I used to think I could write a novel about the things that bug me, and I was probably right. I have recently decided that not all that much bugs me. Life is too hard as it is without adding a bunch of negative stuff to it. As with so many life lessons, this one was way too long in coming and of course I had to learn it the hard way. I have opinions and am occasionally known to have a bad attitude, but for the most part it is much easier to let all the crap go.
About a year ago Alex was telling me that one of her friends didn't like another one of her friends, and this girl took every opportunity to share this information with everyone. I was thinking to myself "why would she do this?" Being a thirteen year old girl is probably just about the hardest thing in the world, why make it harder. Why is your dislike of someone so important that you feel the need to share it with that person...and everyone else. Maybe lots of people don't like you, but don't share that with you.
Then as thought processes evolve, I got thinking about times in my life where I have been bugged by people, and I realized that these were the times when I was the most insecure. I spent a lot of time worrying about whether or not I bugged people. I decided to let it all go. Nice people don't have to worry about whether or not they have hurt others. Mean people generally know they are mean, and if they like themselves that way...good for them. I might still bug people but I don't spend a lot of time worrying about it.
It all goes hand in hand with the another life lesson I learned: We project our own attitudes on others. I had a boss once who lied all the time. Being a liar, she assumed everyone was lying to her. She couldn't conceive of a world where people were truthful. Honestly (hee hee) she didn't trust anyone. People who are always judging other people live in a world where they assume others are judging them. It is all just stuff that makes life harder, and seriously, isn't life hard enough?
I started slowing down and driving the speed limit about a year ago. I found that when I was speeding along I was always bugged by the slower drivers. Now as I toodle along, I am so much more relaxed. I think someone should do a scientific study of peoples heart rate and stress level when they are driving. I think as your speedometer inches over the speed limit your heart rate and stress level go right up with it.
I still get bugged by stuff because I am still human. I have narrowed the list way down though...it pretty much includes:
1. Food touching, and people who say "It's ok, it all ends up in the same place". To them I say, it all comes out the same place too...we don't eat that.
2. People who think their opinion is more important than mine. I respect everyone's right to have an opinion, and even share it, but try to respect mine too. This one comes into play a lot when it comes to politics. You may not agree with me, but that's ok, we are not all meant to agree, it makes life interesting. Remember, God loves democrats too.
3. Prefacing what you say with "don't take this the wrong way", that is a big alarm going off that says you might have to look for the right way to take it.
4. Voyeurism, I don't like to be an outside observer of peoples pain. Sometimes when I am watching the news I have to change the channel because it is so uncomfortable for me to see heartless reporters trying to capture others pain. Look for my blog on the olympics in a day or two, cameras zooming in on athletes agony..no no no.
5. Mean spirited gossip. I like a little dish now and then, but nothing mean.
My novel is just a little list now. I know there are probably a few more things that bug me, but hardly the novel I could have written before. I like it this way, life is simpler for me when I am not always bugged by one thing or another. I have a great family, great friends, and a really good life.
Feel free to share the things that make your life good, it gives me more reasons to smile and enjoy life. Go ahead and share stuff that bugs you too, maybe I'll agree and add it to my list.
4 comments:
I liked your blog. I read it right before I went to bed last night and I was on my phone so I couldn't comment. But it was a cheerful way to end the day.
I have lots that makes me happy and to be cheerful for.
Currently I am so happy that you know how to make the most delicious Cinnabons. I don't think I've ever tasted anything that great. They totally kick IKEA's cinnamon rolls butt's.
I'm also grateful and happy for my cute little family and my big family. I'm grateful that we have the means to live a simple life and the talents to make it extraordinary. There is lots.
Thanks for the positive light you shine on things.
Good post, glad that you are not bugged by as much anymore, I worry about your heart rate and stress level. Thanks for joining me in the slow lane, now we need to convince Dad to join us and see if we can lower his stress level. Oh, and don't take this the wrong way... but I hate it when I am at the bottom of the list on people's "My Favorite Blogs".
:)
That was very fun, but a word of advice: I think you could open up fantastic taste possibilities if you just let your food touching guard down a little bit. Start slow, leave your jell-o and baked beans on another plate, maybe just let some of your veggies touch a little bit, or add salsa to something you normally wouldn't. I think it would change your life.
LM, Sometimes it scares me that Dad drives at all...slow, fast, ya know. I am enjoying the lower stress level. And don't take this the wrong way but, you should be grateful you are at the bottom of my list, it makes you my firstest favorite.
Becka, I am not taking eating advice from someone who can't stop eating salsa even when it is burning her mouth. I can eat mixed vegetables, is that a major step? OOH, I can eat vegetable beef soup, that's vegies and meat! I am feeling much better about myself.
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