The more I read, the more I write, the more I age, I have slowly learned the following truths about myself:
1) Just because I have what I think to be well-educated opinions, I don't need to express them at every opportunity. I got in trouble for this in kindergarten (the note on my report card read "She has lots of good ideas, but needs to keep them to herself more"), in high school, in college and on. Now, I'm a bit wiser and a bit more cautious about spouting off because I learned this lesson:
2) Most folks don't give two hoots (or a rat's ass- take your pick) about my opinion.
3) I don't need to straighten everyone out, even though I am pretty sure I could.
4) I am good at listening patiently to people's complaints. (Then in the car, I rant to myself all the way home.)
5) I can be helpful without being sappily sentimental or bossy.
6) I am quite adept at seeing the good/talent/beauty in others. (I am not so good at seeing this in myself, however.)
7) I am truly a gentle and peaceful person.
8) I am kind. And kindness matters.
9) But, I still have moments of complete anger, frustration and bitchiness. I have learned to keep these moments to a minimum, but still, you might want to watch out.
Why do I tell you all this? Because last week I composed what I thought was an important blog post, spurred by some things I have been seeing on facebook and pinterest. Things that aren't so kind.
My post was deep.
It was pithy.
It was filled with political and socio-economic references and data.
But it was alsoa little pompous, empathetic and self-righteous. Which, as you know, could easily be construed as bossy, sappily sentimental and not at all peaceful.
So, I'm not going to post it, as I'm striving for gentle, thoughtful and meaningful here.
Oh, I have it saved, though. You know. Just in case I need to womp on some wacked-out, uneducated, un-researched, "I'm-jumping-on-the-bandwagon" ideas.
Like I said, watch out.
Peace. I keep telling myself that . . .
2) Most folks don't give two hoots (or a rat's ass- take your pick) about my opinion.
3) I don't need to straighten everyone out, even though I am pretty sure I could.
4) I am good at listening patiently to people's complaints. (Then in the car, I rant to myself all the way home.)
5) I can be helpful without being sappily sentimental or bossy.
6) I am quite adept at seeing the good/talent/beauty in others. (I am not so good at seeing this in myself, however.)
7) I am truly a gentle and peaceful person.
8) I am kind. And kindness matters.
9) But, I still have moments of complete anger, frustration and bitchiness. I have learned to keep these moments to a minimum, but still, you might want to watch out.
Why do I tell you all this? Because last week I composed what I thought was an important blog post, spurred by some things I have been seeing on facebook and pinterest. Things that aren't so kind.
My post was deep.
It was pithy.
It was filled with political and socio-economic references and data.
But it was also
So, I'm not going to post it, as I'm striving for gentle, thoughtful and meaningful here.
Oh, I have it saved, though. You know. Just in case I need to womp on some wacked-out, uneducated, un-researched, "I'm-jumping-on-the-bandwagon" ideas.
Like I said, watch out.
You know, you do have Pfaffenberger blood running through your veins and no matter what, you won't be able to change #1 and #9 totally. Oh, and you forgot Stubborn! No matter what, Grandma, Grandpa, your dad, my mom, Aunt Norma and Uncle George all have/had stubborness in common!! And me too! HUGS!
ReplyDeleteelisa
You are a real sweetheart..and I am glad I can count you as a friend!!!! Joyce
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