Within Our Power
- Mallery Zion
- Jun 21, 2017
- 2 min read
"In this short life that only lasts an hour, merely, how much - how little - is within our power." - Emily Dickinson, Envelope Poems (2016).
This is not a book review; this is simply a treasure I happened to stumble upon while browsing through a Barnes & Noble. Maybe you could, humorously, consider it a review over this one poem in particular. Let it be known that I am unswervingly magnetized to peculiar things, so that definitely includes books. Especially whilst walking amongst a place so rich in resource, one of my all-time favorite quotes makes its way through my head quite often:
"Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people." - Eleanor Roosevelt
I don't think I've gone a single day without thinking of this quote since I first read it. It doesn't sound like a groundbreaking proverb when you first read it, but by thinking of it and putting effort into practicing it throughout day-to-day life, it really is powerful. Unfulfilling are the days that are spent judging, rather than expanding knowledge and encouraging betterment. Why bother talking about minuscule topics when you could be exploring endless possibilities and enriching your life, as well as those around you? It just so happens that this was the page I first opened up Envelope Poems to, and it ended up being the must resounding.
Now, thinking of the mid to late 1800's Massachusetts society where Dickinson apparently lived out her life in secluded isolation, this compact yet weighted poem probably has a gloomy cast upon it from most perceptions. When I first read it, though, I felt empowered.
It's sad that this was probably written out of heartbreak from a monotonous life, yes, but it is joyful to think what a drastic difference in position most people in America are now in. Despite the looming fear that is instilled in us that without excessive money we will fall into an unsatisfactory mold of typical 21st century life, it is a fact that you have the ability to pave your own pathways and curate a life you fall in love with. Whether it be selling everything and backpacking the countries on your bucket list, devoting your life to a greater cause, rising in education or status, buying a house in the city you're content with, working to get a log cabin in the woods, or becoming a humble nomad - it all starts with abandoning the word "can't", and getting out of your comfort zone.
Even if you're not looking for a drastic life change or a holy grail euphoric answer to life, the mindset that life is precious and fleeting, and realizing what all is really in our power, is immeasurably significant.
The point is to always be grateful where you are at, but to not give up if you are not where you want to be. You've got the power and control to build up your positive mindset, grow your self-worth, and realize your ability to rise up out of any situation. Focus on your ideas, dreams, and goals, and not the trivial details projected in society. Recenter your attention and effort and make the most of life.
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