September 3, 2008

What Do You Do When the World Makes You Feel Small?

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:40 am

Looking Up

I grew up with two brothers - one who is 8 years older than me and one who is 15 months older than he is. Winning at anything was a losing proposition unless they were placating me. One brother says he decided that I was his personal pet. The other brother said most days somewhat of a pest.

That’s not to say we don’t love each other to death . . . But relationships and little kids can wear on big brothers’ smiles, and I was a little kid who was particularly good wearing things out. It was a lonely “talent” and it often caused responses that made me feel smaller than the little kid I already was.

Yet as I look back, I realize that I learned a lot from my brothers who choose not to entertain the pesty, persistent interrupter that I was.

I learned to find my own measure of how big I am.

With enough practice walking off with my chin on my chest, I figured out that it’s hard to smile when I’m looking down. I also noticed that sidewalks and feet present limited possibilities to think about. We’ll not even talk about how boring I find mulling over the idea of the world is against me again.

looking_up_from_sxc.hu

Looking up has much more to offer than looking down.

Just raising chin makes me feel taller and like I belong. Looking up offers new perspectives and possibilities. Even if I imagine myself tiny enough to stand under a flower I feel important enough to accomplish what I came here for.

Looking up is where the light is, where the clouds can take any form.

When things get big and I’m overwhelmed by it all, I look up. I feel power.

It’s hard to feel less than anyone else under the sky that’s bigger than everyone.

What do you do when the world makes you feel small?

–ME “Liz” Strauss
image: sxc.hu
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15 Comments to “What Do You Do When the World Makes You Feel Small?”

  1. September 3rd, 2008 at 8:10 am
    Cath Lawson said

    Hi Liz - that’s a good way to think when you’re feeling like that.

    I usually try to remember something that made me feel good about myself in the past. Sometimes, recapturing that feeling helps.

  2. September 3rd, 2008 at 8:50 am
    Karl Edwards said

    Thanks for the uplifting words!

    I remind myself that there’s no other “me” in the world. And unless I show up and make my contribution, no one else is going to be able to do it for me.

  3. September 3rd, 2008 at 8:56 am
    Dorai Thodla said

    Look up to the Universe. You may feel considerably bigger in the world.
    Or create your own unique world, where you are not so small :)

  4. September 3rd, 2008 at 8:59 am
    SpaceAgeSage said

    I remind myself that perception is reality and reality is perception, so I try to get a handle on some more positive thoughts.

  5. September 3rd, 2008 at 10:33 am
    Todd Jordan said

    What a great post. Love the outlook, and it reminds me not to focus downwards.

  6. September 3rd, 2008 at 11:00 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Cath,
    I try to do the same thing. But the sky really does the best to give me the perspective I need. :)

  7. September 3rd, 2008 at 11:01 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Karl,
    It’s true. If you don’t do what you’re supposed to do, no one else can fill that role. The world needs what you’re here to accomplish. I’m with you on that. :)

  8. September 3rd, 2008 at 11:02 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Dorai,
    Somehow looking at creation makes me feel more than special and larger than life. I know what you’re saying. :

  9. September 3rd, 2008 at 11:03 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Sage,
    Your wisdom is something people need. Don’t ever discount what you bring. It’s important to all of us and important to me.

  10. September 3rd, 2008 at 11:04 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Todd,
    You inspired me to write this and it was just what I needed to think about this very morning. Thank you. :)

  11. September 3rd, 2008 at 12:17 pm
    Amy Derby said

    What do I do when the world makes me feel small… That’s a good question. Here’s a weird answer. I go in my closet and write. Seriously. I’ve done it since I was a kid, and it’s still what I do.

  12. September 3rd, 2008 at 5:32 pm
    Patricia said

    The moment I catch myself starting to feel i, I attempt to do something for someone else. The smallest action reminds me what a large heart I have and how kind I am and that there is a shortage of kindness these days - I can be a twinkle or a search light, but I am shining forth.
    When I exhaust my I to i by doing for everyone else, I write myself heartfelt conversation.
    After reading the Monday holiday/train post and today’s post, I think maybe you might need someone to make you a cup of tea, have a wee rest, and I wish I was there to do just that. What could I do for you?

  13. September 3rd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Amy,
    I can understand that. I had a closet under the stairs that was pretty special. You just reminded me of how special it was. :)

  14. September 3rd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Yeah, Patricia,
    What a great way to get back to the capital letter . . . to get outside ourselves and focus on others.

    I don’t need a cup of tea or a hand on my shoulder. I write about things I know well, because I know them — just as you did in your comment.

    Thank you for caring. I’m smiling at the thought. Life here is good. :)

  15. September 5th, 2008 at 11:59 am
    » Friday Favorites : Ideas For Women Blog said

    [...] Liz Strauss asks: “What Do You Do When the World Makes You Feel Small?” [...]

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