In preparation for a class I taught today, I spent some time this week studying the life and works of American artist Norman Rockwell. His idealistic paintings, portraying the innocence of a simpler time, were featured for decades in publications such as The Saturday Evening Post and Boy's Life. They were and still are beloved by millions. His critics in the art world, however, are many and outspoken.
Fellow artisans accused him of trying to dictate to Americans how they should view America. Rockwell's work was said to conjure up "a fantasy of a virtuous America". His paintings were thought to have almost a brainwashing effect over their admirers. It was once said of Rockwell that his illustrations convinced people that they were happy when they really weren't.
The more I studied Rockwell's life, art, and words, the more I realized how wrong his critics were. Rockwell actually was painting life as he personally saw it. His reality ? the reality that he created for himself - really was that idealistic. He saw and therefore painted an America where people were good and kind, patriotic, simplistic, and truly blessed. Virtue was in abundance in Norman Rockwell's corner of the world.
While I don't believe that his intent was to brainwash his many fans, he did change the way Americans saw America, when they saw it through Rockwell's eyes. People were inspired to be and do better.
Norman Rockwell once proclaimed of himself that he was "addicted to idealism". How was he able to feed his addiction and create an idealistic reality in which to live and work? From tidbits of his writings, I firmly believe that he must have lived by the following principles: We are whatever we see ourselves to be. How we choose to view our lives will create our reality. Our chosen reality, not fate, will determine our happiness and prosperity in this life.
Rockwell's critics could not see past the reality they had created for themselves. They lived in the same America, but sifted for what was decrepit and evil. Their choice was to live in a country devoid of innocence and virtue.
Rockwell's life and work are just more proof to me that if we choose to see the good around us, we will create more good. It doesn't matter if we are talking about idealism or money, the principle is still the same. "As a man thinketh, so is he."
Heidi Whitaker is an author and speaker on the topic of nutritional support of autoimmune disease. She is also the co-owner of http://www.healthydivas.com. To read other articles written by Heidi or to learn how to participate in her next free teleseminar, visit her blog at http://autoimmune.myblogsite.com/blog.
Why Are You Here?When I ask this question, I'm not... Read More
If you have a very low self esteem or a... Read More
What is the one thing you want more than anything... Read More
Learning to love yourself isn't easy - especially if you... Read More
In the United States, the pursuit of happiness is a... Read More
It is now 5 years since I passed out of... Read More
People's lives today are jam-packed with great projects, ideas, to-do... Read More
I have to be honest. I made the woman cashier... Read More
This question and answer article was done by Gizelle River,... Read More
The Law of Attraction exists in your life right now;... Read More
Can you remember a time when you became a little... Read More
My life always appears to be so hectic. It's as... Read More
If one thing is for certain, each of us will... Read More
Women are conditioned to be people pleasers. Women are taught... Read More
I love this quote by Zig Ziglar, and think it's... Read More
When we choose to move beyond the boundaries of the... Read More
Are you living a balanced life?Many people are not. Their... Read More
Many people exercise, play sports, or know someone who does.... Read More
The quality of your life has a strong connection with... Read More
"When you live the life you were meant to live,... Read More
The demands of being a good person can sometimes mean... Read More
One of my favorite songs is Bobby McFerrin's refrain, "Don't... Read More
How Laughter Can Reduce Stress and Improve Your HealthA merry... Read More
The following three inspirations were adapted from A Daily Dose... Read More
In pursuit of happiness, what will we do as women?... Read More
Imagine discovering a way to get rid of your fears... Read More
True happiness is such a rare commodity that the whole... Read More
What is happiness? If we mean by it a state... Read More
The one feature that sets life on Earth apart from... Read More
We've all had a vision or a great idea and... Read More
For the longest time I was convinced that I was... Read More
We all want happiness and peace of mind. In the... Read More
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE - how to build positive emotions for extraordinary... Read More
Whatever we want in life, a partner, more money, good... Read More
Many of us are probably so used to crisis in... Read More
It was just a few degrees shy of swimming weather... Read More
Everyone wants to be happy. When you decide to be... Read More
Our sense of smell elicits strong emotional reactions and trigger... Read More
It was a bright Saturday morning in the late fall.... Read More
What do you think about happiness? A philosophical approach to... Read More
Sometimes we are so occupied with our daily routine in... Read More
Women are conditioned to be people pleasers. Women are taught... Read More
Fortunate, indeed, is the man who takes exactly the right... Read More
When people are asked, "How many of you are content... Read More
"There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a... Read More
Want to be happier?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker, author and... Read More
The world is becoming obsessed with money and all things... Read More
I love this quote by Zig Ziglar, and think it's... Read More
My life always appears to be so hectic. It's as... Read More
In what areas of your life would you like to... Read More
Being raised in a household without a mother or a... Read More
Sometimes life experiences can be like a lemon-flavored Tootsie Roll... Read More
To begin feeling that first spark of self-confidence within you,... Read More
"When you live the life you were meant to live,... Read More
Like enough of the noise awready! Geesh, people?No, I'm not... Read More
Over the course of my life's journey I have come... Read More
I have never lived anywhere else where when you walk... Read More
Do you really want to be happy? Everyone says yes,... Read More
We've all had a vision or a great idea and... Read More
I am often asked how I can live the way... Read More
We are in constant competitionIf we take evolution seriously, then... Read More
1. DRUNK!At the age of sixteen I was invited out... Read More
Long-term success and happiness follows hand-in-hand with strength of character.As... Read More
My journey to becoming a therapist began with a desire... Read More
You've heard the expression, "Just believe it and it will... Read More
Since the mission of this newsletter is to help you... Read More
Finding Happiness |