A Yielding Ambition
"Don't be stingy with your yields, nor boastful in your reaping or sorrowful in your season."
Recently I watched "Dreams of a Life" a riveting documentary about an extraordinary yet sad story about Joyce Vincent a woman who lived a life of social splendor yet of mystery. She became famous because she was found deceased in your apartment 3 years after she passed away. So this story is all but ordinary. The main question is, how can someone die and nobody inquire about their whereabouts? What about her family? friends? There really is no answer just perceptions and assumptions and lasting memories of the who she was.
I find myself so intrigued by this story because after watching this documentary, I learned that I can relate to Ms. Vincent in a unique way. As a natural introvert and self alienating person I find myself secluding myself from friends and family. I suppose this stems from being reared as an only child always playing and being by myself. I'm not sure how to identify it. However, the life of Ms. Vincent brought to light the perils of living a life as a secret recluse and the ultimate consequence of literally dying alone.
So I write this blog because I was moved to share this sad yet beautiful story about this woman who was the life of the party with fabulous friends but somewhere deep inside was unhappy. I say unhappy because how can you shut everyone out your life and still be fully happy and content with yourself? It fascinates me how we as people are labeled as introverts or extroverts. I marvel at the innate social skills of extroverts in awe of their ability to as some say "move in a room full of roaches". Perhaps it is intimidation I harbor that thwarts me from stepping up to anyone and striking a conversation. Or perhaps being introverted is what makes me the profound thinker I am. Whatever the case, after learning of Ms. Vincent's life, I believe it more pertinent to be more vulnerable in being open to the world and not so reclusive. What happened to dismissing shame and being transparent about how you feel? There is a time and place for everything, however its okay sometimes to speak how you feel and share that with the world. As we age some of our friendships dwindle and the older you get the more you appreciate the fondness of family friends so why not enjoy these relationships all the time?
Lastly, if you love someone or if you are scared to say or show your emotions, now is the time to express how you feel. All to often we keep inside our true feelings and when you look back on your life there may be regrets, shame and guilt. Our time is short here on earth so make the most of it and be yourself OPENLY.
Song of this post: Violet Hill by Coldplay
Sincerely,
The Burgeoning Turtle
