Parsing The Meaning Of A Sign + Completing My Photo Project

/ Ally Bean
THE SIGN PART

I was on Instagram looking at photos of bathroom renovations.   Our bathrooms are still on schedule for renovations to begin in May.

As I was scrolling along, IG started showing me other photos, in this case ones of home offices.  [The algorithmic ways of Instagram are mysterious, I’ll say that for it.]

I stopped to look at one particular office because it was a good use of space and natural light.  In the office on the shelf above the desk was a sign that I believe was meant to be inspirational.  The sign said:

DO WHAT THEY THINK YOU CANNOT DO

I started laughing because this seemed like absurd advice to me.  For one thing, how do your know what THEY are thinking?  Are you a mind reader?  Or did THEY text/email/tell you that you cannot do something?

If so, why?

But beyond figuring out what THEY think, I was entertained by the idea that someone felt vengefulness would be an appropriate touchstone to use as a way of giving your spirit a boost.

What are you, a Klingon?

To cheerful little me the message on the sign seemed like an odd, somewhat spiteful, point of reference on which to focus your energy whilst pursuing a goal that may or may not be in your best interest, according to THEY.

But then maybe an ‘I’ll show them’ attitude is more motivating than I understand.  And perhaps, it is possible that THEY need someone to give them their comeuppance.  So who am I to say that this sign was bad advice?

Thoughts, anyone?

THE PHOTO PROJECT PART

Last April I started a one-year monthly photo project in which I stood in the same place on our deck and snapped a photo of the tree line.  The first installment is here.  The second installment is here.

These are the last two photo in this project.  I give myself props for following through on this project, but it’s over now.  I may do something like this project again, just not looking at these trees.

Suggestions, anyone?

FEBRUARY

MARCH

~ ~ 💚 ~ ~

190 thoughts on “Parsing The Meaning Of A Sign + Completing My Photo Project”

  1. Hi Ally Bean – I’m actually motivated by that phrase – not sure why, maybe I need to be analyzed to understand why! I like the monthly pictures of your trees but I can understand why you might be done with that. It is fun to see the progression of the seasons, though, but I guess there’s a discipline involved in remembering to do it each month. Thanks for sharing these – oh and also,I agree, the algorithms on social media are baffling!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Barbara, I understand that the sign was meant to be motivational, a kick in the pants to get with it– so whatever works for you is good. But I couldn’t figure how I was supposed to know what THEY thought of me– and why I’d care. I’m glad you liked the photo project. It was easy to do, but enough of the trees already. 🙄

      Liked by 1 person

  3. I like a lot of inspirational messages, and that one included, but I do see your point. I have a sign on my desk shelf that reads, ” Live simply, love generously” I confess I rarely notice it now, and there are times I am not successful at living up to it.

    I went back and viewed your past images of the tree line. It was a neat project. I enjoyed seeing your tree line throughout the year and all its changes. Soon you won’t be able to see your neighbors’ house!
    Weekly or a monthly challenge is all I am willing to ever commit to. Daily seems too daunting and would put too much pressure on me to complete, but since I usually photograph something each week that seems like something I could do and have done. What about sunrise or sunset monthly? A macro/close up shot? Favorite meals? Posing your little stuffed friend in interesting places and sharing those monthly?
    Those are just a few I can think of this early. Hopefully, someone will have better ideas or you’ll come up with something for a new photo project.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Deborah, I’m not against all inspirational signs, yours sounds great. But this one baffled me. The home office was gorgeous, perfectly curated, so this sign was intentionally placed on that shelf.

      Like you there’s no way I could do a daily photo but a monthly one is right in my wheelhouse. Your ideas for what I might do next are wonderful. Thank you. I like the idea of photographing a little stuffed friend in various locations that are NOT my backyard. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  4. The last time I hung an inspirational sign I was in my 20s (a long time ago!). It said “today is the first day of the rest of your life.” I found that fun but I never hung another sign. I had it in my cubicle at work. The photo project is cool. Not sure I have the discipline to do it but it’s fun to look at.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Kate, I remember that saying. It was considered to be quite inspirational as I recall. I used to have a sign in my work office that said “Expect the Unexpected” and it turned out to be more of a curse than an inspiration.

      Thanks for following the photo project. It was fun, but you’re right– you need to remember to take the pics.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Inspirational signs were interesting …for about 5 min…then it became SNL skit material “Good enough, Smart enough…” every morning in the bathroom mirror..
      Who are the darn signs for anyway? The owner or the viewer…and what is the real message – the phrase or the displaying of it?
      But willing to let everyone find their own path…and decor
      Nice trees…please no “this is what I had for breakfast/lunch stuff!
      I know you’ll put your usual creative spin on what you choose.

      Liked by 3 people

      • philmouse, you’re right that inspirational signs can often be thought of as the beginning of a SNL skit. I haven’t found myself motivated by them, but many people are. [Just read these comments.]

        Fear not I won’t take photos of my food. For one thing I’m not good at doing that, but for another thing I’d be hungry all the time thinking about food then looking at pics of it. 😋

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  5. I like the sign–if you consider how much institutional racism permeates white collar offices. And don’t get me started on the patriarchy. I watched numerous, less competent men get groomed for management while women and gay men got pigeonholed forever as Executive Assistants.

    Of course, if the sign is actually in a corner office, it likely belongs to a privileged white dude with a persecution complex who believes that “they” are afraid he will overthrow a legally elected president.

    Liked by 3 people

    • AutumnAshbough, I love this comment. You’re spot on about how woman + gay men are overlooked in corporate America, even when they are more qualified and competent than the fools they work for. Been there, done that.

      I’ve no deets about the photo of the home office, other than it was an inspired use of space. The sign caught my eye. As to whether this was on a shelf over a persecuted white dude’s desk I cannot say. All I know is the natural light shining on that workspace was perfect.

      Liked by 2 people

  6. Neat photo project! You certainly have some strange weather (compared to what I’m used to). A lot greener than around my part of the world! I like the idea of a monthly series. I don’t know that I’d recommend doing the same thing again (i.e. taking a photo from the same spot every month). But some sort of theme to aim for might be interesting.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Steve, our weather is variable here so I thought that documenting a year of the trees would be interesting. And it was, but I am tired of those trees. Your recommendation of having a monthly theme that I use as my touchstone is brilliant. I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks.

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  7. I love your thoughts on the “do what they think you cannot do” motivational sign. My first thought was, why would I want to do what you think I should do? so maybe I’m Vulcan. 😉 I usually find “motivational signs” irritating.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Lynette, this particular inspirational sign stumped me. I kept muttering to myself: who is THEY? I’m a free spirit so only certain people can tell me what to do. I like your Vulcan attitude about motivational signs, I share it somewhat.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. I did something like your photo project one year, but it was seasonal. I had a field I drove by once in awhile that I really liked…so I did one image each of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. I have no idea why I capitalized those words. ANYWAY…I also did a series of images of a neighbor’s pond, called it the First Saturday (indicating each image was taken on the first Saturday of a month) but I ended up cheating because sometimes the Saturdays weren’t very interesting so I waited till, say, a Wednesday when the sky had big puffy clouds. You know..it was SORT of a First Saturday. I put all the images into a calendar and gave it to the neighbor as a surprise. THEN I did a project where I took one image every day and posted it on FB. It was supposed to be one interesting thing I saw on the daily walk I was supposed to be taking. 365 days is a very long time. But I DID end up with some really nice shots. Not 365 great shots, but several. I might do that again but it did wear me down.

    As for the quote? I like it and have also been motivated by doing something someone told me I couldn’t do, or made me feel like they THOUGHT I couldn’t do it. Or, thought to MYSELF that I couldn’t do. Historically I think certain people have been told what they could or couldn’t do and sometimes it takes a bit of reminding to move beyond those expectations.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Dawn, your seasonal photo project sounds like a good idea. I also like your “SORT of a First Saturday” photo project. I’d use a title like that for one if I did one. Very cool and kind that you made it into a calendar for your neighbor. I could NEVER do a daily photo challenge. I can barely remember to take a photo once a week to plop into Instagram. I’m in awe of you.

      Your assessment of the motivational sign is insightful. I see what you’re getting at about how being told you can’t do something makes you dig in and do it anyway. Limiting societal expectations can hold you back, defy them when you can.

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  9. I’m not at all an inspirational sign person, but I’ll jump onboard with Autumns take and add Smash the Patriarchy! Also, I have nothing to suggest for a new project focus. My brain must be hibernating this morning.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Deb, I like your addition to Autumn’s comment. Maybe that’s what this particular motivational sign was all about. I like mornings when my brain hibernates. I’m usually thinking about a hundred things at once, so not be thinking of anything is refreshing.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Nancy, maybe that is the source of the words on the sign? I don’t know. I don’t really respect any of those dudes, but I do admit that they’ve changed our world in profound ways. Your logic makes sense. Could very well be…

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  11. I was going to say something along the lines of what Autumn said. I immediately thought of the current Senate confirmation hearings. Some people are told all the time, in a hundred different ways, that they cannot do something. By multiple voices, which, I guess, add up to a “they.” I’m guessing a sign like that is a way of providing a countering voice, a reminder that some people who speak don’t know what the hell they are talking about.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Rita, I understand what you and Autumn are saying, especially in light of the current Supreme Court nominee hearings. I didn’t think of the sign in a larger political sense like you have. It makes sense and would be motivational in the context “a reminder that some people who speak don’t know what the hell they are talking about.” Prove them wrong, eh?

      Liked by 1 person

  12. I am not a Sign In My Home type of person. But in my head, my sign would be Do What *I* Think I Cannot Do. Sometimes, I give up a little too easily, especially if the challenge is a physical one. It’s always easier to wait until Rick gets home or just lighten my expectation/performance. I’ve decided that I’m not doing that anymore. I push myself harder and do more. And I survive! Who knew?

    Liked by 2 people

    • Nance, yes, yes! I agree with your revised wording on the sign. THAT MAKES SENSE TO ME. I would find that motivating. I am going to take that idea to heart, just like you have.

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  13. The message maybe good for some people. With my autistic son, people always underestimate him. So we do show off! So definitely it was a motivation. A simple task of him independently recycling or taking out the trash needed this kind of inspiration 😃.

    Liked by 3 people

  14. I think the sign would be inspirational to someone who is always being told women can’t do this or that, or you personally can’t do this or that for whatever reason. Some people are threatened by women with goals and they try to discourage you from reaching for them. Some parents don’t want to see a child be disappointed if they can’t, say, be a 5’2″ basketball star sort of thing.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Jean, good point. In the context you mention, the sign would be a reminder to not let other people limit you. I am a free spirit so I rarely give much credence to what THEY think I should be doing but if THEY are threatened by you then this sign would be motivational. A smart thinker, you are.

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  15. This was a particularly silly sign. It seems one could spend a lot of precious energy just trying to figure out what it is that whoever They are don’t think you can do, and if they don’t think you can do whatever it is, does that mean if it is something you don’t want to do in the first place, you should do it because they don’t think you can? Is there really a They? If so, do They really spend a lot of time thinking about you? How in hell do you know what They are thinking?

    They are probably just thinking about lunch.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Hi Ally. I have a small sign about “PASSION” (pursue the things that catch your heart, not your eye). I think the word speaks for itself and I admire anyone who claims they have a passion for something. As for the sign in the photo, I agree with Dawn and nance; it might’ve been better worded “Do What YOU Think You Cannot Do”. After all, we know ourselves best. In the bigger picture, doesn’t really matter what others think.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Dave, I understand why you like your PASSION sign. I like it too– for the reason you mention. I also like the way you reworded the sign: “Do What YOU Think You Cannot Do” is powerful advice from within. I’m with you about forgetting THEY, I doubt that they have my best interest at heart.

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  19. March is significantly brighter, so hooray! I’m anti-inspiration and spend most of my time on Facebook clicking the ‘Hide all from Blowing Sunshine Up My Ass’ type of posts that my ‘friends’ share. 🤣 So yes, the sign is just dumb to me.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Bijoux, yes we’re just now getting to brighter days with more vivid colors. I’m ready to see less gray. I adore your goal of hiding the ‘Blowing Sunshine Up My Ass’ type of posts that friends share. I’m not on FB anymore but I do remember those posts. A bit of inspiration is fine by me, but a constant torrent is ridiculous. I wish you well on your mission.

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  20. I think the sign is silly in the abstract. I’ll agree with you that I loathe the vague “they” and wonder why I should care what “they” think. But understand, my father used this kind of “motivation.” He thought that by telling my brothers and me how awful we were at something that it would motivate us to try harder. All three of us did not respond the way he wanted. Trying to please him was pointless, we three believed, and gave up trying.

    On the other hand, some of my favorite authors did not start writing until later in life. I know that some of them were told they were too old. They were told that publishing is too hard and that it wasn’t going to happen. Yet, they ended up being successful. They didn’t listen to people who said they can’t succeed or they didn’t care about how others defined success. Did Grandma Moses let others tell her she was too old to become an artist? Did she listen to people who said that her paintings were too primitive? There are plenty of people out there doing things that someone has told them they couldn’t do. And I think that’s the difference. The “they” in question was specific and those who did it anyway didn’t see failure as a big deal, I think. They wanted to do it and they did. In my family’s case, it was a relentless message that we were failures no matter what we did and that “they” was too powerful and the idea of proving him wrong was too weak. Be it known, that some of those things I did care about and I succeeded anyway.

    As for your trees… You know that I did a similar project once upon a time based on a project a Flikr acquaintance had done. My trees seemed boring to me. Familiarity breeds contempt and all that.

    I enjoyed your photo project. The last two, less so, perhaps. I think the difference there was how the houses behind the trees detracted from the photo from an artistic standpoint. The opposite could be argued as the appearance of the houses is a kind of message about what is hidden from our normal view. It makes a story which I think is what the project was about. Sort of. Personally, I liked Stefan’s tree photos as the focus was on that one tree and how it changed in different seasons and weathers. Sometimes someone or something else was in the photo but it remained about life around the big tree. But you wouldn’t want to just copy someone else’s idea. Perhaps you could find something that tells that kind of story for you, telling your own story. Perhaps daily shots of your bathroom renovation. Or weekly. Shots set at a specific time and not worried about what was happening so much as documenting it. Some days someone might be in the shot, some days the piles of tile might just be sitting there. Makes a story.

    Just some thoughts. Long, wordy thoughts.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Zazzy, interesting insight to your father’s reasoning about signs like these. I don’t know that a parent telling you that you’re a failure would motivate me either. I’d just say “whatevs, dude” and go on my merry way. But I imagine your father was a product of his times. I know my FIL was an old white conservative male who could grumble and grouse about anything and anyone. It was just to *prove* that he knew how things really worked, unlike his college-educated son & his wife.

      Good point about Grandma Moses. You said, “They didn’t listen to people who said they can’t succeed or they didn’t care about how others defined success.” I think that’s a good way to interpret this sign, although that didn’t occur to me when I saw it. I was too taken with trying to figure out who THEY might be. Only certain people have the right to tell me what to do, so defining THEY seemed important to me.

      I’m with you about how these trees became boring to me the longer I did the project. Seen all together they are interesting, but if I do another monthly photo project I want more variety, perhaps going somewhere on a regular basis. I’ll take some photo during the bathroom remodeling projects for sure. I mean, it’s going to be a mess and there will be problems because that’s the way these things go. I anticipate all sorts of opportunities to snap a few pics.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Ally, I have conflicting feelings about the sign. On one hand, yes…it does seem kind of judgy. On the other, I cannot tell you how many times “they” have told me to slow down, to stop running. Yes, I am getting older (aren’t we all?) and yes, it is getting tougher to run the longer distances, but hey, running keeps the crazies at bay. To each her own.

    Love the touch of green in the March photo. Come on, Spring!!!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Laurie, your explanation of this sign rings true with me, too. I don’t like giving up my power to THEY [whoever they are] yet I realize that doing what I want to do often gives THEY the comeuppance they deserve for judging me as not worthy.

      The green is wonderful to see. I’m ready for spring, allergies be damned.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Well now I know you do have neighbours as I can see their house! Man your grass never grows brown. I had a daily photo blog for 2 years called 365snap. It was a good challenge to look creatively. This year I am batching them into months and will ensure I have 365 photos. Life was a bit complicated here in the early few months of the year. And yes to the Dragon in your next series!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Bernie, we have neighbors but most months the trees make is seem like we don’t– at least not ones behind us. Our grass only goes brown during drought years. I admire anyone who can snap a picture every day. And you’re into year three if doing that? Very nice.

      You made me laugh out loud with your idea about using the Dragon in my photo project. He has a loyal fan club!

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  23. My older daughter would have found that sign demoralizing and quit but the younger one would have been inspired. I think there’s a better way to say that without the ambiguity. Next week and the week after will be my kitchen ceiling repair and then my bathroom restoration. I’m nervous about both. You and I know how these projects (and our levels of frustration) usually go…

    Liked by 2 people

    • Margaret, I agree with you that the sign could be less vague/judge-y while motivating everyone who reads it. Knowing your daughters’ personalities I understand what you’re saying about their reactions to it.

      Good luck next week. I very well know about FRUSTRATION with these home improvement projects. And you can’t get away from them because they’re in the middle of your house, your life. 🤨

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Wow, just scanned the comments before getting ready to comment myself and they are all over the place with a number thinking thoughts that would never have occurred to me!! I’m amazed at the animus some of your readers found in that phrase. I guess because I didn’t see race or gender or anything like that even hinted at here, it didn’t bother me.

    It seems to me you took the “think” literally and then yes, how would you know what they think? But it’s often obvious what other people think, by action or even words, so you can know what they think and what they think you can or can’t do. I simply took the sign to mean don’t let what others think you can’t do hold you back. You might do it to “show them” or you might use it as motivation to push yourself but either way you can “just do it.” 🙂 Ha! Couldn’t help getting that mantra in.

    Anyway, that’s my more mellow and I think unassuming take on what you saw. Maybe I need some caffeine! 🙂 ❤

    janet

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    • Janet, you said, “I’m amazed at the animus some of your readers found in that phrase.” Me too. I thought it was goofy, more than anything else. However the commenters have made valid points about what it means to them, and that’s interesting.

      I like your mellow take on the meaning of the sign. I never got beyond worrying about who THEY are and why I’d be listening to them. You got more to the heart of it. I like your just do it interpretation. I can get behind that kind of motivation, I mutter that phrase to myself often.

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      • What we read into that phrase obviously depends so much on who we are, our experiences, etc. I’d be more worried if the sign had said “they” in quotation marks like that. Then I’d really wonder who “they” were and what they might be saying. Aliens perhaps. 🙂

        I think “Just do it” can be a good phrase, but maybe there are times you shouldn’t “just do it.” And because of Nike’s relationship with China, I’m rather off that phrase now or anything to do with Nike. And that’s the perfect example of my take on a phrase that others might completely find innocuous. 🙂

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  26. I totally get where you’re coming from with that “motivational” sign but maybe it’s because I’ve never had anyone tell me I couldn’t do something. Switching the words from “they” to “I” or “you” might make it mean more to me. One of my oft used phrases is “Everything happens for a reason,” and I love it even more with this addendum that my daughter and I found, “Everything happens for a reason, but sometimes the reason is that you are stupid and make bad decisions.” While I dislike the word stupid it still makes me chuckle every time.

    You know i am a big fan of the photo projects. The theme idea might be a good one. Pick a random object like a button or a color and see how many different ones you can find. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

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    • Janet, people have told me not to do things, but I went ahead and did my own thing regardless. [This blog for instance.] I agree with you that rewriting the sign would make seem like good advice.

      I LOVE YOUR SAYING: “Everything happens for a reason, but sometimes the reason is that you are stupid and make bad decisions.” Amen, sister. Ain’t it the truth?

      I like your idea of focusing on an object or a color. That’d allow me some leeway, that photographing these trees did not. I’m tired of trees now.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Carol, I don’t know for sure what the sign means, just that I didn’t find it inspiring. Without defining THEY I’m reluctant to want to do anything. I’m ornery like that.

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    • Jan, that’s a good take on it. It would mean the sign was empowering someone to be their best in spite of what other people say. I can go with that idea. Sorry about your soon-to-be brown hills. Bummer.

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  31. I have an in-law who’s constantly posting “original” sayings like that on her Instagram account. It reminds me of that company Successories back in the day. Most of them are indeed absurd, or at best banal. Sounds like May is the month for renovations. 😉 – Marty

    Liked by 2 people

    • Marty, I remember Successories. It was a treasure trove of banalities, now that you mention it. This sign, whatever it’s supposed to mean, would fit in there. If nothing else it’s a good conversation starter. As for May… fingers crossed for all of us.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Now I’m wondering “what do people think I cannot do?” I mean, there are a lot of things I cannot do. Like, I can’t catch a ball. SHOULD I TRY TO DO THIS? Pretty sure anyone who knows me thinks I cannot catch a ball, because I can’t, so should I hone this skill? You know what else I cannot do, a back flip. GOOD GOD, DO I NEED TO BE WORKING ON MY BACK FLIP? Hope I don’t break something.

    Do people actually go around thinking about the things other people can’t do? Because…I don’t. How are other people spending their time? One thing is for sure, I know Ms Ally Bean is not going around thinking “Nicole cannot do x” so whew. At least we are on the same page, my friend.

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    • Nicole, I see that you find the sign somewhat absurd, too. As you have suggested I don’t make a habit of thinking about what other people cannot do, but then I lean more toward letting people make their own decisions. Do their own thing without my judgement.

      Nor do I feel that people need to show me anything in particular. HOWEVER if I understand this sign correctly, someone is working under the premise that said someone must show THEY that they can do what THEY said they couldn’t do, to prove something or other to both of them. That’s much too complicated for me.

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  34. Hi, Ally, I hate to admit it, but that sign kinda makes sense to me. Way back in 2008, I came home from work inspired by a colleague who had hiked a 700 km (435 miles) in 40 days. I was totally pumped and wanted to do it too. My husband, who is usually incredibly supportive, told me in his kindness voice that there was no way I’d physically be able to do that. And in that very second, our four following Caminos were born (hopefully with more to follow). 😀

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    • Donna, it’s amazing how some people find this sign inspiring and how other people find it off-putting. Or somewhere in-between. I can understand how being told you couldn’t do something could prompt you to do something you’d not contemplated before. Kind of a spark that gets you going down a different path– which in your case has been Camino trails. Yay you!

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  35. I love the progressive photo thing….after seeing yours I started one of my own, at my local park. I could be tongue in cheek and say a sign with gas prices, but if you have a bird feeder in your yard monthly pics of that could be interesting

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  36. Well, I have “an ‘I’ll show them’ attitude” more than I care to admit. Usually though, the “them” is a particular project or activity, not usually an actual person (although I can think of a few people that might have been subject to this attitude of mine…in my defense, deservedly so). Is this a particularly admirable trait? It depends, I suppose. But, then again, the sheer stubbornness sometimes gets things done that, most likely, wouldn’t have been done otherwise.

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    • Gigi, it’s a tangled web of thinking when it comes to showing other people who you are because of their assumptions. I get that. You’re right that stubbornness gets things done, so maybe it’s a good thing. I dunno. This sign baffled me, truth be known.

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  37. Suggestions? How about periodic snaps of your Kitchen Table? I’ve tenatively begun doing this and it’s kinda interesting. I say tenatively because I’m not sure I’ll post them at any point, but then again I might. Maybe 6 months at a time worth? Hmmm How about us being Kitchen Table snappers together?
    Just thinking out loud – and remembering you mentioning a lady who did the KT thing.
    ~from your musical moonbeam

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      • I took one when I felt it was kindof a mess…and the photo showed me it really wasn’t all that bad…perspective is a funny thing. I think it can’t hurt to take the photos and then decide if I/we want to follow through with a post in the next few months. I’ll let you know if I get close to doing it! Think about it.

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        • You make a good point. I’ve taken photos that I thought would prove one thing, only to realize the pic proved the opposite of what I wanted to show. I look forward to whatever you decided to do IF you decided to post something like this project. Decisions, decisions…

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  38. I take my motivation wherever I can find it. I’m not big on motivational posters and phrases as much as I am of living and breathing examples or role models. If somebody tells me I can’t do something as if I don’t possess the skills to accomplish that goal, I will use that as motivation. I don’t look at that as being vengeful. It’s more of a belief in myself and to prove to the doubters that I can accomplish what I set out to do. I often think of inventors who were scorned publicly and went on to achieve their dreams.

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    • Pete, yes you make a good point. That which I perceive as being an example of attempting to prove someone wrong could well be motivation to someone else. I’ve had many doubters in my life but I can honestly say I’ve never cared. I’m a free spirit and that alone seems to bother the doubters/critics more than if I was out to show them I could do what they said I couldn’t. 😉

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  40. Can I just say – I love how you thought so much about this sign. I would have read it at face value and assigned a general social consensus to “they.”
    OR…
    Maybe the point would be to insert a specific “they” into the phrase? Say you’re debating abandoning a work project but you think of how your cynical, down-on-life colleague would say you couldn’t do it and that person becomes the “they.”
    Say you’re thinking of dropping out of college and you think about how your mother once said you’d never amount to anything academically and that becomes the “they.”
    So “they” changes based on the circumstances?
    The tree project = awesome. I feel like I should have a million good ideas for next projects (this sort of thing is my idea of fun), but I currently have nothing to offer. It’s been a long day and my brain is fried. I have no doubt one of your amazing readers will have a knock-your-socks-off idea, though.
    What about a flowering bush? Or your front doorstep (it would be decorated differently in the winter, for example, with a wreath. The steps would be white with snow in the winter…
    Okay, so I have two ideas…

    Liked by 1 person

    • Elisabeth, I agree that until you define who THEY is there’s no way to decide if you’re going to show them or not. Plus, who’s to say that THEY will even notice you when you do what they said you couldn’t? It all depends.

      I’m glad you liked my treelike project. You have two excellent ideas for my next photo project IF I decide to do one. I liked doing this yearlong project but I admit to being tired of those trees. You understand.

      Like

  41. I get that the quote is supposed to be motivational, and maybe it had a context that didn’t make it feel like it suggests you live based on someone else’s expectations? Perhaps one of these two would work better?

    “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” — Steve Jobs

    “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
    — Dr. Seuss

    Liked by 3 people

    • Endless Weekend, your explanation of the sign in question makes sense to me. In my mind it’s encouraging you to give up your power to the idle thoughts of THEY whoever they may be. But for other people it rings true. Different, context, different personalities.

      I like the quotes you suggest. I’m a free spirit so from the git-go I’ve known to do my own thing, realizing that not everyone would like it. But, you know, oh well, you can’t please ’em all!

      Like

    • Judy, you make a good point. Signs like the one I mention here are one of those when the student is ready, the teacher will come things. If you are primed to need the advice, the sign seems inspirational.

      I like your idea for a photo project. I could do that. Anything but that line of trees, please!

      Liked by 1 person

  43. I love that sign. It didn’t seem at all snarky or adversarial or vengeful or anything else negative. It reminded me of the various times when I went ahead and did exactly what they thought I couldn’t do — and that made me laugh. I don’t know about anyone else, but I knew immediately who “they” were, and I knew precisely what they’d told me I couldn’t (wouldn’t, shouldn’t) do. I went ahead and did “it” anyway, and that was the beginning of my offshore sailing career; my move to graduate school; my throwing over of one life in favor of starting a new one as I began my own business. It might as well have said, “Keep on Truckin'” — and when a new set of “theys” shows up, pay them no mind.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Linda, fascinating how you immediately knew who THEY was. In my case I couldn’t figure out who THEY were, so I never got to the point where I’d know what I wasn’t supposed to be able to do. I’m glad you know/knew your THEY and have used their opinions [guidance? distain?] as a way of inspiring yourself to become who you are today.

      My mother used to say “keep on truckin'” as a way of motivating me to keep trying. I hadn’t thought of that in years. I rather like that saying. Now if I saw that on a sign, I’d definitely be inspired.

      Liked by 1 person

  44. I liked seeing the trees and yard spot through the different changes.
    And I completely agree with your take on that quote!
    You worded it so well
    As it had a vengeful and “overly others’ minded filter” with a wrong motivation focus!!
    With that said, there might be a time when that mentality applies
    Perhaps with family
    For example, someone once said that if you want someone to crush an idea Then tell a family member .
    Or the saying “a prophet is without honor in his hometown”
    And so say it was a family member who was the doubter and even dream killer- I’m that sense maybe showing them and letting the outcome speak for itself would be a great way of proving them wrong.
    Hmmmnm

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yvette, I saw that sign and stopped to contemplate it because it seemed weird [not in a good way] to me. I do things because I want to, not because other people told me I couldn’t. HOWEVER many commenters here think this sign is motivational and I respect that.

      I LOVE your mention of “if you want someone to crush an idea then tell a family member.” So true, amazingly spot on to my life experiences. But you’re right in those cases I have gone ahead and done what I wanted, which has proved them wrong although that wasn’t my motivation per se. 🤷‍♀️

      Like

      • Well I am with you in that there is certainly something “off” about the quote and the way it connects to a societal angle that permeates our culture and I saw a few of the comments (like from shore acres etc) and so I guess it really depends on how our cognitive filters impact what we take away!
        –
        And once When I was tutoring a middle schooler for standardized test prep (sigh – not my favorite kind of tutoring but had to be done because those tests matter) well this really smart (overly high IQ and such a nice child) would overthink the multiple choice questions.
        So when we would go over his wrong answers -and he was getting the easy questions wrong – he would explain to me “why” he chose the answer he chose – and ally – omg – the way he justified (rationalized) the chosen answer was brilliant – he had this gift to see so many angles and I told him he had the mind of a trial lawyer!
        So to help him – I pondered how! And then I told him – what do you think the test maker was thinking would be the best answer? When you take these tests – they want to see if you know certain info and so with each question – what would be the most basic answer- ” and I affirmed how he was right and could argue or provide insight as to why another answer could be right –
        Anyhow – he ended up getting more right when he tried the new approach – it taught me a lot about filters and the mental way we see material (and it also was another example of why standardized tests suck for some students- maybe more students than we realize- and often the once with the highest PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores are not always the brightest – they just learned how to master those tests.
        —

        Liked by 2 people

        • So true about our cognitive filters and what resonates with each of us. If this sign helps you be a better version of yourself, then YAY. I’m not against it, just not motivated by it.

          Very interesting experience with the smart kid who overthought the test questions. I relate to that kid, I’m good at seeing many sides to things. I think your “what do you think the test maker was thinking would be the best answer?” approach is brilliant. In college I often reminded myself that I didn’t have to believe what a prof taught, I just had to say what he or she wanted to hear. It wasn’t about me becoming like them, it was about me understanding how they thought. Kind of the same thing.

          Liked by 1 person

          • That college example was so good and shows that we adapt for what the situation needs or requires – and when we need to demonstrate competence of a subject it is about knowing what to put and is not the time to necessarily debate and argue – haha
            And when this kid explained why he chose an answer I slowed down (stopped in my tracks) to say – ”
            oh my goodness you are right –
            —
            And regarding the quote
            – I just thought of it with the art show post I published featuring art from Nancy Bruce
            Because somewhere in the post I mentioned how she stacked the art – I had asked her where she stored the work and she told me it was easy to stack them along a wall or on top of each other using spacers,
            –
            The part that reminded me of the quote was she she said “folks told me on couldn’t stack them that way- but then I did – and it works out great”
            —
            Not quite the same trying but was in the same vein of the quote
            But I noticed more about the quote that I don’t like – it is a bit sophomoric in like “I’ll show you – so there!”
            And that is not a healthy motivation because it might be in the category of head hands and getting caught up in social pleasing (or other things you said)!

            It could be that answer!”

            Liked by 1 person

            • You said it: “we adapt for what the situation needs or requires.” That seems to be an universal truth among people who are sane. I like that Nancy Bruce knows what works for her and does it. This sign is, if nothing else, a good topic of discussion. That being said, I don’t want it in my office! 😉

              Liked by 1 person

              • I don’t want it in my office – and I think the Nancy Bruce example was a different way to take the sign.
                She was not challenged by anyone – they just didn’t think it could be done (stacking art) so it was a toned down literal example – hahah
                Whereas I think the quote had that pop culture vibe of “I’ll show you!” And the other things noted about the quote
                .
                Very fun to explore that quote ally!

                Liked by 1 person

  45. There’s your worthy post…and then the comments it inspires. Like you probably do, I think of my posts as preludes to Part B, readers’ comments, a world of its own.

    I admire your following through with the photo project. I wanted to do that with the different stages of azalea bloom, but “Phooey.” Either I forgot to have the camera with me during the optimum time, OR I lost interest.

    By they way, the chartreuse of March is just perfect. Brava, Allie! 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    • Marian, yes I think of my posts as being a catalyst for discussions. I tee up a topic then see where my gentle readers take it. It’s fun.

      The photo project was good, but I’m glad it is over. Maybe you’ll think of another photo project for you to do that’ll capture your interest. I agree, the green in the March photo is inspiring. [More so than the sign I saw in the photo, if’n you ask me.]

      Liked by 1 person

  46. I did not think you could do a year long photo project where you took photos of the same trees once each month… and yet, you did it! Way to follow the sign!

    IN all seriousness though, I could care less what THEY think. I’ll do what I want…

    Liked by 2 people

    • evilsquirrel13, if I believed in the message on the sign, then I’d have done this project to show THEY that I could do it. But, like you, I don’t care what THEY think and live my life without their *guidance* or whatever that sign is supposed to be telling me. 🤨

      Like

  47. Pingback: Parsing The Meaning Of A Sign + Completing My Photo Project – MobsterTiger

  48. I think you are “right on” about the sign. And interesting that it stopped you and made you think. I notice that when I see something like that – a saying or comment – that disturbs me or makes my head spin, – I ignore it and move along. But you are really good at trying to figure out people and life (and the absurdities). By doing this so well – witnessing and then sharing with us – I expect you could blog for the next 20 years and never run out of anything to say to us. I appreciate you and your wise way of looking at the world. Okay, and more specifically, no, I don’t want to do something because someone says I can’t. I want to do something that is meaningful to me and makes my life and the life of those around me better. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    • Pam, hear, hear! You said: “I want to do something that is meaningful to me and makes my life and the life of those around me better.” Me too. That’s my motivation in a nutshell. I don’t care if THEY think I can do it or not, I just do it. But this sign seemed to have a different vibe to it. Or at least to me.

      Thanks for the compliment about this blog. I believe that life is in the details so I pay attention to them– then report back here. As for 20 more years of blogging… I’m never sure I’ll be blogging next month, let alone many years more. But thanks for your encouragement. We’ll see.

      Liked by 2 people

  49. Ally, that sign chimes with a conversation I was having with my coach yesterday. As a service business, I need to put my head above the parapet, and I am very uncomfortable with doing this. I know what happens to women who do that – they get shot down. This is what we were working on, my finding a way to be brave and do it – despite my knowledge of that danger. She pointed me to a Brene Brown clip and this thought in particular: that the only opinions we need pay attention to are of those down in the arena with you, not those up in the cheap seats taking cheap shots at you. I suspect this sign may be something to do with this. I’m already considering when those words may best be added to my inspiration board.

    As to the photo project – I add my vote to snapping your furry friend in new & exciting (for him anyway) locations 😉

    Liked by 2 people

    • Deb, how timely that this sign popped up & I wrote about it when I did! I like the Brene Brown thought. I agree if THEY are there with you in the arena then you can at least listen to their thoughts, take it under advisement. But I have to wonder if this sign was written with that idea in mind OR if this is a case of the critics in the cheap seats playing mind games with you. No answer, which is why talking about this sign is interesting.

      I know other commenters have voted for Drags to be featured in my next photo project, IF I do one. I’m sure he’d love it.

      Like

  50. I’m not a big fan of inspirational signs although I love the one my kids got for our house: Remember, as far as anyone knows, we are a nice, normal family.
    The sign you found isn’t that fun though. Who are THEY and why do we care what THEY think we can or cannot do?
    I LOVE your photo project and I hope you share pictures of your bathroom updates.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Suz, I’m with you about inspirational signs, but I adore yours. It’s beyond the average ones. Funny works for me. I don’t know who THEY are but I’m willing to bet I don’t care what they think of me.

      I will share photos of the bathrooms when we get to that point. Fingers crossed it’ll be in May.

      Liked by 1 person

  51. You are right that the mysterious “they” often causes problems. I think that signs like the one in that office can mean different things to different people at different times in life. Years ago a bought a magnet to stick on the metal filing cabinet in our home office. It reads: “Let go or be dragged.” At the time I bought it, it was meaningful to me, in some way. Then years went by, I changed jobs, my husband retired and took over that office. We rearranged things and I came across that magnet and thought, “What the heck does that mean? What do I need to let go of? What was I thinking?”
    Same person, same inspirational message, different response.

    Liked by 2 people

  53. Ally, I love your photo project idea! We get a ton of snow here in Ontario, Canada and your photo project reminds me of those time lapses of snow falling within the span of like 8 hrs. I’ve always wanted to do that and whenever I come across a video of a time lapse video of snow falling I can’t help but watch it! I love seeing seasons change!

    I think the writer of that sign had the idea that when you read that motivational sign, you could think about your biggest “hater” or your biggest naysayer and think of them while you succeed in whatever it is that they thought you’d fail so miserably at! At least that’s what comes to my mind! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Jen, I”m glad you enjoyed the photo project. I like time lapse photos of snowfall, too. I took the February photo while it was snowing but you can’t tell.

      I like your take on the sign. At least if you think of your biggest hater then it makes more sense to show them they were wrong about you. Of course, would the hater ever admit to being wrong about you? Probably not

      Liked by 1 person

  54. I understand how that sign might be meant to be inspirational, but my problem when I was employed was that THEY were always thinking I could do what I knew I couldn’t do. Have fun with your bathroom renovations. We need to have our bathrooms done over, but, for some reason, we keep putting it off 😉 As for future photos, I’m not sure. I think you’ve shared photos of a path leading from your house to the woods? That could be interesting to view over a period of time. Or your roof.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Marie, obviously that sign is not applicable to all situations. Yours is a case in point. The bathroom renovations have been a long time in coming. I understand why you’ve put yours off. We’re to a point where it seems like sooner will be better than later.

      You’re right we have paths around this house. I might be able to dream up something with them as the focal point. Good idea

      Liked by 1 person

  55. I’m with you Ally – that seems like a dark twist on a motivational sign that is too much focused on the external when it’s internal motivation that works best. It seems like it’s a weird twist on Henry Ford’s quote “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”

    But I also accept everyone’s right to whatever motivates them… 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  56. I find that when someone pats me on the head and says I’m brave to try, and they won’t think worse of me when I fail, it very definitely turns on the incentive to succeed just to show them they were wrong. In that way, I very definitely want to do what they think I cannot. It is probably more motivating that what little support they give to someone they think will succeed.

    Liked by 2 people

    • KDKH, oddly enough what you say makes sense. I’m sure you’re right that you do show them when you succeed, in spite of their doubts. I like your conclusion that they may not be giving any support to the person who they think will succeed. Astute observation

      Liked by 1 person

  57. Doing something just because someone else thinks you cannot do it seems like a pretty lame reason for doing anything. Definitely not inspiring to me. Follow your dreams or do what you love would be far more helpful. I enjoyed your photo project. Maybe a close-up of a garden feature (a stone, a figurine, a trellis) through the months would be fun?

    Liked by 2 people

    • Barbara, I’m with you about the sign. I am motivated from within, not by criticism from without. “Follow Your Dreams” is more my speed, too. BUT many commenters have liked the sign. 🤷‍♀️

      I like your idea of a close-up of a garden feature. We’re in the process of updating our planting beds so that might work. Thanks for the suggestion.

      Liked by 1 person

  58. I personally like the feeling of “sticking it to them!” of proving myself to both whomever said I couldn’t but also… to ME! To that little voice in my own head that’s secretly whispering “maybe they’re right.” Great post Ally! Love the pictures too!!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Janis, the party goes on for days on this weblog. Weeks, even. I’m not one for motivational signs either. I feel *meh* about them. However this one caught my eye because of how the natural light beautifully highlighted the shelves. And once I saw the message on the sign, I couldn’t get it out of my mind. Thus, I wrote about it here.

      Like

  60. What are you, a Klingon?–LOL! I guess the sign was one of those “reach for the stars” type of motivational things, or something directed at minorities, maybe? I could get in trouble for typing that, but I can see it making sense. Your take on it is more entertaining, though. 🙂

    I enjoy your monthly photos. I say do it again maybe with a new vista?

    Liked by 2 people

    • Betsy, I don’t find the message on that sign to be inspiring. After I saw it I kept thinking about Worf, not exactly my role model. However I know many commenters like the sign and so I say… what do I know about motivation?

      A new vista is an excellent idea. I figure the right idea will come to me if I just let it.

      Liked by 1 person

  61. Ally – it’s easier to adopt the attitude like the little train that thought it couldn’t make it to the top and over while pulling the bigger train, but “The Little Engine That Could” is an inspiration as it said “I think I can ….” and it did. Early inspiration for how to live your life gleaned from a storybook circa … well a long time ago. 🙂 I like how you documented your view. People who don’t live in a four-season state, are denied the experience of the transition of seasons, though I liked the “old way” of doing seasons much better than this modern way.

    Like

    • L. Marie, those are great ideas. We have more overcast days than sunny ones here, but I might find a body of water in a park where I could do something. Thanks for the ideas.

      Like

    • Joni, we had snow flurries over the weekend, too. Now it’s in the 20s, but with sunny clear skies. Spring isn’t quite here, but the grass is still bright green. Go figure. As for the sign, it doesn’t motivate me– other than to make me question its true meaning.

      Liked by 1 person

  66. In answer to your question. There is a problem with this whole thing, to me. Every time you show them more than they expect, they expect more. It’s unending and next thing you know, you’re working too many hours for THEM. Mind you, this will never happen to me as I am a work to live kinda gal and come 5:00, unless there is an emergency (and it better be real), I am outta there. I was always the go-to person no matte where I worked because of my going over the expectations. Double-edge sword.
    However! If you use this to kick your own self in the pants to achieve things outside of your own expectation? Wonderful.

    As for your project, I love it! I might just have to copy you on that one 😉

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    • Dale, good point about expectations. I get what you’re saying. Those of us who do our best all the time can be goaded/manipulated into doing more just so show THEY. Great observation. I agree about rewording the sign to use it to challenge yourself. Then it is valuable.

      I look forward to your photo project. This was fun, but it’s over now. No more trees. 😑

      Liked by 1 person

    • Robin, that’s a reasonable assessment of the sign. I prefer the idea that I could do what I think I cannot do, but if this message inspires then so be it.

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      • My comment was accidentally sent early, and I couldn’t find it back (probably the approval folder?). What I meant to add is that for many people, a negative attitude from others is a great motivator. I for one have often felt ‘belittled’ by others, sometimes higher up in the food chain. This led me – subconsciously – to prove them wrong and surprise them. In that sense, I did what ‘they’ think I cannot do. As Casey Neistat interestingly put it in a YT video: doing what you can’t…

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        • Other commenters have mentioned being motivated in the same way as you describe. I understand how it could happen and that the motivation can lead to good outcomes. I don’t know who Casey Neistat is but will go find out. Thanks for stopping by to comment, sorry doing so was a wonky experience.

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          • CN is a hoot. I agree with his point of view about being creative. I write this blog despite being told I should find something better to do with my talents. Of course in my case the doubters studiously ignore what I do here so they don’t have to admit I succeeded, nor did I do this to prove them wrong. I did it to prove me right. 🙄

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