Saturday, January 12, 2013

Settling for less or just plain content?

Bird 2- Bird watercolor series

First, I would like to apologize for my absence. Just to update you guys, my boss resigned (yesterday was her last day) and my dept. has now shrunk to 2 people to run a multi-facility operation with over 1,000 employees. Therefore, it os safe to say things have become a bit (just a little bit ;-) hectic.


In the midst of this chaos, I have often wondered why people worry about status and power. I generally do not care about either one. But recent developments have me questioning whether I am someone who constantly settles for less or I am just plain content most of the time.



The company I work for is growing in employee numbers and shrinking in space. The fights for the better office have ensued and someone wanted to take over my office, moving me to another space. I looked at her and said :"I don't care", but my boss (prior to her living) told me in an emphatic voice: "Don't take that shitty office, Ana."


I looked back at the times I did fight and the reasons why I fought for something. I looked at the times I chose to let it slide. It dawned on me, I have most often fought for my family, my friends, my dignity and the things I believe in.

New watercolor postcards. New brand.

A desk, an office, or a title have never been and never will be worth fighting for.

44 comments:

Christine Altmiller said...

People and yourself and the joy they bring you are worth fighting for. Everything else is just "stuff". If you fight for stuff and win, it seems tainted by the memory of the fight.
Beautiful Birds and Berries!

Memory box at 27 said...

I guess it's only worth fighting for when it is what person wants in life, if it's that important to them. Love your new birds. Lovely colors!!

Kalei's Best Friend said...

People worry or concern themselves about status because they lack self esteem or some because they think status or materialistic things is what will make them happy. As far as settling- I refuse to settle. I remember settling for a relationship because of fear of being alone, and also giving that person a second chance.. Was I happy? Not really... The older we get, we change our views, and realize what is truly important and what truly makes us happy... Life lessons change us- not settling..
Good post!

Nadia said...

You're so right! They will have like a 100 others for you! But I so love you're birdies!! And they are not replaceable. Nice colours!! Did you try the Winsor& Newton watercolours yet? I have a travelbox but I did not dared to touch them yet...

Unknown said...

Meravigliosi i tuoi uccellini, eterei, lievi come una poesia...
Bellalullo

turquoisemoon said...

In Buddhism we believe that a person creates their own unhappiness by their attachment to getting & keeping things or the aversion to not getting something. You maintain a happiness this person will never have. Your birds are wonderful... Have a great day!!!

Japolina said...

Being content is good. Making the best of something is good. Being happy is good. I don't think it is settling unless you decide it is.

Anonymous said...

Couldn't have said it better myself hon! "stuff" is not all it's cracked up to be.
love the birds!

Jho said...

some people tend to focus on and fight for the trivial things in life. smh. lovely painting.

oliveneedspopeye.blogspot.com

aneri_masi said...

The more I read your posts, the more I feel, see...why doesn't everyone else get this, this is exactly how I feel!

I used to think I am not an ambitious person. After reading this, I guess I am just content and happy to be where I am :)

Hey, check this out...there's butterflies in here, I think of you every time I see butterflies:

http://www.sadafulee.blogspot.com/2013/01/art-jewelry-elements-earring-challenge.html

Createology said...

You are a wise woman...stuff in unimportant in the scale of life. Your birds and berries are very "Tweet". Creative Hearts are Happy Hearts...

Plowing Through Life (Martha) said...

That's a great philosophy, Ana. No point in wasting energy on trivial things. There are much more important things to fight for.

AntiquityTravelers said...

It really is an ugly business this comparing yourself to everyone else, and what they have - or don't have. And it seems like the more 'stuff' you have the more 'stuff' you want. A cycle of never feeling full, or that you have enough. Family, friends, a place to call home (big or small) .... it is the difference between people who live to work, and people who work to live. Live life Ana ... you have a beautiful view on what is important

ArtSings1946 said...

I do so agree with you ... some things are just not worth all the negative energy it makes .... and I have to tell you, some things never change ... there will always be these silly people, but perhaps just perhaps someday humankind will make that spiritual leap I've been waiting for .... be that as it may, your birds are gorgeous. Love them.

Happiness always,
Jan

Sulky Kitten said...

It's good to just follow your own instincts and stay true to yourself. I love your postcards, they're beautiful.

melo.joyce said...

Cheguei aqui depois que você comentou no meu blog, que eu nem divulgo pra ninguém, é mais pra eu observar se tô melhorando alguma coisa no desenho... Levei um susto quando vi o comentário! Foi o primeiro do blog. E obrigada pelas palavras!

Seus pássaros são lindos! Tenho que treinar mais aquarela, adoro a delicadeza desse material.
E sobre seu post, eu me sinto do mesmo jeito. Sempre me pergunto se não sou ambiciosa o suficiente...

Almost Precious said...

The birds are beautiful, as always. :)

A dream or an ideal (such as freedom, justice, liberty, equality) are worth fighting for but sometimes people get hung up on the trivial things and lose sight of the dream.

Martha Lever said...

Your birds are so beautiful. Thank you for your comment today. And I really enjoyed reading about that sweet big brother. Everyone should have one of those!

Susan said...

Your painting looks wonderful as usual. Love the way you've done their eyes, they look so real.As for ambition or contentment I believe happiness dwells only with contentment.

floating thru fields said...

new watercolor postcards, how cool, I didn't even know there was such a thing. I get what you mean, the last few years have taught me so much about what's really important.
I love your beautiful birds :)

Riot Kitty said...

I think you're smart to pick your battles. Stress is the cause of so much illness and discontent.

Adam said...

everyone should be lucky to have an office. I know many a times, there has been severe cramping and sharing of offices.

Natasha said...

You are such a deeply powerful soul. Your voice does not overwhelm but instead you have this way of seeping into the heart and causing the mind to wonder. That's a gift. There is no settling in your voice - there is passion. You have a passion for things that truly mean something - people and you. People are the things that matter to you - the memories you make are the only things you will take with you when this journey ends. In fighting for you, be sure you are allowing yourself to be as big - to dream as big - and make possible the things you truly want - the things that will live on after you. In your voice, there is power. In your there is power, passion and drive to achieve, accomplish and obtain anything your heart truly cares for. Trust in that :)

Kristin_Texas said...

I know what you mean. You can't take it with you.

Kristin

Ola said...

My dear, on the other hand what would be life withour working?

Creatively yours Fi said...

Thought provoking Ana :) Gorgeous painting of the birds and berries. I love them :) x

Sherri B. said...

Ana, I would be the exact same way...fighting over an office would not be something I'd feel compelled to do. Isn't it funny how people have different priorities in life. I am loving your bird paintings!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

You know what I loved about this? The fact that you fight for the truly important things speaks volumes about the type of person you are :)

Anonymous said...

I am so glad I am retired now, and I couldn't be happier. Best wishes to you, Ana.

alteredstatesstudio said...

God bless you Ana! because the majority of people out there do not think that way....i feel bad for them- that that is the way of somehow fulfilling their lives; it is sad really. it makes me wonder what their lives outside of work consist of...must be depressing to only have work.

The Purple Assassin. said...

so glad to know that humanity ain't dead.
Keep it up.
We're here to follow you!
Best Wishes Ana.

Magic Love Crow said...

As long as you are happy and you aren't being taken advantage of, is the main thing ;o) I love your birds! So bright and happy ;o)

bohemiannie! art said...

I have a feeling you'll be happy where ever you sit to work. Your birds and blossoms are...as always...exquisite.

Olivier Violin said...

Merci pour votre visite.
Vos aquarelles sont d'une grande délicatesse...
Amitiés.

Cristina Dalla Valentina said...

I am happy that you landed on my blog, Ana, because so I could find another introverted artist like me! Yes, also I am "more concerned with the inner world of the mind", like you said in your profile. And I am happy to find someone who can understand this like you: I like when in one of your posts you said "Introverts of the world, this is no longer an extroverted world!". And the strange thing is that is the web that enabled us to understand this and find that we are not the only ones...
I found many beautiful artworks and many meaningful words on your pages, I will visit you often!
Ciao dall'Italia!
Cristina

Danielle said...

Oh I so agree with this post. I am not one that is impressed or want to impress...I am thankful that I am at that point in my life...it takes to much energy. Thanks for stopping by my place and saying hello.

Shaharoh said...

Whatever is in your heart is right and write:) I think it's true, one must pick their battles. You're an artist and I'm sure whatever office you have is nothing compared to the beautiful space you have at home that is your own. In our creative spaces, there is no struggle, no power---only peace of mind, body and soul.

The Dancing Crone said...

Hmmm, I guess 'pick your battles' is important to me. I'm probably going to 'settle' for less if I know the person who is confronting me is a bully or a nut case. If I think there is room for negotiation I would probably go after what I wanted or wanted to kee. Loverly birdies!!!

Dra. Cristiane Grande Jimenez Marino said...

Wow Ana! Your birds are gorgeous.
They look huge, it's difficult to realize that they are postcards!
I loved your reflexion, it reminded me that Life is too short for fighting and fussing for anything that is not essential.
Kisses

GlorV1 said...

Just stay positive and think good things and all will be well. Love your birds. You really have a way with your work.

Bohemian said...

A thought provoking Post that each person must have their Peace about. Personally I feel Contentment is Priceless and perhaps even settling for less to achieve Contentment can be the right choice. Maybe that revelation has more Clarity to me at this Winter Season of Life. Now that I'm Retired from my Corporate Lives where I attained every Goal set, I realized that often the view from the top of the Mountain, though it had its merits, wasn't always 'All That' and did come at a 'Cost'. Sometimes one is no longer willing to pay that Cost anymore... and I am much more Content now that when I had more Titles and Career accolades and accomplishments. Just having Contentment and Joy to do what I'm most Passionate about and to spend more Time with Family and Friends trumps any amount of financial gain that the Corporate World had to offer. I Hope you find a Peace with your decision about this... and a healthy Balance.

Blessings... Dawn... The Bohemian

Teddi said...

you're right to spend your energy on things you believe in fighting in or fighting for, and also for creating beautiful art we can all enjoy! :)

Imanol López Garin said...

Wonderful colors. I love those birds. Greetings from Gasteiz.

Lisa Graham said...

Your birds turned out so beautiful Ana. And I agree with you 100%.