Wow, that was brilliant. Brought me to a halt. Do I? At first I didn't know. I've been caught up in the struggle, with periods of solace and comfort with storms of sorrow and pools of sadness, that I hadn't thought about whether I did like who I've become.
"Do you?"
No. I mean I don't particularly like this life of mine. It's sad. Lonely. And at times seems hopeless. People don't connect with me so much. I see it in their faces as they bite their tongue and thought bubbles of "odd" seem to appear above their heads. Perhaps who I've become is bad. It's strange to feel that I don't fit in anywhere--that wasn't difficult for the "old me."
"Do you?"
Yes. I mean, I'm relieved that I've become more honest about my emotions. I'm satisfied, when I stick up for a principle I believe in. I'm fed, when a "thank you for you help" sweetens a sour stranger or when considering the other point of view when I've been harmed provides release from hurt. I'm pleased when I refrain from sarcastic comments that injure. I'm grateful for who I've become . . . so far.
"Do you?"I don't know. What I do know is I'm tired. I'm not done struggling, and I know I'll be fine. Especially, when I visit my own wry "pearls of wisdom" upon myself--"The trick is to enjoy it." Yay, life is difficult and I'm in it!
Works every time.
I feel like I should have something profound to say, having prompted this, but I don't think I do. I think I mostly like me—except the jealous, somewhat bitter me can be rather strident when other people get "too" happy. But tired, yes. Hope you find something that is restorative to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sara. You gave me such an important question to explore. I'm grateful for it. Glad to have had the prompt to figure it out, because I think I was too focused on my perceptions of how others were responding to me and how I believe I've changed.
ReplyDeleteI recognize the jealous, bitter, side of me as well!
Peace.