Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Posts tagged ‘Mexico’

What Defines You?

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https://torobravophotographyblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/cropped-mexican-women-1.jpg

What defines this woman in your mind?

 

Thank you,  jair_100 at

toro bravo photography

who specializes in Street Photography,

for this beautiful photo

of a

Mexican woman.

 

I was mesmerized by her face. I can see that you were, too.
You captured her tired and weathered soul. You captured her work ethic.
She is a woman who worked hard all her life, and continues to do so.
Externally, her lines define her character. Her eyes define her outward condition.
Some say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but I cannot judge.
We really can’t tell what is going on inside her.
She is beautiful.

 

But we all have heard “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

 

What defines us?

 

I pondered that question as I read your blog, jair, re:

The 3-Level Theory of Performance applied for Street Photography

I read it and decided The 3-Level Theory of Performance is a theory that can be applied to life in general, not just to Street Photography.

In your blog dated 16 enero, 2019  

you quoted Nadia Comaneci when she said,

“I noticed from a young age there are only three kinds of people in the world. Three kinds of people in the gym. Three kinds of people walking the streets. Three kinds of people working in every company:

  • The first group of people, the coach tells them to do 10 exercises, and they do only 7. They make an excuse, or they say, “7 is good enough, why do 10?” These people never win and are the perennial losers in whatever field of endeavor they are in. They cut corners and do sloppy work.
  • The second group of people, the coach tells them to do 10 exercises, and they do 10. These people will win, sometimes. They at least do what is asked.
  • And then there is the rare, third group, and I (Nadia) am in that third group. The coach tells them to do 10 exercises, and I always did 15. Always over-deliver. And this is how I won 5 Olympic Gold Medals.”

 

That Beautiful Mexican Woman

Look again at the picture toro bravo photography took of that elderly, lined, tired-looking, Mexican matriarch. She obviously is in the third group! When 10 was enough, she did 20! She never slacked. She has not quit yet! Her lines define her… exposed to the sun, stead-fast and reliable, she makes sure her family is fed. She receives few accolades, but she does not rely on external praise to do what must be done. She knows. She over-delivers. She deserves 10 gold medals!

What defines you?

If  toro bravo photography took a picture of you and posted it, what would people say or surmise about you? Are you in the rare third group?

Is our outward appearance a true test of our definition?
Is our behavior a better test of our definition?
What is it that really matters?
Can anyone see through our eyes into our soul?

Think about it.

What do you say?
What defines you?

 

The BEST Christmas Gift

The BEST Christmas gift doesn’t come in a box. It isn’t hidden in your Christmas stocking. It needs no wrapping paper or bows and it won’t cost you a thing except a little time.  It’s an act of kindness that can come only from you.

I received the BEST Christmas present yesterday. Christmas is a couple of weeks away, but this gift will last until then – in fact, it will live in my heart forever!! You can give this kind of gift to someone today.  It was a note from a former student. Eva was my first grader in 1980. I have moved 1,200 miles from her, but she cared enough and took the time to find me. Paraphrased, her note said, “I found my calling. I love teaching. In addition to teaching first graders, I am teaching Spanish two nights a week at the local college, and I am working as a mentor for beginning teachers. Thank you for being so instrumental in helping me find my calling…”

Eva was a bright and promising first grader who came to school as an English as a Second Language student. She spoke Spanish at home and in her neighborhood. She was making such great progress when at Christmas time her parents wanted to pull her out for a couple of months.  Seasonal workers, they returned to Mexico each year to spend the holiday season (plus some) with Eva’s grandparents.  I offered to have Eva live with me rather than missing so much learning during this crucial time in her developmental stage. Her parents, seeing my concern, recognizing the truth of my fears that she’d slide backward academically if she missed that much school, decided to cut their intended stay. They returned in early January. I was able to take my wonderful first graders on to second grade and by the end of the next year, Eva was an A student. It was a winning duet: supportive parents, and a bright and eager mind. It’s a caring, concerned teacher’s dream. I stayed in touch with Eva through her continued schooling and joyfully attended her college graduation. What a privilege!

But, the frosting on the cake was the BEST Christmas present ever –  thirty-two years later. She took the time to contact me. My heart is so warmed by Eva’s acknowledgement and her success. Thank you, Eva! May God continue to bless you as you are a blessing to others!

You can send The Best Christmas Gift  today! A note, a phone call, a text message, “Thank you for making a difference.” Isn’t that what life is all about?  Give someone a lift. It won’t cost you anything more than a moment of your time. Merry Christmas, friends! Be a blessing!!