There's a movement afoot and it revolves around our cell phones. Another blogger wrote a post about divorcing his phone this year; a video illustrates how many people miss out on whats around them because they're only looking through the lens of the camera on the phone.
I think the concept of stepping away from the phone is great but we as humans need to take an action before we step away from the phone and begin actual interaction - stop acting liking we're on a reality TV show. These shows and the "entertainment" they provide make it appear it's perfectly OK to make digs, snide comments, or backhanded compliments TO OUR FRIENDS. Forget that we would never speak to a stranger like that but to a friend.
Case example:
I had two friends from my life with my ex that provide the appearance they're good people and amazing friends. I went to lunch with "John," "Jane," and "Paul" (another mutual friend) on a pretty emotional day for me and during the course of the lunch, Paul was on the receiving end of comment after comment from John. Some went after his intelligence, some went after his accent (he was born and raised in Europe), but none of the comments lifted Paul in any way. Jane, John's then fiancee, sat by Paul and said nothing. At one point, I looked at John and and whispered "Why do you talk to him like that?" To which his response was "Because that's how he likes it."
Wow. Those comments are pretty close to actual because they burned into my memory. So not only is it OK to talk to a friend like shit, friends actually like it. "X" used to come home from working with John and Paul livid and angry with how John treated Paul. It's something that we all do; yes, myself included though I've tried to pay attention comments I make after the above incident. But we're none perfect.
So if you've joined the movement to put your phone down and step away, make the commitment to remember the golden rule - treat others as you would like to be treated. Think before you speak. Speak it before you type it. Honor your friendships.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Thursday, January 2, 2014
New Year's Resolution
It's January 2, 2014. Another year gone, a new one here. What do I want to accomplish this year? How do I want to live this year? Who am I going to become this year? All good and valid questions that anyone should ask of themselves prior to setting goals. I think the biggest question should be - why am I putting these out there when I don't know who I want to be or why?
Where should I go this year? This year, I'm after the intangibles. Happiness. Friendship. Love. Great things that we all can and should focus on but how do you measure one. My happy is not your happy; friends are often not "in it" for the same reason(s); love is tricky, it's messy, but it's oh so tingly.
Based on those three, in no particular order, my resolutions. Some are positive and feel good; others not so much but no less realistic. Feel free to steal or share. But make sure when stolen or shared, the focus remains on the three - happiness; friendship; love.
1 - I'm going to blog more often. I like my thoughts. And you should too.
2 - Blogs needn't be a revelation but could be mundane works. I had paneer masala for dinner. Thank you India for introducing me.
3 - I will honor my friends in their lives and their adventures.
4 - I've had friends be not supportive in a variety of situations; I wish you no ill but I haven't forgotten. And chances are, you never knew to begin with.
5 - If number 4 spoke to you and you actually did know, I bow my head and shrug my shoulders.
6 - I never want to be the person of number 5.
7 - Do something for someone else. Daily. Simple hello. Provide a laugh or a shoulder. These small and quiet things say more about an individual than larger actions.
8 - Do something big. Because there's always someone someplace that needs help with _______.
9 - I won't be afraid to love again. Anyone new is not "X." And X is not anyone else. While I will always carry a piece of him with me, I'm living my own life now. Scary as it may be.
10 - Laugh daily.
11 - Hug often.
12 - Believe in self.
13 - Make my own luck.
Where should I go this year? This year, I'm after the intangibles. Happiness. Friendship. Love. Great things that we all can and should focus on but how do you measure one. My happy is not your happy; friends are often not "in it" for the same reason(s); love is tricky, it's messy, but it's oh so tingly.
Based on those three, in no particular order, my resolutions. Some are positive and feel good; others not so much but no less realistic. Feel free to steal or share. But make sure when stolen or shared, the focus remains on the three - happiness; friendship; love.
1 - I'm going to blog more often. I like my thoughts. And you should too.
2 - Blogs needn't be a revelation but could be mundane works. I had paneer masala for dinner. Thank you India for introducing me.
3 - I will honor my friends in their lives and their adventures.
4 - I've had friends be not supportive in a variety of situations; I wish you no ill but I haven't forgotten. And chances are, you never knew to begin with.
5 - If number 4 spoke to you and you actually did know, I bow my head and shrug my shoulders.
6 - I never want to be the person of number 5.
7 - Do something for someone else. Daily. Simple hello. Provide a laugh or a shoulder. These small and quiet things say more about an individual than larger actions.
8 - Do something big. Because there's always someone someplace that needs help with _______.
9 - I won't be afraid to love again. Anyone new is not "X." And X is not anyone else. While I will always carry a piece of him with me, I'm living my own life now. Scary as it may be.
10 - Laugh daily.
11 - Hug often.
12 - Believe in self.
13 - Make my own luck.
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