The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.I've been feeling rather existential lately... in a third person kind of way. Others think, therefore I am. I've been impressed and touched by those who believe in me as a person, who have faith in my integrity, who see me as someone extraordinary.
It's not a romp through the park with External Validation (which normally makes me sneer anyway), but more a bolstering of my Self in a time of heavy doubt. While I try to be a woman of substance and character, I don't always see past my own self-criticism. Think of it like this... you're looking in the mirror and not noticing that your eyes look great because you're focused on how big your butt looks in those pants.
So others have stepped into the breach and laid some pretty heavy stuff on me... stuff like "Hey, I know who you are and I believe in you." Words that don't just get glibly tossed about (mostly because people usually know that I'm going to give them the look if they start trying to smarm me). But I accept it this time. I need it.
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
John Donne had it right. I wouldn't be whole if I was an island. None of us are complete in and of ourselves. We are born of the people who love us and whose spirits imbue our sense of self. We are greater than the stuff we're made of because of those who see it in us - whether we see it ourselves or not.
The whole is greater.... we're just some of the parts it's made of.
I think you know that the title of this post BEGS for a red-haided hussy to make a smart remark, don't you???
ReplyDelete"And now, right here on the center stage, I'm proud to introduce my pal Barb-- The Great Whole!"
Regardless of the wretched pun, you know we love ALL your parts. They're what makes you YOU!