Success only flourishes in perseverance -- ceaseless, restless perseverance.
--Baron Manfred Von Richtofen

Friday, August 26, 2011

A Different Drummer

Here's some more wisdom from Thoreau on this lovely Friday.

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. ~Henry David Thoreau

I don't know about you, but I'd far rather walk to my own special beat than anyone else's. What about you? In what ways do you step to a different drummer?

16 comments:

Maeve Frazier said...

Hi Angie
I agree with you, I so much walk to the beat of a different drummer. One of the phrases that I use is: Sometimes my beat is a little slower, taking in the easy pace, stopping here and there to take in all that I can. Other times my beat is a little faster, trying to catch up to everything that I want to do. But, never is it too fast, I don’t want to miss anything! Another great post! Gets you thinking.

Melanie Goldmund said...

Some days it seems that the question is, in what ways don't I step to the beat of a different drummer?

T. M. Hunter said...

I must...because so many people tell me they're amazed that I get so much done in my writing career, and all I can think is how I'm moving way too slow.

Terry W. Ervin II said...

I'm pretty flexible. I'm as comfortable at following as I am stepping out and leading. It all depends on the situation. Another important avenue is supporting those who lead...which is much more important than simply 'following'.

Rocky Rudd said...

Having just moved into an apartment with 4 other girls, it's obvious that we all have different drummers and lifestyles. My sense of rhythm tends to cause comedy, such as when the other girls had to teach me how to use a dishwasher and microwave because I didn't grow up with those implements. :)

Kasie West said...

Such an inspirational quote. I love it. Walking to different beats makes the world so much more interesting to observe.

Angie said...

Melanie, I think that's good. =)

Todd, I feel the same. Sometimes things just seem to take forever. Yet, really you have accomplished a lot.

Terry, flexibility is good. And I agree about supporting those who lead. I've been in both positions.

Rochelle, living with roommates is always interesting. Keep on moving to your own beat.

Thanks, everybody.

Adam Meyers said...

The internet has given us all the chance to march to our own beat and find likeminded souls. It's those of us who change our beat regularly that have problems.

Angie said...

That's why I love the internet, Adam. I think changing beats makes life more interesting. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Carolyn V said...

I LOVE that quote! It's so true. Right?

Jewel Allen said...

I'm kind of a rebel (drummer) at heart. I love thinking outside the box, and forging a new path. It feeds creativity.

C... said...

Good question. I try often to fit in but no matter what I do my drum just won't let me and I sometimes think that is just my fate. Maybe I was just born to stand out ;)

Angie said...

Standing out is good. Thanks, C!

Danyelle L. said...

This is a beautiful thought, Angie. :) I agree--it's far better to walk my own beat to my own path than trying to fit onto someone else's. :)

*hugs*

Elana Johnson said...

This is the perfect quote; exactly what I needed to hear today. Thanks!

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Angie, oh, how timely this is. Thank you for your perception and fantastic friendship.

I was--yes, and it's very destructive--comparing myself to a friend of mine whose book just released. She has so many opportunities falling at her feet (PR wise) and her outlook is so positive and she has SO many ideas flowing on PR too, and she has twice as many kids as I do.

I was wondering how in the world can I keep up with that? She makes me feel like a Grumpy Gothic Girl!

Thank you for your inspiration <3


♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Can Alex save Winter from the darkness that hunts her?
YA Paranormal Romance, Darkspell coming fall of 2011!