Ambition is a strong word; prized by some, reviled by others. I tend to fall in the latter camp. This word, to me, smacks of overpowering ego, without regard to others.
Even David Whyte, in his reflection in the book Consolations (paid link), focuses more on contrasting ambition with vocation or calling. I was struck by his characterization of ambition as “frozen desire.”
The dictionary definition is much more benign – “a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.”
I decided to focus on these qualities of desire and determination and to see what came up. The photograph, above right, portrays these words for me. This flower (or weed), seen on a garden tour, was allowed to be just as it is by the owner of the property. The plant itself had the internal chutzpah to grow where it has, aided by sunlight and rain.
It is what it is, and doesn’t strive to be anything else. That’s ambition to me.
Everything true to itself has its own secret language and an internal intentionality with a secret surprising flow, even to the person who supposedly puts it all in motion. ~ David Whyte, Consolations
Hi Kim. Like you, I have negative connotations with the word ‘ambition’. Could it be a result of being hurt by another(s) in the name of ambition?
David Whyte’s ‘frozen desire’ had me pause and reflect. I felt the ‘frozen’ part was bang on – but feel the desire part misses the mark for me.
Desire and drive hold positive connotations for me – the frozen depicts, in my mind, the frosting over of sensitivity, compassion, even connectedness with that which makes us human. The goal appears to be the sole focus – so maybe ‘frozen reward’ or ‘frozen blinders’?
Either way, an interseting word of the week – I wonder how I’ll visually depict it?
You are right.
I do agree.
Those are wise words, you know.
Bshell