Getting to know people is both fun and stressful for me. My first instinct is to try and impress them, but I think that is why so many marriages fail after a number of years. Living to impress is a time consuming, energy sucking process that eventually dissipates.
Do I dare to be myself? Do I even know who that is? I was brought up to be a chameleon, a creature who anticipates your every need and fulfills it as quickly as I can. Fortunately, I am aware of this and I've had a long time to figure out who I am.
I am not great at anything, but I am more than passably good at many things. A jack of all trades, if you will, and master of none. I am in awe of people who have excelled at something. People who have creative careers. People who have written books, or seem to have an immense education coupled with kindness. But, like most people, I like people who like me!
There's nothing wrong with that, but it just cannot become a life's work. Trying to be liked is not a goal worthy of a whole life.
What is worthy?
Serenity, kindness, gratitude, basic human goodness. Not a facade, but the real thing, a deep abiding being that is not perfect, but is as perfectly honest as possible.
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