James Baldwin Quotes

by Steve M Nash
(Brockholes, W Yorskhire, UK)

James Baldwin wonders...

"Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced."

Listen to my thoughts about James Baldwin's inspirational quote in the video below. You'll also discover a bit more about a favourite part of West Yorkshire, this time the River Holme in Brockholes, in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire.

What I Wonder...

(NOTE: Yes, I wrote any captions you see in this video. It's called self-deprecation, and it's mostly a healthy thing (I think!).)


So, as I say in the video, I find James Baldwin's quote compelling and powerful IF acted on.

Firstly, it is important to have an understanding of what it is in our lives that we do not face, either through ignorance or fear:

• So it could be we choose not to face our anger. (This is true of me, I know, mainly because it feels so familiar to me that it doesn't feel 'wrong'.)


• Or it could do not want to face our dislike of a certain person or people who have certain 'characteristics' (shy or brash, forceful or demure, joyful or miserable, etc.)


• We may even not wish to face the idea that we have any imperfections at all!

If we do not face these truths about ourselves, about the attitudes we bring to how we are actually living our life, then we truly cannot make things 'better' for ourselves.


Again, it's not about looking finding fault with yourself and giving yourself a hard time for those faults!

It's not about changing everything that is 'wrong' with yourself.

It's about being honest about yourself, as you would be with a dear friend, and seeing yourself as others see you - both the good bits and the not-so-good bits.

It's about understanding (and NOT avoiding) your flaws, so that you can look to change those flaws.

It's also about understanding that some things about yourself are always going to remain true, that not everything can be changed!

But the liberation, here, is that you can then accept that this is how you are, that these are your flaws and then they come as a package with your qualities too!

Once you can know and accept yourself for who you truly are, I believe you can find peace. I believe you can stop hiding who you are from people. I believe you can open yourself up to love.

This is what I believe about James Baldwins' inspirational quote, but I'd love to hear what you think too, I really would.

Yes, that's right, I'd love to hear your wisdom, your thoughts, regarding this James Baldwin quote! :-)

Thanks for reading,
Steve

PS And here are three more free inspirational quotes from James Baldwin

"Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within."

"I am what time, circumstance, history, have made of me, certainly, but I am also, much more than that. So are we all."

"I can't believe what you say, because I see what you do."

PPS Now please comment, please have your say - thanks.