“Imitation is not inspiration, and inspiration only can give birth to a work of art. The least of man's original emanation is better than the best of borrowed thought.” ~Albert Pinkham Ryder
In these present times, when there seems to be so much desire to be “just like” the person with the most likes, the most followers, the most fame, and the most attention, true originality is a breath of fresh air.
To witness originality in words, in thought, and in expression is akin to witnessing a rare work of art never displayed before, one that invigorates, inspires, and excites to the very core the one who is hungry to behold it.
It is to witness raw courage in full unobscured glory, naked and beautiful and completely available.
Originality is an untethered and wild force, one that springs from deep within a human being, from their inner most desires and calling, and resists being contained.
And what is amazing and awesome about originality is that it is not reserved only for the artists or an elite few, but is a gift given to you and to me. It is meant to be channeled through our unique perspective, sensibilities, and desire in regards to how we wish to see and experience the world.
We each have been given a role to play, and have been called to play it with authenticity, and with our own sensibilities and flair.
While inspiration is a glorious gift, and is a brilliant method of getting one's own juices flowing, and piquing one's own desire to share what is there within themselves, the desire to imitate and to become an exact replica of what already exists is a slippery slope and a game best not engaged in.
To rely on imitation is to slowly, over time, begin to lose who one truly, deeply is, to begin to forget the sound of one's own voice that rings from within, and to drift away from the path of authenticity and one's own unique calling and purpose in this life...
And that unique purpose is the very reason that each of us has been endowed with this magnificent originality in the first place: so that we may discover it, taste it, experience it, and see it come forth from within us like the Divine force that it is, and manifest into something tangible.
Yes, it takes courage to be original. It takes a willingness to be misunderstood, thought foolish, or not accepted.
It takes bravery to blaze the trails ahead of others, to be seen as strange, or sensitive, and not part of the pack.
But if all of that is the cost of discovering, maintaining, and displaying one's originality, then it is truly a small price to pay in the grand scheme of this play called “life”.
We each have been given a role to play, and have been called to play it with authenticity, and with our own sensibilities and flair.
How tragic would it be if the world never got to see the magnificent originality each one of us brings...
Taste what's good and pass it on.
Ingrid
“From The Heart” is a space for me to share some of my more personal thoughts on life. Here you'll find my reflections on my own inner/spiritual journey; on being a wife and mother; on being a creative; and general observations, pretty much whatever is on my mind.
I whole-heartedly believe that sharing "from the heart" with one another is what connects us, heals us, and inspires us! Glad you're here...
lia
this is truly awesome.. just what I needed at this difficult time in my life with a few "struggles" thanks so much for sharing your authenticity!
The Cozy Apron
Hi Lia, thanks so much for your comment.
I am honored that the post brought a bit of uplift to you as you are going through what you are currently going through. It is your personal voice—that spark that is there within you that is unique to you—that we all need an opportunity to witness and to be inspired by.
May you have the courage you need to share it, and to be bold! Sending my best wishes to you as you navigate...
Roseanne
Oh, Ingrid...I love this post. You are so on the money. For me, this slowly unfolding discovery and embracing of who I am has happened with mellowing age. I'm trying new things, discarding what doesn't (and maybe) never fit. I'm rather liking what I'm discovering and who I'm becoming.
xo
The Cozy Apron
Roseanne, I completely relate about the unfolding process—the discovery of my own originality—being one that occurs with "mellowing age"...
These are things I think about a lot these days, as I contemplate what authentically "belongs" to me, and what has been taken on that never really was mine.
It speaks to what you mentioned about trying new things (scrutinizing true desires and wishes and acting upon them), and discarding what doesn't belong (those things taken on over a lifetime that never were mine to begin with). And what a process it is!
This is what life is truly about...this kind of "work". The process of discovery is truly incredible. xo