Thanks to Dr. Brenée Brown’s blog, I have just been introduced to author Katherine Center and to this wonderful reading of her essay “What You Know Now.” A simple question from her eight-year-old daughter—What’s the difference between fashion and style?—sparked Katherine’s poignant reflections on life, love, being yourself, and gratitude. Some memorable quotes from the essay:
“We are only as great as our struggles.”
“More than anything, I’m grateful to have learned how to be grateful. That’s the difference between being eight and being forty.”
“Nothing is going to last. And as heartbreaking as that is, it’s also the thing that makes every single second matter.”
Watch the video to hear Katherine’s wonderful answer to her daughter’s question. It’s perfect.
httpv://youtu.be/FPUOlQ8bmuE
Katherine Center’s new book is The Lost Husband. I’ve just finished reading it and highly recommend it as a heart-warming, poignant story filled with all the delicious elements of a good read: loss, love (old and new), quirky characters, overcoming adversity,with lots of memorable insights along the way.
If I could talk to my 8-year-old self, I’m not sure that 8-year-old self would listen. I don’t recall it being so tough back when I was in grade school, middle school, even high school. I was never a fashionista (or cared to try to be one), though I was aware of others who thought it important. Never a trend follower, always a trend starter, I guess. I remember the first time I wore the gaucho outfit (with lace up boots!). I was a hit. And I loved the attention. But mostly it was just pants and a blouse or just a dress. I never had a daugther, so never had to go through the angst of all that. Just be yourself – yep, I’m much more comfortable with that now. Still don’t care much for fashion, a long as I’m clean and comfortable. I’m also more comfortable in my skin (though now it’s saggy and wrinkly!). Just being myself.
Comedy and wisdom, wrapped up in a lovely package. Thanks, Elizabeth, for sharing her with us.
I’m glad you liked it Esther! I was hoping it would resonate with others as much as it did with me.