The holidays are filled with messages of peace, hope and happiness. Magical moments with family and friends.
But it’s also a really difficult time for those who are hurting.
Read MoreThe holidays are filled with messages of peace, hope and happiness. Magical moments with family and friends.
But it’s also a really difficult time for those who are hurting.
Read MoreWhat if we just mourned with those who mourn? What if we held our tongues and just listened? What if we cried and embraced and loved and suspended our desire to fix? With so much hurt these days, let's move about our days with compassion & grace. #hurt #pain #sadness #art #vegas #lasvegasshooting #artist #digitalart #sketch #drawing #illustration #illustrator #illustrationoftheday #mikebone #mikebrennanart #njartist #artwork #compassion #grace #loveoneanother #embrace #comfort
I watched the movie joy recently, starring Jennifer Lawrence. In my opinion, it's a must for anyone who has a dream they need to follow. But the thing about this movie that got me thinking, wasn't only the pursuit of a dream but how Joy was surrounded by people who continually spoke doubt and fear rejection and negativity into her life and dream. But (spoiler alert) she becomes the underdog, and lives up to her name.
We all like the underdog story don't we? The character that faces odds that are slim, enduring hardship and struggle, only to emerge victorious. We love that, except when we’re the ones called to play the role of the underdog. No one wants to endure hardship or struggle. No one wants to go through pain, missteps, failure. We just want the good stuff. Fast forward through the valley. But the truth is, there is no victory without all that pain. In fact, it is usually because of the pain that the underdog becomes a hero at all.
And can we talk about those voices that surround the underdog when he/she starts talking about a dream they have? It's like some people speak to them out of pity. "Poor guy, he doesn't even realize how unrealistic he is. I wonder if he knows the odds of succeeding?" "I hate to be the one, but somebody's got to remind her of reality. Dreams don't pay the bills. You've got to be responsible. Practical. Why put yourself and those you love through such unnecessary pain?"
They mean well, usually. Maybe they are victims of their own delayed or derailed dreams. Maybe that's how someone spoke to them, so they in turn continue to spew the same sentiments to those around them. Maybe they feel threatened, because change for you, means change for them.
And those are the external voices. The internal ones can be just as cruel if not more so. Because they play dirty. They know how and when to hit you.
Maybe that's another reason we love the underdog so much. Because we see how close to the edge of failure and disaster they walk. And when someone endures in that face of all those odds against them, it's inspiring.
There's no need to fear--
Underdog is here!