Rise to the Occasion

Posted byJaynePosted inJayne.press

“She paused again for an instant; she was looking at Winterbourne with all her prettiness in her lively eyes and in her light, slightly monotonous smile.” Daisy Miller, Henry James

This past week made me realize I need to shift the way I’m showing up in my life.

I absolutely love Daisy Miller by Henry James. She’s this woman who’s just wild about life. She doesn’t bite her tongue and shows up when others might find that to be inappropriate. In The Portrait of a Lady he creates a similar character. I used to be a bit frustrated that he chose these bourgeois women, but I just loved his characters. They left a mark.

Here’s the truth: I loved those women for the freedom they have, their spirited personalities that light up the room. They are flirty and challenging and fit in only just enough to stand out from the crowd.

I’m going to challenge myself to step out a little more.

I love my home, especially my little writing corner in my bedroom, but I need to find more ways to live a little.

Life is asking me to rise to the occasion, and I think I’m going to do just that.

If you decided to rise to the occasion, what would you do?

Published by Jayne

Jayne is a writer. On her free time she likes to be with her family hiking outdoors and traveling. New England is her home and place of birth. When asked what she wants to teach the world she replied, "Don't stop searching. Too many times, in my old life, I put my search aside for more 'important matters.' I didn't realize the thing I was searching for held what was most important; my soul purpose." Jayne works daily on improving her craft and at times can get down on herself, but her favorite morning mantra is "It's a new day." and that's what she strives to start with.

One thought on “Rise to the Occasion”

  1. Pingback: Today is Sunday, February 8, 2026 – Jayne.press

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