On the Other Side

So many times I sit down to type a little something, attempting to construct my overflowing mind into sensible, entertaining, and thought-provoking words. Being articulate and interesting is more difficult than I like wish it was. I visit other blogs and wish I could captivate my audience as they do. I see creativity and wish I were more original in my approach. I think I have lots of interesting things to tell the other side of the world, but others just do it so well already.

Today is one of those days. My heart is brimming with emotions and a desire to chat about my latest musings with you. I want to have a conversation about life with you. I want to share with you. I want to understand how you relate. So here's what's on my mind today:

Struggle for survival. I'm using this both figuratively and realistically.  Crime rises as the holidays approach. Our area is still struggling to recover from the hurricane and continues to flood as the rainy season persists. The struggle to survive is just as much mental as it is physical. How we feel has a huge effect on what we think, and visa-versa. Everyone seems to be in an apathetic funk. I'm having a hard time trying to be an effective change agent. We are taking each day as it comes, one little step at a time. Anything more may just be too much.

Perception is not always reality. I attended a well-facilitated seminar last weekend about understanding cultural boundaries. On one poster we wrote things that others stereotype us personally about. On another poster we wrote things that we stereotype Jamaicans about. It was a very interesting time thinking through cultural stereotypes and norms, talking about right from wrong and who decides why.

Judging others. Throughout my life--and especially in the recent past--friends have told me that when they first met me, they were afraid of being judged. This came as a surprise at first, but I soon realized why. I have a distinct (and somewhat predictable) set of morals that every last person does not share. This is not a bad thing. But those who do not share them often think that I will judge them accordingly. Lies. Thinking that I will judge you is, in fact, you judging me. This ties into stereotypes and perceptions we hold of one another. I guess I'm learning to approach it all in a different way.

Complaining. Complaining is mostly a selfish action. I'm sure we can think of good things to complain about (fairness, health, and so forth). However, living in a spirit of complaint is toxic. It's toxic to our own attitudes and perceptions, and it's toxic to those that we complain to and with. Upon being given a second chance to continue PC service, I set the goal to limit complaining. I have failed. The opposite of complaining is thanksgiving. Thankfully, we are given second and third and fourth chances.

"To Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask for or imagine...."

Lord, save me from myself.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Deep. God be with you.
Anonymous said…
Deep. God be with you.
you are right, struggling to survive is as much mental as physicial.