Get Real

What Really Matters?

A bit of a ramble...

In the Newberry Award winning novel, Walk two Moons, an anonymous message is left on the doorstep of Phoebe, a prominent character in the story.  It read, "In the course of a lifetime, what does it matter?' The author delved into this topic through her characters, examining those things, significant and insignificant, that make up the contents of our lives.

Reminds me of the philosophical message with the jar and golf balls.  I cannot remember the source for this information but basically, a philosophy professor filled a pickle jar with golf balls, posing the questions to his students, is it full?  While most agreed that yes, it indeed was full, he demonstrated that there was still room for much more.  He then filled in the space between the balls with pebbles, again posing the same question.  Continuing with the theme, the instructor then filled the remaining space with sand. The professor used the jar as an analogy for life, the golf balls being those things that really matter; our relationships, health, etc.  The pebbles were other important but not primary concerns; our work, interests etc.  The sand was all the remaining "stuff" that fills our days.  

His point?  If you fill the jar with "stuff" first, you will not have room in your life for the things that matter.  

No doubt about it, life is difficult. And it will be. But in the course of a lifetime, what really matters is our relationships with others.  How we treat others, love, accept, provide for and listen to people defines us as human beings.  We have the opportunity and capacity to give, create joy and laughter, offer comfort, security and the feeling of being loved and accepted.  

Loving ourselves is an ingredient as well.  But sometimes, we fall trap to isolating ourselves and miss the point.  I know I do.  Giving love may be an essential component for self-love to exist. I cannot think of anything more powerful or sometimes, more difficult. But I think it gets easier with practice.

Get Real...

Trying to connect this somehow to the blog!

Why get real?  Everyone hurts.  In giving ourselves to others, it is essential to be who we are.  People perceive vulnerability as weakness, something to hide from others. But perhaps if we were more willing to give these parts of ourselves, it would help others understand they are not alone.  People need people.  It is basic. We share so much yet, so little.

Sometimes it is difficult to see others.  And even more so, to show ourselves.  It is in isolation that things seem impossible. Together, can we make a difference?  I'd like to think so. 

Being present and mindful also involves being real.  We have so many dimensions and to show only a select few hinders our ability to experience life authentically.  What if we all took off the armor and let our guard down, at least a little bit? I do think the world would be a better, more connected and peaceful place.  Who is on board?