Today is August 5 and the Navigate the Chaos question to consider is “How often do you allow obstacles to determine where you go?”
People who navigate the chaos do not allow obstacles to determine where they go. Pearl Fryar is an African-American topiary artist living in Bishopville, South Carolina who never let obstacles determine his direction.
The artist's foray into topiary began in the 1980s, when Fryar and his wife looked for a new home. One neighborhood spurned them, fearing that an African American couple wouldn't keep up their yard. In response, Fryar set his sights on being the first black recipient of the local garden club's Yard of the Month award.
With no training in art or horticulture, Fryar followed an instinct that soon became a passion.
Today he carves more than 3 acres of amazing topiaries, attracting other artists, gardeners and national media. Pearl's three-acre garden receives approximately 5,000 visitors a year, and they can depend upon him to share stories, explanations about his art, and his feelings as a friendly and generous host.
A 2008 documentary, A Man Called Pearl, detailed his life’s journey and work. Fryar stated “There is always going to be obstacles. The thing you do is don’t let those obstacles determine where you go.”
Fryar never let obstacles determine his path. Are you?