The woman can’t know how her story freed — frees — me. I didn’t know it myself until years passed. It was a simple story told to ease the pain of young mothers whose daughters didn't get chosen for the cheerleading squad. “It can happen,” Marge said. “Your daughter can be an amazing cheerleader; but on that day — the moment she performed before the judges — she wasn’t.” Harsh words, but I found freedom in them.
"On that day." That's the key. I've come to learn that by owning (acknowledging to be true, valid or as claimed), "that" day (whatever "that" day is), I don't need to make excuses. I can freely move forward rather than questioning, rehashing or regretting. I employ this wisdom frequently, like when the little chimp on my shoulder tempts me to criticize one of my photos. I remind myself, "On that day, I made those shooting and editing choices." More simply put, "On that day, that's what I did." Freedom!
I spent way too much time this morning trying to pick from the infinite number of choices available for editing this image. Will I look back on it someday and think I should have edited it differently? Probably. But I’ll remind myself, “On that day, that’s what I did,” and freely move on.
(Thankfully, Sarah was chosen for the cheerleading squad then and every time thereafter. Voted "most spirited" by her senior class, no wonder.)
What a beautiful story you tell with your photo. Today is one day among many and each day we get new chances where we can have a different perspective.and perhaps a different outcome. So happy for your Sarah and for you too.
