Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time

Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time

Betty Smith, the renowned author of the classic novel "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," was known for her keen observations of everyday life and her ability to capture the beauty and complexity of human experiences. One of the most profound pieces of wisdom that can be gleaned from Smith's work is the idea of looking at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time.

This concept encourages us to approach the world with a sense of wonder and appreciation, as if we are encountering the people, places, and things around us with fresh eyes and an open heart. By adopting this perspective, we are able to see the beauty and magic in even the most ordinary moments, and to truly savor the richness of life.

In "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," Smith paints a vivid portrait of the Nolan family as they navigate the challenges and joys of life in early 20th century Brooklyn. Through the eyes of young Francie Nolan, the reader is invited to see the world with a sense of curiosity and wonder, as she discovers the beauty of a tree growing in the midst of a concrete jungle, or the simple pleasure of a penny candy.

Smith's writing is imbued with a sense of nostalgia and longing, as she captures the fleeting nature of time and the bittersweetness of life's moments. By encouraging us to look at everything as though it were our first or last time, Smith reminds us to cherish the present moment and to appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds us.