be a while before I return. Dust will surely gather while I am busy working on the next best piece of writing I've ever done.
Gallery of Love
My slightly bruised ego whispers in my ear that it's time for another one-woman show in my private gallery. After yesterday's mail delivered a rejection letter in response to what I considered the best piece of writing I'd ever submitted, I'm feeling too thin-skinned to put up much of an argument with my inner urgings. I trust the gentle voices of my soul. They know when my self-esteem needs replenishment.
I enter the room housing my personal collection of framed treasures. No expensive Picassos in gilded frames adorned with jewels on the walls here. Just an ordinary beige wall with a dozen or so thin black frames hanging in random order. Behind the bordered rectangles of glass lie the riches of my achievements. More valuable than Rembrandts are certficates and diplomas with shiny gold seals and looping calligraphy detailing each of my hard-earned awards.
The morning sunlight is the lone observer of my sacred ritual. Peeking silently beween angled vertical shades, its reflective rays make the simple frames on my wall dazzle as if they were diamonds. A peace lily in an earth-toned pot spreads shiny emerald leaves, absorbing the warmth that permeates the small room. My index finger traces an outline in the gray dust accumulated on a dark frame. It's been a while since my last visit.
My gallery was born with the hanging of a single "plaque of recognition" when I was in my early fifties, soon after entering college as a first-time grandmother. One by one, new frames would decorate the wall and four more grandchildren would arrive before I fulfilled my dream of receiving a college degree. Somehow, during those stressful years of studying and final exams, I managed to find a balance between school and home. I coped with, and survived, hectic holiday celebrations, illness and the deaths of beloved family members.
You have never been a quitter, reminds the voice within. Don't start now.
I remember filling with pride when I hung my college diploma in its rightful place of honor, then christened the backdrop of my framed accomplishments the "Love Wall." Ever since that day, I come here to celebrate all that I have been and strive to be.
Gradually, a special magi****urs in my humble gallery. While quietly reviewing tangible tokens of past achievements, the self-inflicted wounds to my ego are soothed, and self-doubting thoughts dissipate in the glow of a new day.
I am happy and proud of me again - just the way I am.
Before I leave, I must ready the wall for my next visit. Gently I wipe the dust from each frame and pass a cloth over the glass mirroring my reflection, smile lines and all. It may be a while before I return. Dust will surely gather while I am busy working on the next best piece of writing I've ever done.
Kid Krazed Kim
Thats beautiful and very inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing it Kim!
Have a wonderful day today!
Have a wonderful day today!
Patrece
JUST DO THE NEXT RIGHT THING!
Obesity Help Support Group Leader & Coach
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy
Lost 114 lbs. working on getting rid of a recent 10 lb regain...and WILL succeed!
Very good, thanks Kim
OH Support Group Leader
Come visit us at the bariatric buddy group http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy/welcome
Come visit us at the bariatric buddy group http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy/welcome
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Patrece S.
Group Leader
Kathy B.
Co- Leader