As you know, I usually write about Conflict in the Workplace. This post is about inner conflict that we all experience at times. I was inspired to write about this topic after reading an autobiography about my favorite artist – Vincent Van Gogh called “Dear Theo.” The book contains letters to Vincent’s brother Theo. It is a difficult book to read because you experience Vincent’s mental illness and internal demons. You will find quotes from the book below.
I meet people daily who don’t know how to live their life to the fullest. My 2nd book, Take the Ride of Your Life contains stories and examples from my own life how important it is to live life BIG. This is one of the reasons why I continue my quest to help others become bold and speak their mind if and when others try to suck out their individualism with toxic behavior.
Think about your own life for a moment.
Are there people who keep putting you down or trying to destroy your dreams? Have you remained painfully silent or had that tough conversation with them? I find it very frustrating when I listen to others who let others put them down just for being different. After you read the words from Van Gogh let me know what you need to do to make sure that this does not happen to you…or what you already said to others to stop them from trying to control you. Click Here to share your thoughts.
Background about the Artist
Vincent went into ministry just like his father. He was very bright and knew 9 languages. He flunked out of his studies because he was painfully shy and could not have a positive conversation during his interviews. Vincent’s brother Theo suggested that he start drawing and Vincent learned during the impressionist era. The problem for Vincent was…the world was not ready for his dramatic art, because it was so dark and unusual.
Other artists and dealers kept criticizing his long strokes. He only used a knife with thick paint and did not use brushes. Vincent suffered from an extreme case of mental illness and he could not cope with being different or the criticism. I wish I could have let him know what a genius he was and how famous he would become. But obviously this was not possible. Again, think about what you do and if you are different from the main stream..Do you embrace this or turn this into a problem?
Quotes from Vincent Van Gogh
“Theo, how can I be of use in the world?”
“I wish to express, not melancholy, but serious sorrow. I want to reach so far that people will say of my work: He feels deeply, he feels tenderly.”
“What am I in the eyes of most people? A good-for-nothing, an eccentric and disagreeable man. Very well, even if that were true, I should want to show by my work what there is in the heart of such an eccentric man, of such a nobody. I am only 30 and most people think I’m a failure.”
“I have been criticized for not making water colors. I tried water colors, but I have more heart for another kind of drawing, and felt more and more passion for strongly drawn figures.”
“Yes, I think it is a tragedy. Great men are usually dead by the time their work is publicly recognized and during their lives they are under continuous pressure from the obstacles of the struggle for existence.”
“Fortunately for me I do not hanker after victory any more. All I ask in painting is a way of escaping from life.”
Thoughts from Joyce
I visited Provence in France and walked in the same paths where Van Gogh painted The Yellow House, Night Cafe and Starry Night. It was one of the most awe inspiring moments in my life. Of course part of Van Gogh’s legacy is his mental illness and how he was not able to over come his demons. So this is your turn. Let me know of a time in your life when you didn’t let others criticize you for being different. Think of children and adults who may be screaming on the inside…”Accept me even if I’m not like you!” You have heard me say, “Different is Different. Different is not Wrong.” Yet many people don’t live by this simple principle.
Click Here to read my article Different Does NOT Equal Wrong.
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A recognized expert on Resolving Conflict in the Workplace, Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP is an author, accountability coach, and a Certified Speaking Professional. To book Joyce to speak at your event or company call: 800.713.1926 or email: Joyce@JoyceWeiss.com
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Until next time,
This is Joyce Weiss, Business Conflict Resolution Consultant
I help people become top level leaders who get GREAT results.
How do I do this?
I teach them to tackle the tough conversations with bullies and negative people to build employee engagement, accountability, and rock star performance…
The Result? My clients resolve their conflict and they get a better night’s sleep!
Feel free to call me concerning your own team/executive retreats, workshops, on line professional growth coaching, and keynote speeches.
Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!
See YOU Next Week.
Click Here to read my article Different Does NOT Equal Wrong.
Click Here to order Joyce’s book, Take the Ride of Your Life.
Jerry weiss says
I have known many people who have acted like a bully. It is great how you teach people to stand up for them selves.