My husband sent me this great John Lennon quote this morning. When I was in third grade my teacher, Mrs. Sanders, asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. I said that I couldn't decide between being an artist or the person who named paint colors. I went further by saying that maybe I could do one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. I'll never forget the look on her face when she said, "Karen, you have no talent and besides we already have a great artist in our class, Guy. I think you would be better suited to be a secretary or a mother." I remember being so proud of myself for not crying then and there. I actually made it until after the lights were out then I buried myself under the covers and cried my heart out. This happened again when after high school I wanted to go to art school and my parents would not agree. I have battled but I've never given up, at least not for long. "Happy" is doing what you love (and a functioning sewing machine in my case). Be kind to yourself and others.
I hate to think of all the damage done to kids by thoughtless comments like that. The nuns told me in fourth grade to mouth the words as the rest of the class was singing during our Christmas performance because they said my singing was throwing everything off! I've never sung in front of anyone since then. I AM a lousy singer, but you're a talented artist.
ReplyDeleteYou are most kind. It is so true the damage that is done. A junior high art teacher saved me and then my high school teacher helped even more. So there are two sides of the coin. I am so sorry for what the nuns did to you. I remember when I taught Montessori there was a five year old boy who loved to sign and sign loud, but he couldn't carry a tune. All the other teachers tired to get him to sing "softly". Not me. When it came time for our group, he had the lead. He won the crowd over too. My experiences made me firm in never telling someone that they couldn't or didn't have talent. I hope you sing! Hugs, Karen
DeleteWow, Karen, this is a powerful message: 'Be kind to yourself and others'. . .We've all been derailed at some time in our lives by a few flippant words uttered by another person.
ReplyDeleteI only hope I never derail anyone. Hugs, Karen
DeleteThere are so many people out there who have been hurt by such comments. We carry those with us for a very long time. Hugs to you. And that is one of my favorite John Lennon quotes too.
ReplyDeleteI know I still carry it. Thanks for your kind words. Hugs, Karen
DeleteAs soon as I read this I had several memories of similar incidents pop into my head. Hard to overcome those negative moments that stay with you forever. It's led to my philosophy that everyone is good at something and you just have to keep trying things until you find what it is. There are so many negatives in our lives, we have to try to always give out those positives to overcome it.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! Hugs, Karen
DeleteYou are so right about happiness. What do we have without it? Glad you didn't listen to the teacher who said you had no talent. She needs to look at your Prayers to the Moon.
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