Journal 01 ( Mar 8 ~ 14 )

To prepare for “Storytelling contest” (English listening and speaking), I read some children’s storybooks and chose the most inspiring one. I love “The Missing Piece” most. This story is written by Shel Silverstein.

“The Missing Piece” mainly talks about “imperfection” and “perfection”. An incomplete “O” was in search of its missing piece. During the process, it could stop to talk to a worm or smell a flower because it rolled slowly. In fact, that was the best time of all. Then, it encountered many difficulties and found the pieces that were not suitable for it. Finally, it became a perfect “O”, but it did not feel happier. The reason was that it lost opportunities of appreciating wonderful things around itself after it became perfect. It decided to set down the piece and learned to enjoy its “imperfect” life.

I have further thoughts after I read this seemingly simple but thought-provoking story. People tend to pursue what they lack and try hard to be perfect. Actually, I am no exception. I always think that I should be more positive and diligent. Sometimes, I am delighted when I achieve my goal. But I think that is temporary success, and I start to search for my missing piece again. Just like the story, I lose many chances to take a look at notable things and seldom enjoy the simplicity of life.

This story reminds me that “Always pursuing perfection is not the best choice in one’s life.” Why do I say so? I think “incompleteness” is the power for me to learn and live. If I am too complete or perfect, I would not know what to do next and lead an aimless life. Therefore, I am fortunate that I am imperfect, and I have opportunities to love, to appreciate and to cherish what I have already had. After all, “Happiness lies in contentment.”



Thought-provoking sayings:

“Discontent is the first step in progress.”
“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were big things.”


Extra information:

1.“The Missing Piece”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=744JBwjrlKk&feature=related

2.“The Missing Piece Meets the Big O”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCmZ2jrQooE&feature=related

3. More information about Shel Silverstein
http://www.shelsilverstein.com/indexSite.html