flickr photo credits: (1) bionicteaching (2) bionicteaching (3) hummingcrow (4) krutscjo (5) Choconancy1
Five Card Story: Reach beyond
a Five Card Flickr story by Diana Chism Spearman created Jun 14 2025, 10:34:23 pm. Create a new one!
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Growing up on a farm, I often felt a sense of enclosure that provided a misguided form of confinement, limiting my access to the broader world. As part of farm life, you are expected to start working at a young age, which is why, at six, I was already doing so. A sturdy fence surrounded our yard, and the outer limits were fences for livestock like hogs, chickens, bulls, and cows well-contained within the boundaries of our property. This pervasive sense of confinement was a constant presence in my life, with fences and barriers defining my everyday environment. The only moments of liberation came during school hours, when I had the chance to gaze out the window, partake in the joyful chaos of recess, and engage in lively conversations with my friends.
However, as soon as the final bell rang, it felt as though I was plunged back into a world where I was trapped, suffocated by the walls of my safe haven. Yet, as I matured, my perspective began to shift. I learned to embrace the very fences that enclosed me, discovering ways to find joy and adventure within those limitations. I started wearing my cowboy boots and hats, taking to the riding trails on my brother's horses. It was then that the boundaries I once viewed as constricting transformed into a canvas for my imagination and growth.
Instead of feeling suppressed, I saw an opportunity for empowerment as I navigated my life's path. I began to appreciate the clarity and direction the constraints provided. The journey I embarked upon became illuminated, lined with beautiful scenery and experiences that fashioned me into the woman I am today.
Now, I extend my hand to help anyone willing to put in the effort to transform their mindset, to break free from the chains of negativity and fixed perceptions. The guiding principle I instill in my grandchildren is concise but profound: “You get what you settle for.” For instance, if you receive a C on an assignment and simply accept it without investigating what went wrong or researching strategies for improvement, you are effectively resigning yourself to weakness. However, by seeking constructive feedback and reflecting on their mistakes, they can unlock the potential for a better grade in the future. I firmly believe in the power of positive energy and the possibilities that unfold when we challenge our limitations.
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flickr photo credits: (1) bionicteaching (2) bionicteaching (3) hummingcrow (4) krutscjo (5) Choconancy1