MAKING MY PEACE … with connecting the dots and reaching for the starsThoughtful connections in life ...
In life, we often find ourselves at crossroads, faced with choices that may seem disconnected or uncertain. The beauty of these moments lies in the possibility of creating new pathways through which we can discover meaning and purpose. Just as an artist connects brushstrokes to form a masterpiece, or a scientist connects data points to unravel the mysteries of the universe, we, too, have the power to connect the dots of our lives – and in doing so, reach for the stars. Thoughtful Connections "Connecting the dots" is a phrase often used to describe how we make sense of seemingly unrelated events, ideas, or experiences in our lives. In many ways, it’s about seeing the bigger picture – the way the different pieces of our journey form a cohesive whole. At first glance, the events in our lives may appear to be random, disparate moments: a fleeting conversation, a chance meeting, an unexpected setback. But when we step back and reflect, we begin to see how these dots connect to create a narrative that is uniquely our own. Steve Jobs, co-founder of the tech company Apple Inc., spoke about the importance of "connecting the dots" in his 2005 Stanford commencement address, where he explained that it is only in hindsight that we truly see how past experiences led us to where we are. He said, “you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” He described how dropping out of college and studying calligraphy influenced his design decisions leading to the creation of fonts that would be unique to Apple. Looking back, the connections were clear to Steve Jobs. In our own lives, thoughtful connections emerge when we reflect on the seemingly minor events and experiences that have shaped us. By making these connections, we gain deeper insight into our path and purpose. Reaching for the Stars: A Metaphor for Ambition and Potential "Reaching for the stars" is another powerful metaphor that evokes the idea of striving toward something grand and meaningful, often beyond what seems immediately achievable. It is a reminder that our goals, however distant, are within our grasp if we remain focused, persistent, and open to moving towards them. These metaphoric stars represent our highest aspirations, the pinnacle of success, love, or personal growth that we dream of attaining. They serve as a beacon of possibility, encouraging us to aim high. Reaching for the stars is not about perfection, but about embracing the pursuit of excellence, growth, and the unknown. The most successful people in history – in business, science, or the arts – have often spoken about their dreams and the seemingly impossible goals they set for themselves. American Katie Ledecky, Olympic gold medallist in swimming said, “Set goals that, when you set them, you think they’re impossible. But then every day you can work towards them, and anything is possible, so keep working hard and follow your dreams.” Reaching for the stars also requires us to remain grounded. In dreaming big, we still need to build a steady foundation. It's about combining vision with practicality, and inspiration with action. As Theodore Roosevelt, former president of the United States said, “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.” Connections and Aspirations When we combine "connecting the dots" with "reaching for the stars," we arrive at a powerful synergy between making thoughtful connections in our lives and daring to aim for something greater. Each dot we connect becomes part of a larger constellation of experiences that help us move toward our dreams. These connections may guide us in unexpected directions, revealing new passions or opportunities we may never have anticipated. Along the way, we learn more about ourselves and what we truly want to achieve. The individual pursuit of reaching for the stars also involves connecting with others, especially people who offer wisdom, encouragement, and new perspectives that deepen the understanding of our own journey. These can be mentors, friends, or collaborators. The stars are not just distant light-points, but also the milestones and experiences that define our personal growth. As we make connections with people, ideas, and places, we chart our course forward, even when the road ahead is unclear. Cosmic Journey Connecting the dots and reaching for the stars are not just metaphors – they are the keys to navigating an ever-changing world with purpose and clarity. For most of the time anyway, because there will always be times when we veer off course, either unexpectedly, purposefully, or by way of circumstances out of our control. When we thoughtfully connect moments, experiences, and people, we gain insights into how to move forward with intention, while still discovering new potentials and opportunities. By connecting the dots and reaching for the stars, we create a life full of meaning, growth, and possibility. Our journey may not always follow a straight line, but as we keep our eyes on the stars and our feet on the ground, we discover that we learn more from the journey than we ever intended. Making my peace with connecting the dots, reaching for the stars, I learned the following: To reflect on past experiences that influenced my current path To build a network of inspiration by connecting with mentors, peers, or role models to fuel ideas, energies, and ambitions To stay open to opportunities especially if the dots aren’t clearly marked because they might be tangential to my goals and lead to unexpected breakthroughs To set big, bold goals, acknowledging that the stairway to the stars may have challenges, detours, and delays To learn from every dot, every step along the way, knowing that each small step brings me closer to my goals To take action by really reaching for the stars and not just thinking about doing it, by putting in the effort to learn new skills, working on a passion project, or taking a risk To find meaning in small moments and small movements, with every connection – with a person, idea, or experience – a step towards my aspirations
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Friday, 20 December 2024
MAKING MY PEACE … with connecting the dots and reaching for the stars
Monday, 16 December 2024
NEW PARIS BOOK IN PROGRESS IN 2024: AGE-PROOFING FICTIONAL WRITING – Blog 31
As I was musing in a Parisian café, a quartet were discussing the composition of their next song and one person suggested age-proofing it. What? They were proactively, intentionally, deliberately considering writing a song to stand the test of time. It got me thinking. Age-proofing fictional writing is a difficult task for a writer because readers are the force that determine the likeability and longevity of a book. While literature has an enduring quality, only some books will remain forever relevant. My Paris book is placed in a specific time and place, which could quickly date itself – or give readers a snapshot in history. How can I craft a story that stays fresh and resonant for generations to come? How indeed! What a dilemma! Age-proofing a novel involves more than avoiding contemporary references or trends. It’s about creating a world that feels eternal, characters who are relatable across time, and themes that transcend eras. I’m not sure I can achieve that. But here’s a guide I’ll be considering when age-proofing my fictional writing: Universal Themes One of the most effective ways to age-proof a fictional novel is to ground it with universal themes. Human nature doesn’t change much over time, and topics like love, loss, identity, power, freedom, and the search for the meaning or purpose in life will resonate across time. Classics like Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote (1605), Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (1813), Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables (1862), James Joyce’s Ulysses (1920), F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925), Jack Schaefer’s Shane (1946), or Khushwant Singh’s Train to Pakistan (1956) all have universal themes relatable across generations. Timeless Characters A well-defined character – whether loved or loathed – can transcend the period in which they were created. Fashion, culture, language, and the technology they use can change over the years, but multi-dimensional characters with in-depth emotions and personal growth can remain (almost) eternal. Timeless characters include Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Sherlock Holmes in The Hound of the Baskervilles, Katniss Everdeen in Hunger Games, Jack Sparrow in The Pirates of the Caribbean, James Bond in Casino Royale, and Scout and her father Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. They are funny, intelligent, unusual, and brave – and faced with internal angst, external conflicts, persistent challenges, or moral dilemmas. Whether it’s a desire for independence, a fear of failure, or a search for purpose, these timeless struggles help readers connect with characters from any era. Universal Language Language changes quickly, and slang or jargon that is hip today can sound uncool tomorrow. Timeless characters generally have a natural style, easily adaptable to different times, often with memorable phrases of speech – much like the characters in Shakespearean plays. Who doesn’t remember Hamlet’s “To be or not to be: that is the question” – or Macbeth’s “What’s done cannot be undone” – the timeless quotes from the ancient bard? Timeless Places Timeless places can be fictional planets as in Dune; ancient civilizations as in Iliad; mysterious moors in Wuthering Heights; exotic transportation such as Murder on the Orient Express; a scene on Hanover Street; a country such as The High Mountains of Portugal; a building such as A Room with a View; or a location like To the Lighthouse. Major cities have endless books about them, many even memorable: Paddington’s Guide to London, Death in Venice; Bangkok Wakes to Rain; and Seven Poor Men of Sydney. Writing of a place lived, visited, or known is often advised but also effective is creating a fictional world, using an unspecified setting, or relying on timeless environments like nature or more abstract settings. While historical fiction is often tied to a particular period, it can still be timeless if the focus is on universal themes and the emotions of the time, like in Amor Towles’ A Gentleman in Moscow or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun; or Warlight by Michael Ondaatje. Social Issues While many great novels engage with social issues of their time, it’s important to strike a balance between commentary and storytelling. If the novel becomes more about the issue than the people or plot, it may feel dated because societal concerns evolve. Characters can be shaped by their environment, but the story should remain focused on them and their personal journey. This way, the story remains relevant even if the specific social issue fades from public consciousness. While the specifics of a cultural or political issue may change, the emotional truths behind struggles remain relatable, such as the fight for personal freedom or survival. Symbolism and Metaphor Symbolism and metaphor enable authors to convey complex ideas and emotions in a way that transcends the specificities of time. A metaphor about love, power, or nature can remain as powerful 50 years into the future as it does today. For example, consider the timeless appeal of the metaphor of the journey, the quest, the search, or the challenge. Whether it’s a literal or figurative journey, the concept has been used in literature across centuries, from Homer’s Odyssey to contemporary novels like The Road by Cormac McCarthy or Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. A strong metaphor can elevate fictional writing, giving it universal resonance that transcends the temporal moment of tapping the computer keys. Emotional Connection with the Reader At the heart of every timeless story is an emotional connection between the reader and the narrative. Whether it's a romance, a thriller, or a coming-of-age story, the key to creating a lasting impression lies in the authenticity of that connection. By focusing on the core of what makes us human – emotions, desires, and struggles – it is empathy or sympathy or an understanding that unite us. By creating characters and situations that are grounded in these universal experiences, readers may be able to connect with the story regardless of the period in time. Interpretation is everything – readers have the freedom to interpret a story to match their situation even if their view is different from the author’s intention. A timeless novel allows readers to draw their own conclusions. Leaving space for readers to find personal meaning in a story can help age-proof a piece of work to different times for different people in different places. Timeless Writing, Timeless Story Age-proofing fictional writing – a novel, novella, play or short story – isn’t about avoiding change or embracing nostalgia. It’s about recognizing the elements that make stories universally appealing – human emotions, timeless themes, relatable characters, and evocative prose – and creating a narrative that will continue to speak to future generations. By writing with these principles in mind, I just might have a novel that won’t only capture a moment in time but will continue to engage readers into the future. I just might … I just might.
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MAKING MY PEACE … with connecting the dots and reaching for the stars
Thoughtful connections in life ... ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ...
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thealchemistspottery posted: " "I shall pass through this world but once.If therefore, there be any kindness I can sho...
