Only human
Originally published at x-posted from clifflandis.net. You can comment here or there.
I think a lot about what it means to be human. Not about what makes us different from other animals, necessarily, but about what characteristics can be found in all of us. And I reflect on the language that we use to describe the “human condition.” In fact, we say “human condition” almost as though we’re describing some sexually transmitted disease (which, in a way, we are!).
When we make mistakes, fail, or fall short of others’ expectations of us, we say that we’re “only human.” The literal message of those two words is this: “There are limits to what human beings can do, and and I have just reached that limit.” In effect, what we’re saying is that what is being asked of us is impossible.
But that is rarely the case.
When do we really pull out that phrase? Not when we’re face to face with the impossible, but when we’re face to face with the uncomfortable.
When arguing with a loved one. When being asked to do more than we’ve done in the past. When being asked to push harder, reach deeper, and sacrifice more than we have before. When we are pushed to the limits of our comfort, not the limits of our ability.
And yet, only when we are pushed past comfort to the true limits of our ability, do we see what we’re capable of.
So, as I continue to share my experiences on this blog, I’m going to push past my comfort zones. I’m going to share the hard-earned gems of wisdom that I’ve gained through years of struggle, staggering defeat, and occasional triumph. You may laugh, cry, wince, or even judge me, and that is fine. I won’t let fear stop me from allowing others to learn from my experiences. I hope you read something here that will help you, as I endeavor to share everything that makes me gloriously human.