In every engaging narrative there are backstories, conflicts, obstacles and goals that provide the ability for us to perceive of the characters that live there and an understanding of what they have to overcome. Those journeys involve other locations, goals that we don’t have and mystical beasts as well as magical things but it’s the discovery as well as the change along the way or through the storyline that holds the emotions that we can relate to and care about. Epic tales, after all, are not about always being strong and courageous or doing flawless things but rather are about facing the weaknesses, the doubt, the pain and the fear in those worldly narratives just as we are challenged to do in our real lives. Even in the story of a field, a tree or a flower, the accounts are not about everything being perfect but the processes of light and dark as well as nutrients and weather or lack of along with other types of complications that they encounter when growing in familiar places that are not always welcoming. In other words, a better story than a perfect one is a real one just like in the books, movies and songs where an authenticity about the subjects makes them feel believable. The difference, however, is that our tales don’t feel greater than ideal when our mystical creatures and legendary trails are really things like addiction and being lost in the weeds with a hope that keeps us holding on but also has the ability to leave us feeling hopeless when a positive outcome isn’t what we wanted. So why is it easier to have fondness for or cheer for someone else’s epic tale than it is to do so in our own? Maybe it’s because we perceive that a flawed character in a narrative can be forgiven for moments of weakness and “flipping out” while still being seen as a hero but that our own darkness and missteps are an indication that we are in fact and or opinion impossible? Or perhaps it’s that those tales are fictional which makes it so much easier to have understanding even though there has to be a sense of realness about the characters in order for us to connect with them to begin with? Or maybe it’s all right in those stories because the controlled change happens in ways that are just right? A better story is an actual one even if what’s there isn’t what you want because it is an opportunity to discover more than you imagined like in those out of the blue wins where you were scared but held on anyways or where you said what you needed to say even if no one else heard you. Change is always enfolding us whether things appear to be the same or not but it’s the hope as a goal rather than a feeling or the belief that one can’t be fearful and brave at the same time or that a part defines a whole or that needing help is proof of weakness that limits our view of our and other’s possibilities. When you pass this way again, and you will in thought and or behavior, this time view the main character in your epic tale as a sometime warrior who needs understanding, forgiveness and help from you because, after all, a better story is not a perfect one but rather the one in which you show up for you in all the ways that you authentically live and feel your life. If your favorite character found himself on your journey, experiencing all that you have, what would he or she do to go through? Now what are you going to do with you one moment at a time? Oh hell, grab some tissues for tears and or laughter while having the best day POSSIBLE for you. Love Always, Heavell
Thank you, Tess, for sharing a part of you with us through your artwork. A flower that transforms into what we actually need is a better story.
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