The Big Four Oh My God
So, a symbolic milestone has been crossed, at least for me. I often ask people, what of significance have you learned since your last birthday; but I don't usually end up having an answer for said question. This year, however, has been somewhat of an epiphany for me. An epiphany that I would like to share with you, since you are taking the time to read this silly effort on my part.
We always hear the word "drama" thrown around, as if the thought that people disagreeing with one another or not wanting to be around one another could somehow be considered dramatic. And, the ever present phrase "I don't do drama" always seems to exist in some form or fashion. However, I have realized that the "drama" of others that we scoff at and the "drama" that we endure in our own life is simply matters of perspective.
All life has moments of happiness and tragedy to throw at you. Those moments could be based on some fundamentally life changing events, or simply a question of nuisance. None of that makes them any more or less important to the person in question. What we think of as silly for other people to allow to trouble them might seem incredibly important when the perspective is brought to our personal lives.
I don't think I am a person "given" to "drama"; but I am also equally of the belief that I have not avoided it altogether. I've stayed up in the middle of the night, unable to sleep because of a disagreement I had with a friend. I've done selfish, inconsiderate things because I thought my actions were justified; and more important than the feelings of other. I've said hurtful things in order to "win" arguments where I thought I was right. And, at the end of the day, I am no more better off for those experiences than if I had simply chosen to consider perspective.
So, having "been there and done that", the one truth I would claim to have gleaned is that every person should be considered equal, including yourself. Can a problem be solved with an apology? Apologize. Will other people appreciate you more if you give ground on an issue? Compromise. Are individuals resolved to never speak to you? Let go.
Life is such a wonderful opportunity that is extended to all of us; and I can't imagine spending these moments worrying if someone will accept me as I am. When my time comes to discover what waits beyond this world, I'd like to think my moments were filled with the thoughts and company of those I love and care for; not worrying about those who are resolved to hold onto something that doesn't sit well with them.
For those of you who have traveled with me this far down the path, I thank you and appreciate you. For those whose travels have taken them in another direction, I wish you well. And for those I have not yet met, I look forward to seeing you. This is my truth of 40, and I only wish I had found it sooner.
We always hear the word "drama" thrown around, as if the thought that people disagreeing with one another or not wanting to be around one another could somehow be considered dramatic. And, the ever present phrase "I don't do drama" always seems to exist in some form or fashion. However, I have realized that the "drama" of others that we scoff at and the "drama" that we endure in our own life is simply matters of perspective.
All life has moments of happiness and tragedy to throw at you. Those moments could be based on some fundamentally life changing events, or simply a question of nuisance. None of that makes them any more or less important to the person in question. What we think of as silly for other people to allow to trouble them might seem incredibly important when the perspective is brought to our personal lives.
I don't think I am a person "given" to "drama"; but I am also equally of the belief that I have not avoided it altogether. I've stayed up in the middle of the night, unable to sleep because of a disagreement I had with a friend. I've done selfish, inconsiderate things because I thought my actions were justified; and more important than the feelings of other. I've said hurtful things in order to "win" arguments where I thought I was right. And, at the end of the day, I am no more better off for those experiences than if I had simply chosen to consider perspective.
So, having "been there and done that", the one truth I would claim to have gleaned is that every person should be considered equal, including yourself. Can a problem be solved with an apology? Apologize. Will other people appreciate you more if you give ground on an issue? Compromise. Are individuals resolved to never speak to you? Let go.
Life is such a wonderful opportunity that is extended to all of us; and I can't imagine spending these moments worrying if someone will accept me as I am. When my time comes to discover what waits beyond this world, I'd like to think my moments were filled with the thoughts and company of those I love and care for; not worrying about those who are resolved to hold onto something that doesn't sit well with them.
For those of you who have traveled with me this far down the path, I thank you and appreciate you. For those whose travels have taken them in another direction, I wish you well. And for those I have not yet met, I look forward to seeing you. This is my truth of 40, and I only wish I had found it sooner.