Growing Up
An hour or so ago I sent an email to "Nick" asking him how he perceived I had changed in the decade or so since we'd last been in regular contact.
I'm not going to post his entire answer here, but it can be summarized as "more peaceful, more centered, more humble, more open."
Which isn't so bad.
In my response I found myself writing the following: I think I've achieved a certain level of graceful (as opposed to belligerant) not giving a damn.
I liked that.
When I was growing up, I was taught to be very aware of the expectations of society and church, and to be sure that everything I did was appropriate and would meet with the approval of the authorities of family, school, church, and community. I worry far less about that now. In fact, most of the time, I pay attention only to the degree that common courtesy and professionalism demand.
At the same time, I would hope that at those times when I do stand against expectations I do it in a way that doesn't cause gratuitous conflict or drama.
A certain level of graceful not giving a damn.
I'm not going to post his entire answer here, but it can be summarized as "more peaceful, more centered, more humble, more open."
Which isn't so bad.
In my response I found myself writing the following: I think I've achieved a certain level of graceful (as opposed to belligerant) not giving a damn.
I liked that.
When I was growing up, I was taught to be very aware of the expectations of society and church, and to be sure that everything I did was appropriate and would meet with the approval of the authorities of family, school, church, and community. I worry far less about that now. In fact, most of the time, I pay attention only to the degree that common courtesy and professionalism demand.
At the same time, I would hope that at those times when I do stand against expectations I do it in a way that doesn't cause gratuitous conflict or drama.
A certain level of graceful not giving a damn.