fortune cookie
March 16, 2008In the middle of a trying week, I broke down and got some Chinese food take out. I know better, but I was stressed and tired and hungry, so I treated myself to some beef with brocolli and chow mein. I ate it at the dining table, while I read US Weekly, another guilty pleasure. Before getting back to work, I opened my fortune cookie and this is what it told me:
Really? I wanted to ask that cookie. Are you sure?
I was feeling far from courageous and not at all optimistic about things, and now I was feeling resentful that the cookie was making fun of me.
When Rama came home, I showed it to him, and he nodded. “It’s true.”
“I don’t think so,” I sighed.
“Courage doesn’t mean never being scared and optimism doesn’t mean always being happy.”
It took a few days for that to sink in, and I am finally starting to get it. Maybe I am brave. Maybe I am hopeful. Maybe that was never in question.
The real question might be, “You have these gifts. Now what are you going to do with them?”
I'm Christine, and this is a slice of my life—a sweet, rich, wildly indulgent slice that would taste really good with a scoop of Breyers vanilla bean ice cream. Read more >>
I run a darling, friendly, little graphic design studio.
I look on the bright side.
I take photos. Lots of photos.
I wish on stars and on websites.
I built my first web site 7 years ago and got 15 seconds of fame. (It changed my life.)
I launched, then relaunched, an online magazine.
I admitted to several embarrassing crushes.
I consumed more bacon than any human should and lived to tell the tales.
you are brave & hopeful…what wise words from rama…and I love your question!
I love that something most people play off as just for fun resulted in this self realization. Fortune cookies are good for the soul :)
I think Rama is right. You have a studio and a shoppe where you bravely put your all into creating things for others in hopes that it’ll make them smile or help their business. You’re putting yourself out there everyday!
you are so both… love what you say here…. should repeat it to myself all day today…. :)
oh my god dude, those things are so true about you. and i think the most charming part is you aren’t always aware of it. your courage is subtle. it’s not something you have to flaunt to prove, it’s just there.
that’s fancy.
xox
What DuPont said.
“Courage doesn’t mean never being scared and optimism doesn’t mean always being happy.”
what wise words.
ryan! p not P.
You are brave and beautiful and inspiring!!
“ryan! p not P.”
Crap… foiled again.
Edit! I need an edit!