Thursday, July 28, 2011

Green-Eyed Haters

Whenever I displayed any signs of jealousy as a child, my mother always told me "Melissa, Green isn't a pretty color on you." (Which is absolutely absurd, because I know for a fact that emerald green is in my palette.)

SEE!!



Part of my reason for popping back in the blogosphere is to make my life better and to re-evaluate all my ugly parts (as well as my adorable ones).

It's so easy to fall prey to the sin of envy. Do I think it's a sin? ABSOLUTELY. How can we be so blessed with gifts and be blind to them. "I used to cry that I had no shoes, until I met the man with no feet." Besides being a disturbing bit of advice (No SHOES?!?!?! EEP). I didn't fully appreciate the value of the wisdom. I still don't.

A few years ago, I worked in a summer stock theatre with a girl whose name I shall omit. She was pretty and talented, but not well-liked. (I shall refrain from giving my opinion on whether or not that disdain was justified) We played similar very small ensemble roles (we played sisters) and I listened as everyone moaned and complained about my "sister". And I am ashamed to admit fault because I never stuck up for her, even though I occasionally agreed with them.

Some years later, I decide to look her up and -lo and behold the girl is now in a long running Broadway show in a principal part. I asked myself "How the heck did she manage that?" And the answer was simply...while others were around her nay-saying, she put her nose to the grindstone, never let it get her down, and auditioned and auditioned.

Well, naturally my first human response was one of complete jealousy. I was in a similar role as this girl so I contrived that I must at least be as talented. But I think in the end it comes down to that silly old Edison quote about genius being so many parts perspiration and a much smaller percentage inspiration. So despite my jealousy of said vapid girl, she has displayed a quality I absolutely admire. I have never been a person who really threw myself 110% into anything. Especially lately. I have goals and am working to achieve them...but in the meantime I am dallying.

We each of us have a purpose in life, but I am beginning to realize it isn't up to us to decide.I think the true mark of a successful person is the one who goes wherever the door opens, gets back on the horse, and if-at-first-they-don't-succeed...you get the idea. For some reason it has always been incredibly difficult of me to relinquish control of my life. Hopefully, I can follow her example.
It's the time to stop wanting what others have and start making yourself someone people hate.

But I will say that green looks fantastic on me, especially jewel tones.

1 comment:

  1. Very valid point and Green is indeed a cute color on you!

    ReplyDelete