Friday, July 26, 2019

Juxtapositions

Please listen to the music as you read and view:




Think hard.

Think back to a time of your life

when someone bullied you

because you were 

too small
too big
too shy
too quiet
too different


All of the above and more

are characteristics often falsely perceived 

as

weakness.

But you know better, don't you...



I however, did not know better.

So, for years I perceived myself 

as inferior to those in 

school, the workplace and even here

on social media
 

until 

I allowed myself to 

thrust forward 

in the trust



that juxtapositions
are like a cord of three strands
not easily ruptured.
The muscle held in check 

by
the wisdom of gentleness
creates contrasts
misunderstood
by those who
see only with the eyes.
 
To get the full picture


anita pelayo rivera photography les dames d'abord

one must understand

that

when rescued and redeemed
 

a being's gentle power

and 

muscular serenity

are not bullying material

but rather a poem 

of

grateful compassion. 


Like the rescue horse here

in my photos

who was redeemed by her owner

and my friend


I will remember I 

am not weak

but

made stronger

by 

the gentle power

of 

kindness.

 

29 comments:

Miss Sandra said...

Kindness is a power more amazing than anyone can imagine. Food for thought. Thank you dear Anita. xoxo

Jude Butterfly said...

Many people, particularly narcissistic individuals mistake kindness for weakness. I allowed myself to be bullied for a long time because I am a tall, athletically built person and I always knew if rage got out of hand, I could drop a another person easily. Also, sarcasm is a character defect of mine and words can hurt worse than physical blows. I've spent a life time of just turning and walking away because I don't want to live with regrets of the pain I might cause others. Sometimes the greater kindness is to just leave. I always enjoy your perspective, Anita. Beautiful and profound words. Jude

Red Rose Alley said...

Anita, I love this picture. As I told you earlier, it is just beautiful. You're right, in our society, people perceive kindness or loveliness in speech as being weak, but Yes, we know better, my dear. It takes great strength to remain calm and keep the peace in our hearts when someone does us wrong. The same with being sweet. Sometimes people are taken advantage of when they have sweetness in their character. It's strange how society has twisted so many things around to their benefit, isn't it? Keep loving and shining your light, Anita. I have to tell you that my favorite photo was the second one cause you can see her heels. This amazing photo you took reminds me of a trait that is special to have. Being soft and strong is a good combination and a wonderful way to be. : )

love you, Anita, I really do. : )

~Sheri

It's me said...

Kindness is the most beautiful thing you do in life ...i love it....love you my friend ...have a Nice summer....one day work tomorrow and than.....never again.....so strange ...i filled my time with kindness and give it back to the world...and help people who need ....That ‘s my plan...love you Ria ๐Ÿ’™❤️๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’—๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ’›

Junkchiccottage said...

Kindness is one of the gifts we can give freely to each other. It is what makes us human and what keeps us believing our purpose is important. Love this beautiful message.
Hugs
Kris

mary h tindukasiri said...

Hi Anita, Kindness--so many times misunderstood. Kindness is many times mistaken for weakness by those who do not delve the depth of being. Kindness is risking to love.
Thank you!!!
Mary

La Contessa said...

BULLIED for being TALL in elementary school!!!
Beautiful Words.........Beautiful Captues!
XX

Karen said...

Anita,
Thank you for your wisdom and food for thought each time you post. I loved today's post. Kindness is a favorite work and I work at living by that thought each day.
xo,
Karen
Love the music, too.

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

You, my friend, are simply a beautiful soul. Love and kindness shines from you. I'm ever so grateful to call you friend and I'm ever so grateful you didn't let the bullies win. Light, love and hugs, Shell

Portobello said...

Soul stirringly beautiful as always Anita! Thank you for filling my cup this morning!

^.^ said...

Lovely post again friend Anita. Thank you so much for sharing those precious thoughts. (Again, no video for me see … maybe include the tile of the piece, so I can search for it?) Anyway … Sending Summery Alberta greetings … signed and sealed by cat and her cat Theo Thunderbutt … smiles … Much love, c. https://youtu.be/Fo5RUhuoLO4

A Joyful Cottage said...

Exercising kindness is a way to retain our dignity. If we repay unkindness with unkindness I believe we somehow lose a valuable part of our self. However, if we can repay a hurt with kindness, well then we touch the divine, that image of God in which we are created. Lovely post and heartfelt thoughts, as always, Anita. Hugs, Nancy

Unknown said...

Such a true point. I had the unfortunate opportunity to witness a mother, impatiently snap at her 9 or 10 year old son because he was determined to hold his umbrella over her head to shield her from the rain while she corralled two other young boys to their car. Her waspish response to his simple kindness made me stop and consider that in this very "hurried" world we live in, kindness is not something that parents seem to deem important enough to nurture in their children. I simply whispered a prayer to our heavenly Father that this young boy would continue to see the value in kindness and that his mother would somehow, slow down to appreciate this beautiful trait in her son.
As always, I am blessed by your creative and enlightening words, photos and added music.
Sincerely,
Christianne

Art and Sand said...

I have admired you and held you in awe since I first read your blog - probably in 2012 when I began blogging.

Each time I read one of your posts or see one of your posts on Instagram I smile. You are one I look up to sweet friend.

handmade by amalia said...

Kindness rules! Another gorgeous post, Anita.
Amalia
xo

Ann said...

I love your picture,
such a wonderful contrast...the strength and muscles of the horse and the delicateness of the gown and gracefulness of the woman. I agree with most of the comments that kindness is such a strength often misunderstood as weakness. When I was younger I am quite timid and shy, I rarely speak out what is on my mind and too often I find it hard to say no. But when I grew older and maybe through my bad experiences, I resolved to get stronger and stand for what I want without being rude. I believe in kindness and being nice all the time even if the people you deal with are not.

Thanks for this post, I hope a lot of your readers would be reminded of the importance and virtue of kindness.

Have a great week, Anita.

Ann

Jeanie said...

Wprds and images here are both incredibly beautiful and touch a core deep in my heart. It is clear that however you survived the words and deeds of your youth, you triumphed in so many ways. I honor and applaud that.

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Kindness is a gift to all, it is free for us to give and it makes so many feel so good. Even on days when I am not kind to myself I am to others, I wonder why that is.

Beautiful post and beautiful photos.

xox

Lowcarb team member said...

Kindness is the best gift :)
I do like your photographs.

All the best Jan

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Hello Dearest Anita,
Indeed we live in a world where a gentle spirit, kindness, caring, and a soft heart are taken advantage of by not-so-kind people. Just like you it has taken me 62 years to break those chains of doubt. Doubt of myself, my abilities, my intelligence.
Thank you for sharing the essence of feminine strength and wisdom so beautifully here.
Blessings to you my darling friend.
Love
Jemma

Debbie Nolan said...

Anita - gorgeous photos - beautiful words and lovely music. It doesn't get any better than this - certainly kindness was found here. Hugs!

Junkchiccottage said...

Hello sweet friend. I think kindness is only second to love. Both are powerful and so needed for our souls to thrive. Beautiful music and poem. You do not disappoint Anita. Thanks you for sharing your sweet talented heart with all of us.
xoxo
Kris

Jeanie said...

I know so well what you tell in your poem, your story. It is my story too. The good thing is that it doesn't have to be the ending -- just the path to the ending. It's beautiful as are your photos.

Ann said...

Oh Anita I was hoping to find a new post.
Anyways, no pressure dear
take all the time you need
I will just be visiting again and again.

Have a lovely weekend ♥

Ann
https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/

The Liberty Belle said...

I am amazed by those that I sometimes encounter who assume gentleness and kindness are synonymous with weakness.

The Dutchess said...

Your kindness..overflowing..overland and over sea..xxx

The Dutchess said...

This a wonderful music..(don't go sailing just yet dearest...) X
Wait for the tides to turn..

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Palomasea said...

Wow, this one brought tears to my eyes...magnificent...wise....true. Tight hugs and Love...