I was a pretty good student. I hated studying and never really figured out how to do it effectively. Still, I got A’s and B’s in most subjects. In the subjects I was poor in – mostly math – I just gritted my teeth and hoped for the best. Which was usually to just barely pass. As a result I now have a hate on for anything to do with numbers which certainly doesn’t serve me. If someone had taken the time to reach out before I got completely discouraged, things may have turned out differently.
Own Your Emotions
Self help is also everywhere in our society. Yes, I admit, I’m part of that genre as well. Often the message of personal growth is misinterpretted. We seem to think that if we’re growing we are somehow “above” emotions, that we are “enlightened” and therefore we always forgive and stay positive. I hate to burst the bubble, but even a monk that’s been sitting on a mountain meditating for 30 years still has emotions, gets depressed or angry and has days of sadness or even moments of negativity. How can those of us who live our hectic regular lives be above that?
Older Really is Better
Kathleen also made the comment, “I’m so much more interesting now.” I agree, in general, older people are more interesting. We’ve had more experience, we’ve developed our opinions and confidence. I know I’m waaaaaaaaaaaaay more interesting than I was 20 years ago.
Fear, Abuse, Excuses
Two shows this week inspired me; Glee (once again) and Canada’s Got Talent. On Glee’s Choke the ever amazing and tank-like Coach Beiste revealed that she had been beaten by her husband. On Canada’s Got Talent, Enigma Dance was performing in the semi-finals. I was reminded of their audition dance to Sarah MacLachlan’s Stupid about domestic abuse.
Hey There Judgey Judgerson
It’s also a fact of psychology that we are judgement machines. It is a built in defense mechanism. We actually NEED to judge in order to survive. We need to judge the temperature so we know whether to put on more clothes or get in the shade so we keep our body temperature at a healthy level. We need to judge whether or not we need nutrition so we know when to eat. We need to judge whether or not we are in danger so we know whether to flee or fight.