This photo of and quote from Judy Dench made its rounds on Facebook this week. And it immediately caught my attention.
I’ve always admired this woman and, of course, loved her character as M in James Bond. M had chutzpah and determination and stood her ground. Nothing swayed her, and even when faced with difficult decisions (think Skyfall) she stuck to her guns.
So when I saw this quote, I immediately understood why I’ve always felt drawn to M. From my perspective it seems there’s a lot of Dench in M, and probably why she was just so damned good at the part.
I think it sometimes takes a lot to get to that point in life, where you’re comfortable enough in your own skin to not give a crap what anyone thinks about you anymore. Life’s challenges have a way of testing you to see just what you’re made of. And someone who’s learned the difference and matured in that way can do so without being rude or hurting feelings. Oh, and let’s note that “mature” doesn’t mean old or older. It simply means a person has become sophisticated and experienced enough in their worldview to understand the subtleties of standing their ground.
Now that I’ve opened the ‘age’ can of worms, I’ll admit that as I’ve grown a bit older myself (and I’ll tell Left Brain often that we’re getting older and not old), I’ve discovered some things I never knew about myself before. Like I have a better ability to blow off someone when they’re having a bad day and taking it out on me. Or the insight to understand that everyone views life through their own eyes, and that just because they don’t agree with my mindset doesn’t mean they’re wrong.
And that every now and then I, too, can put a fool in his or her place. There’s an old saying along the lines of “don’t mistake my kindness for weakness”. It’s a truism I live every day.
So all of that said, what person do you admire and why? And what do you think about Dench’s quote? I’d love to know.
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Terri Herman-Ponce 
I adore Judi Dench and loved her in the Bond films. I admire my grandmother. She was a petite powerhouse. Smart, savvy, and spirited.
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I love petite powerhouses, Reese. Sometimes they’ve got more chutzpah than anyone else!
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I think the quote is a little harsh. It lacks a graciousness I would expect from a woman of her calibre. I admired my mother. She had strength borne from her convictions, a genuine warmth from a beautiful soul and would smile at a fool secure in her belief that their karma would be their penance.
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I hear you but we can agree to disagree. I love the strength and conviction that Dench has. She’s in your face in an assertive way. For me, that’s the ticket. 🙂
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yup, i love judy dench. and there’s definitely power in maturity. i don’t feel that i have to put up with bull anymore. well worth the wrinkles…
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Nora, you got it in one! I agree…everything that led to this point in our lives and beyond adds to our character. And strength.
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I have a bracelet with a big squared-off bead, and on that bead is written “we are – the heroes – of our own – stories”. It’s my reminder that everyone brings their own point of view, which might not line up exactly with mine.
That said, I still know an idiot when I see one.
😉
Nice post…
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Liv – LOL. A woman after my own heart.
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