If I could go back in time and put my old head on youthful shoulders I would have chosen science as my academic pathway. My very limited window of understanding with science is that it appears to thrive on the inability to explain everything. Through curiosity, science pushes forward to keep on asking questions to create alternate possibilities to contribute to the greater good and bigger picture. That pretty much sums up my personal philosophy for wellbeing; physically, mentally, economically, emotionally, and spiritually. Its not that I think something is 'wrong' all the time or 'broken' and needs fixing, its just I see areas in myself that can be built on and developed so I can function in the world a little smoother. Why wouldn't I want that? Obviously we are all different and our internal measure on what contentment, acceptance and satisfaction means to us are all very unique and based on our life's experiences. In a simple and ideal world we would all just accept each other for where we are at and who we are. However, we don't live in a simple world and our views and beliefs and how we define ourselves, (for some people), are worth everything, and change or compromise is not an option. Resistance can be found everywhere; in committees, within families, relationships, work places, and so on. I've known innovative and motivated people leave town because the pressure from 'old school' thinking and the barriers that can arise are just too much. For them, it is better to invest in a community that wants to move forward rather than deal with constant resistance. If we could all at least agree on a common ground that feeling good is something we are all allowed, and is not just for one or two exclusively. As long as its not illegal or harmful to another then the question needs to be asked - what is the problem for aiming for mutuality? If that offends then quite frankly the cross to bear lays with the offended and they need to have a good hard look at why their buttons have been pushed ! Should we all walk around feeling guilty for wanting development? What sort of community do we want? Doom and gloom or positive and hopeful? Should the glass be always half empty in order that others can feel better about themselves? Or should it be half full so that we have a chance to increase morale? When I was thirty I used to run a summer programme in a small town on the Coromandel Peninsula. Included in this was live cross overs to the local radio station, an unforseen challenge as my employers failed to mention this on the job description! I was faced with a situation I definately would not have chosen, but it came with the territory so I had to 'give it a go' or walk away from the most amazing job I had ever been offered. Although I didn't do it well, I did get more comfortable with practise and it did lead to a regular permanent slot on Coromandel FM. My goal wasn't to become the next 'Polly' but it was to simply try this new experience and do the best I could, even though by others standards it was not good!.. It was a situation however that forced me out of my comfort zone, and with it came the discovery of potential that I didn't realise I had. The confidence that I gained as a result of trying this new challenge was worth it in spite of my discomfort and fear. Believe me there was moments of huge discomfort, as I was on air alone the day Lady Di had her fatal car crash.(it was a Sunday) I knew that I was an amateur in a situation way too big for me, and I was in way out of my depth!.. But somehow it all held together and Im here to tell the tale. If faced with a similar situation again, I would once again freak out!... but, I know that I survived my previous discomfort and I would also know that I would survive again. This thing we have called 'memory' can work for us as well as against us, and it is our choice to decide which memory will have the bigger impact. Im not against giving some things a go if there is the possibility of something better, and I believe that its this philosophy that supports me when forced with change. It pays to be careful with what we cling on to and what we think defines us because sometimes the grip is so tight that we can miss out on some fantastic opportunities. At times we all need a helping hand to push through the barriers in ourselves and we often forget to ask our peers or professionals for support. Personally I get great satisfaction when I am able to help others take baby steps towards their potential. I understand that with the smallest of changes that are made now, can bring significant changes to the bigger picture – just like science.
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