Tag: beauty

Beauty or Longevity

It seems as I increase in age, I have continued to place a high value in longevity. I think that this has always been a part of my psyche because my mother used to often tell people how I was very meticulous about taking care of my toys as a child. Maybe it is because I grew up in a lower middle class family that I quickly learned that if something does not last, it will not be replaced any time soon. Whatever the cause, over the course of my life, I have had the importance of longevity reinforced often.

We live in a world of throw away. Stop and consider how many items in your household right now are “disposable” in nature? In our community we have the choice to place large items on the curbside once a month, and they will be picked up by our waste management company. When I walk by houses and see the items placed on the curbside each month, I am amazed at how much we throw away. We have grown accustomed to the idea that everything is replaceable and not to worry if we break something because of a lack of careful handling.

The other element at play here is we are easily bedazzled. I mean that often we look at two items and choose the one that looks better over choosing the one which may be more durable or last longer. If it looks good, we tend to be drawn to it. The idea of image being important often drives this response. Yet, the most beautiful item may be short-lived in nature.

It is true that beauty and longevity do not have to be mutually exclusive. There are pieces in this world that have lasted for a long time period which still are pleasing to the eye. However, I am one that looks closely at the longevity of something whether the beauty is present or not. I will always choose longevity over beauty.

What is most important to you? Do you prefer beauty no matter how long it lasts? When are there times when beauty should trump out longevity? I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts.

Catch the Sunsets

You have heard the adage, “Take time to stop and smell the roses.” I admit that I do love roses. We had planted some rose bushes at our previous home, and they were beautiful in the spring, summer and fall. But for me the idea of taking time to catch the sunsets seems like a much better adage. Maybe this is because I do not have to wait so long for the beauty of the sunset to come through. Or it may be due to the fact that every day has a sunset unlike a growing season.

Each sunset is unique. This uniqueness is due in part to the clouds that may be in the sky. What I like about sunsets are the many different colors which you can see. If you watch long enough, you will notice the colors changing. It is like the sunset is evolving before your eyes. The changes occur like the moving of a clock hand. These changes remind me of the beauty which happens through life changes. I like that.

Another element of sunset watching is the location from which you view. A sunset while a person stands by a body of water has characteristics unlike a sunset standing next to a farm field. One is not necessarily better than the other one, they are different and each has its own beauty. The way the light reflects on water or through a stand of trees creates more differences that impact the beauty. This reminds me that where I am in life impacts my perception and what stands out to me.

The season of the year can also provide dynamics that impact how I view a sunset. Where the sun is in the sky, changes depending on the calendar. If there is a lot of humidity in the air, then there will be a haziness to the sunset. A cold, crisp day often leads to brilliant and distinct colors. I am reminded that as the seasons of my life change or a change in my mood occurs I am lead to experience life differently.

So while taking time to smell the roses will help slow you down and allow you to inhale the scents and beauty of life, taking time to catch the sunsets will slow you down and allow you to reflect on the lessons of nature and our lives.

Stop and catch the sunsets.