Running Around

Observing several insects running along the borders of the swimming pool, I noticed a basic difference in behavior. Although they all moved randomly, some found their way out of the puddle they were struggling in, while others just seemed unable to recognize where the right direction was. They kept going back to the very edge until they ended up falling into the pool, drowning. The usual parallel with mankind comes to mind. Don't many human beings behave exactly the same? The safe path is there, they even get upon it for a short while but then (WHY?) they can't help going back to the dangerous spot until they lose their way completely and make the final wrong turn.

It's a Party!

Today is my birthday. I neither like nor dislike birthdays. I believe that a nice little family celebration is okay, just to make you feel that you are loved and cared about. Big parties... well, I'm not too sure about those. Aren't they just an opportunity to show off with friends and acquaintances who, probably, just care about the party and not "particularly" about you? I have always been puzzled about "big" celebrations, especially wedding parties. Some life happenings are so special, personal and meaningful that they should be shared only with those who truly love you. They shouldn't be like any other party, aiming at gathering "everybody" just to have fun. "Special" is an adjective that should be carefully thought about. Special people are exceptions, not the rule, so they cannot include "everybody" you know. Do you disagree with me? Probably you do! No problem, it's your right!

Incorrect Reason

Sometimes people rearrange their lives in a way that does not fulfill their expectations. They change the old environment for a new one that they believe will be more exciting, rewarding or uplifting. Sometimes they are not disappointed and realize that they had made the right decision in daring to face the unknown. More often, though, their expectations are not met because the reason for leaving the old road was not the correct one. The most common "incorrect" reason is the attempt to escape from an unpleasant situation. Escapism, fear, denial, refusal are the starting point that usually leads to discontent and failure. Moving to a new country, city, job or environment simply because one "couldn't stand" the previous one is not the solution to their problem, which will follow them wherever they go unless it is properly dealt with.

Take the Time

If you take the time to examine the way you deal with your friends, you might get a good insight about your usual behavior. You might realize that sometimes you are a little abrupt with them, or that you act in a way that is too matter of fact, making them feel that you are taking them for granted. As to your colleagues, you might have issues with some of them, as it often happens on the work place. Here you need to be patient, kind and ready to offer a helping hand when needed. And, when it is the case, show them the appreciation they deserve. They will value you more. No one is immune from the desire to be liked and taken into consideration. Indifference may be as hurtful as plain rudeness.

Blinding Anger

When you are angry, you are unable to see other people’s point of view. You are so wrapped up in your own feelings that you cannot pay attention to the outcome of your furiously expressing them. This is understandable and forgivable. Yet, also the other’s hurt should not be overlooked. If you don’t want your life to become a “monologue”, you need to watch yourself. Only by listening – beside talking – and replying accordingly can a “dialogue” be established.

Unpredictability

I have often wondered how, at times, unexpected feelings arise from people's deepest part of the "self". Instantaneous likes and dislikes (even love at first sight) happen and it is hard to understand their dynamics. They cannot be explained according to logic or reasoning. Science says that the brain carries out a couple of million "operations" a second, according to which a "judgment" is automatically formed that creates the feeling. I don't know if such explanation is satisfactory. If this is true, how come that it doesn't happen all the time? Most people you meet don't cause an immediate, clear reaction in you. Is this another mystery of human nature, a fascinating puzzle that makes life totally unpredictable?

A Letter. Goal Achieved??

"This is in reference to the article (…) on Creative Thinking by Elsa Franco. I always find her articles inspiring because they make me reflect. The reading is interesting as well as true. Her words bind the reader all over. Like her, I am also in search of hidden wisdom. …… She writes, “No one is perfect and there is always place for improvement. Everything changes, nothing stays the same.” I so agree with her. Yes, life itself is a beautiful opportunity and a possibility to live as we want to, and to breathe freely………I believe that we must not underestimate others' potential or hard work. We don't know when the tables will be overturned. She also mentions a facet of human nature, i.e. the capability of accepting a defeat…….I would finally like to quote her words, “We should never stop learning, being open to new possibilities, trying our wings to see how high we can soar and then try harder.” We can do that by breaking our barriers, by trying to come out of our shells and think, and live outside the box."