You know that one of my favorite things is Chinese food with its accompanying fortune cookie. I really enjoy the “philosophy” that the cookie writers include. So, here are some more of them. Well, and here is one from Belva Davis, as well.
“Don‘t be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so.” Belva Davis (an American and radio journalist; the first African-American woman to have become a television reporter on the U.S. West Coast). When was the last time you dreamed something that you really, really wanted? Did you work to make it become a reality? Was your dream about finishing a school program that you wanted or needed? Was it that you wanted the house you had already dreamed about? Was it that you wanted to be rid of some health problem? Did you dream about a special relationship with another person that you wanted to happen? Was your dream about your children or your grand children? What was your dream? I pray that you are able to dream and have those dreams come into a reality in your life.
And, then, there is the philosophy that comes from those pesky little Chinese fortune cookies that I like so much – the philosophies, as well as the cookies. It seems to me that there are philosophies in them that we can appreciate.
Anthing is possible with a willing heart. This, I think, goes along with creating our reality. What is in our vision may take some time. But, I truly believe that if we really want something to happen, it can happen. I also believe that we must want things that are realistic to our lives. Do we want a gazillion dollars? Is that really what we need? So, we need to realize what we really need and make it happen. If we look back over our lives, we may just find that what we’ve had is what we needed most.
Here are two that are similar: No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. Be indifferent to snide remarks. I think that as we age, this is easier to accomplish. When we are children, it is difficult to look in the mirror and not hear comments that have been made about us. Why is it that the hurtful comments seem to outweigh the pleasant ones?
A mentor is someone whose hindsight can become your foresight. I think of the mentors that have been in my life. I’ve told you about some of them. During high school, mine were the high school librarian and the librarian of the city where I grew up. Later, my college critic teacher for my student teaching was the woman who REALLY taught me to teach. She made me into the educator I became. Country school teacher in a one-teacher school; teacher of children between kindergarten and first grade; one of the first Head Start teachers in the nation; teacher of children with asthma and other respiratory diseases. School director and education discipline chief at a state hospital. And, then, school superintendent of a small Colorado school district. Later my mentors were artists. Mentoring and teaching me as a watercolorist. I think I am the person I am, today, because of them.
For everything there is a reason. This Chinese fortune seems to be a short way of saying: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.” (KJV, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) How often do we take the time to read and understand the entire quote that we are partially familiar with? There are parts of this Bible verse that are disturbing, troubling, frightening. Parts that are comforting and easy to hear. Of course, we can’t expect this entire verse to be in a Chinese fortune cookie. It may not be an easy read!**
Do unto others as you wish others do unto you. We always call this “The Golden Rule.” It is, however, a paraphrase from the original, also from the Bible, in Luke 6:31 (KJV) which reads: “And, as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Here again, as we read this reference, we can decide whether or not we will strive to fulfill it.**
A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner! Does this mean that to make us a reliable, responsible person, a little rain must fall into our lives?
A big fortune will descend upon you this year. So, what does this mean – a big fortune? It could, of course, be money. Or, it could be something wonderful and not dollars. Maybe, a wonderful experience with your children. Your parents. Friends. It seems to me that we need to decide exactly what our big fortune is.
Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart. How many pieces of music can stop you in your tracks? Do you play a musical instrument? Do you sing? I used to “sort of” play the piano, but no longer. However, there are musical pieces that can stop ME in my tracks. When I hear “Seras Tu,” which is sung at the end of the movie “All Things Valentine,” it absolutely stops me in my tracks. It is a song sung in Spanish. I have no idea what the words mean and, yet, it produces such a feeling in me that I am compelled to stop what I’m doing and listen to it.
Puccini’s “O Mio Babbino Carro” can do this, as well. Again, I do not know the words. They are another language that I do not know (I know English, only). Yet, the plea to the father is so heartfelt that I have to stop and listen to it.
Enjoy the meal? Buy one to go, too. I would change this cooky advice. I’d say “Enjoy the meal? Buy one for a family.” Sometimes at a restaurant, I see a family – parents and children – and the parents are actually talking with the kids. Not searching on their phones. Not making telephone calls. I love to see parents setting an example of communication with their children. And, so, I think they should be rewarded. I quietly work with their wait staff, letting that person know that I’d like to pay for the family’s meals. I tell the wait staff that after I leave the restaurant (always before the family), they are to let the parents know that the reason they are having the gift of a meal is that they are setting that good example for their children and are being rewarded for their parenting. It’s always fun to do this. It makes my day special; I hope it makes theirs special, as well.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Faith. How often do we hear – “just have faith.” What does that really mean? Having faith? Do we have faith that people will fulfill their promises made to us? Or, is faith that expectation for which we have planned will actually happen? Is faith that expectation of things unseen will be seen? Personally, I think if I could not have faith in people and events, trust in their good judgment, know in my heart that my expectations will come to fruition will happen, I could not live the comfortable life that I live. I want to have faith. I believe that I do have faith in people and expected happenings. I want to have faith!
Passion is in all great searches and is necessary to all creative endeavors. Yes, passion. I paint. I think I paint with passion. When I have an opportunity to cook for crowds, I think I cook with passion. Even when I feel well enough to clean my house (which these days seems to be less and less), I clean with passion. I like a clean house. But, I remember one evening sitting at my computer writing the BLOG. Working on a children’s story. Or, a poem. Or, an article for my Lions Club newsletter. Or even a letter to someone. I remember thinking. THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO DO! I WANT TO WRITE! THIS WRITING – THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO DO MOST. Is that passion? I think so. And, so, I’m writing as much as possible, these days. I do so hope that my writing meets with approval by relatives, friends, and acquaintances. I think that is my passion.
Be Safe and Be Well
The Cranky Crone
Thoughtful comments are appreciated.
**I know – I know. I promised no religious stuff. But, these quotes seem to fit. Take them or leave them – your choice.
2 replies on “More Philosophy From Chinese Fortune Cookies and From Belva Davis ”
A lot of food for thought in this epistle. I’ll chew on it.
Great fortunes!