"There is only one way to get to the ugly place,
and you have to feel absolutely miserable."
The child whose story is shared here is having a rough time. Hurt and angry, a solitary walk along the sea at low tide is the place to be. The ugliness of the mud, the slime, and the cold seem the perfect backdrop for the feelings that are so evident. No sun, no blue sky, nothing but gloom to make sure that ugly place is as unpleasant as it can possibly be.
Boots leave ugly prints in a journey across the wet tundra, and the smell of salt and seaweed assault the senses in every way. Looking down for so long proves that this place is a just-right match for an ugly mood. Life is not good. Or, is it? Looking up, the effect that being in nature has soon invites careful observation of soaring seagulls and the sounds offered by the waves touching on the rocks as the tide begins to turn back. Deep breaths match the movement heard in the surf.
"...my heart settles when I see the
seagull circle around again in effortless
flight, joined by another. Their crisp
white feathers are exceptionally bright
against the sunless sky. They play while
gliding and swooping through the air."
It isn't too long until the warmth of growing sunlight brings a more peaceful feeling. The child begins to find beauty in the surroundings. All at once, the ugly disappears to be replaced by all things worthy of huge smiles and warm thoughts. Nature has done it again!
Opening eyes and hearts to the beauty of the natural world has proven to make the differences needed to help alleviate negative thoughts and moods. We all have ugly days. Often, taking the time to see what is in front of us is all it takes to shift a mood and bring us to a better place.
Introspective artwork allows readers to feel all the emotions the child feels while facing the dull and dreary beginning to the day. As the day's weather changes to bright sunshine so does the joy felt by the child. The tundra landscape is effectively portrayed as the child travels a long distance from home, while dealing with all the real emotions felt.
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