Bridge of Aspiration, Royal Ballet, Covent Garden, London.
Have you seen the delightful film Man on Wire? It is the thrilling tale of Frenchman Phillipe Petit's 1974 stunning wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. The story is fascinating, not only because Petit made history, but because he took a huge goal that seemed impossible and step-by-step - and with the help of his friends - made it happen. By sheer will, determination, courage and imagination, he spun his gossamer dreams into reality.
Each of us has a dream that we actively pursue or one hovering at the edge of our subconscious; perhaps we try to suppress it, concerned about what others may think. Maybe we worry that we're too old; too tired; too unprepared. Negative thoughts that we're not "good enough" are always ready to undermine any tentative progress. But the dream stubbornly persists, nevertheless. It tugs at our heartstrings and infiltrates our thoughts. We have flashes of wistfulness, wondering, "what if?" We have triumphant moments that seem to move us closer to our desire; at other times, setbacks - no matter how minor - leave us feeling confused and disoriented. And we wonder if the outcome is worth the effort.
Well I suggest to you, any obstacles that may appear are temporary. We are powerful. We have capabilities and strengths far beyond our imagination. We are blessed with magic and possibility. We may try to suppress the light we carry within us - for fear of outshining others - but that does no one any favors. Each of us has a purpose on this earth; a unique talent; a special gift.
"If you bring forth what is within you,
What you bring forth will save you.
If you do not bring forth what is within you,
What you do not bring forth will destroy you." —Jesus, from The Gospel According to Thomas
In the early years of my childhood, my family attended a Southern Baptist Church. The minister shouted terrifying hellfire and brimstone sermons, in contrast to the soothing songs we sang. One that lingers in my memory is This Little Light of Mine. An excerpt:
"This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine...
...Hide it under a bushel? No! I'm going to let it shine. Let it shine, all the time, let it shine..." In case you haven't guessed, my theme word for the year is "light." Light as bright as the eyes can stand: sparkling, dazzling, intense light, sometimes filtered in shadow or softened to a candle's glow. Through writing and photography, I plan to shine the spotlight on people, places and issues of interest in Paris, as well as in my travels. Won't you join me?
You know we will join you! Your "shine" is my joy! Inspiration here, as always!
Posted by: jeanie | 08 January 2010 at 17:24
I just found your site the other day and loved this post for many reasons. One being that I just finished reading the best book with the tightrope walk as its center point. You may have heard of it...'Let the great world spin' by Colum McCann. Beautifully constructed and shattering. I also happen to love 'this little light of mine'...also sang it in bible school as a young TX girl and made up versions with my kid' names when they were babies.
Hope you're enjoying your holiday. Happy New Year.
akl
Posted by: akl | 07 January 2010 at 22:23
Happy New Year Tara!
What a coincidence that you mentioned Man On Wire, because I bought the DVD as a Christmas gift for Kevin. One of the most inspiring stories I've ever seen.
Posted by: antipodeesse | 07 January 2010 at 11:02
What a beautiful article, and so true. We should never be afraid to let our light shine. We all have God-given gifts and talents. Thank you for a wonderful, uplifting piece. You're an excellent writer, Tara.
Mary Ann G
@enchantedtravel
Posted by: Mary Ann G. | 06 January 2010 at 02:14
I've been so busy doing nothing much that I haven't been around to visit my friends in too long. So, though my wishes are late, I mean them with my whole heart. May your year be filled with laughter. May all your surprises be happy ones. May you remember to count your blessings. May you know each day how very much you are loved. Happy new year, my friend.
Posted by: Relyn | 05 January 2010 at 07:13
Many times I have wondered if my foray into English riding was a folly or genius. It has been difficult, emotionally and physically, but the relationship I have with my mare is worth every moment of pain, doubt and worry. I started from nothing at 41 with this new venture. If I can do something like this, believe me, anyone can! I am taking a huge leap of faith in joining you in a faraway place in a few months. I will always thank you for that.
Posted by: Donna | 05 January 2010 at 05:17
Let it shine! Such good words and thoughts and intentions for ALL of us...
AND...I never knew this is where this little song comes from.
Your light shines brightly and illuminates us all. Love the new banner...great way to start this new year!
x..x
steph
Posted by: Stephanie | 04 January 2010 at 18:37
Join you? I never left! I am here to learn and be enlightened by a wonderful teacher. You know what my silly dream is? I want to learn Mandarin. I know it is late in life, I know people laugh when they see me with my books but Tara, I think I can do it. So this post has really helped. Thank you.
Posted by: Yoli | 04 January 2010 at 05:15
Thanks for throwing light on another way to start off a new year. A theme for a year is an excellent focus! I've started pondering for one for me.
All good wishes for your new year!
Posted by: Shashikiran Mullur | 04 January 2010 at 04:37
I have seen the film and just yesterday heard the author of the book on NPR. It is an amazing story about the walk between the towers. I remember the actual day of the walk as well and how awesome it was to contemplate.
Hoping for light, too. Happy new year!
Posted by: Helen | 04 January 2010 at 01:07
Just think how wonderful it would be if the entire world was positively glowing!! I think the blue moon on New Year's Eve was leading the way for exactly this! Always a pleasure reading your blog! Thank you and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Posted by: MAWB | 04 January 2010 at 00:32
Hi! I remember when Phillipe Petit took that walk. After he was arrested he was showing off in the police station balancing a policeman's cap on his nose. Like they say leap and the net will be provided. Here's to letting it shine!
Posted by: gemma | 03 January 2010 at 20:18
Paris may be perfect, but I'm now looking forward to reading a blog about Amsterdam, hehe!
Posted by: Betty C. | 03 January 2010 at 18:43
The light is the thing... wakes us up... shows us the way. I'm excited to see the things you learn and share about your light adventures! HNY sugar and smooches
Posted by: Leau | 03 January 2010 at 16:23
count me in! shine and shine and let us all burst into shiny hues!! :)
Posted by: gracey | 03 January 2010 at 15:34
When I saw Wayne Dyer last, he talked about that film! I needs to see it. Hmm.
I wish you the happy happy happiest New Year, beautiful. You have shown up in my dreams, lately! Hope we can see one another again this year.
oxox am
Posted by: amber | 03 January 2010 at 03:25
Oh Tara I love your word! Let it shine, let it shine!
Thanks also for the encouragement to shine. I want to let my JOY shine this year. In the past I was afraid to shine because I thought people would think I was putting them in the shadows, but I realized in the past few years if they don't like my light will shine in new directions. Blogging has helped me shine and find others that shine too. You are one of the stars for me that has been added to my list of those that shine.
Posted by: Marilyn | 03 January 2010 at 02:45
i love this! "light" let it shine, my friend. and this is amazing pro photography. im so proud!
xo
Posted by: christina | 03 January 2010 at 02:42
yes
let it shine,
let it shine,
let it shine!
well
this will come easy 2 U, i think,
what with all the goodies---
inside and out---
you have to share.
:-)
{{ love your shining banner, BTW }}
Posted by: somepinkflowers | 03 January 2010 at 01:16
The photos of the bridge are perfect for this about following your dreams and shining your light! An exciting journey, if I do say so myself. Love your new masthead.
Posted by: Barbara | 03 January 2010 at 01:03
A light exists in Spring
(Emily Dickinson)
May the special light be there for you throughout the year!
Happy New Year,
Merisi
Posted by: Merisi | 02 January 2010 at 23:43
Yeah! The more you shine, the happier I am visiting here.
Look at this new place, you've redecorated! It looks phenomenal. So unique and brave and bold...so gorgeous and stylish...the list could go on.
Great saturated colour palette, something to brighten us up around here!
I agree about not worrying about outshining...for if everyone just shone to the best of their ability, there would be no conceit, no jealousy, no hatred. We would all just go around shining and be all the more happier for it.
I never understood fire & brimstone stuff, it seemed counterproductive to me. ;)
Keep on shining, you...you do a great job of leading us all to greatness!
xoxo Love, Gillian xoxo
Posted by: Gillian | 02 January 2010 at 21:44