I define myself as a “stand-alone” person. It’s difficult to be part of a “team” when everything you do is working alone. I’m doing it right now. Blogging. Thinking. Writing. Shaping my thoughts into words that may be read. That’s working alone.
The one thing I find difficulty comprehending is looking at my life from another viewpoint.
Others may see what I do and how I live and put it into a verbal perspective I may not agree with. That’s their prerogative, I suppose, but do I care? Depends on who “they” are. Maybe, and if only, they would walk a mile or two in my shoes and steps. Face life as I face it. Maybe their perspective would change.
It is said that understanding another often comes when you slip into their shoes and walk awhile. Though it’s been aged by its words, the first time we read this concept in a poem. “Judge Softly” by Mary T. Lathrap, 1895. “Walk a mile in his moccasins.” If you do so, then you may see more clearly from another’s perspective.
From my viewpoint, I would much rather follow a better path from someone who has been there, done that. Stepping further down the road faster than one could imagine, but leave a breeding ground for followers. Open up the path and show others by doing! Followers become successful and in a similar fashion, they show others the way.
If you tell me, it’s an essay.
If you show me, it’s a story.
~Barbara Greene
Nothing New Under The Sun
Thanks to Solomon, I realize that we cannot create anything new. We do not have the power to create anything new! But, we often reinvent the wheel. And, we are good at it! Every new invention comes along to solve a problem of limitations. Then, improvements follow. Keep technology alive in the game of change and one day we’ll all have A.I. and robots doing all the work.
In our new vehicle, I understand we’re lacking a chip for a hands-free driving experience. Due to chip shortages, this feature was intentionally left out and can be added in the future. But I experienced something I’ve not been able to replicate. Driving into town, and the third car in line as we snaked through the forest. Suddenly, the steering wheel is fighting me trimming the direction forward. It actually turns of its own accord and keeps me in place behind the other cars for a few miles. Taking my hands off the wheel and testing my theory, a warning message flashes, “Keep your hands on the steering wheel.”
Talk about something new! I’ve never felt so out of control, even though the vehicle was controlled by machines! It’s technology connecting me to an experience that I’ll never forget.
It’s connecting technology to real-world applications that I can choose whether to use or not. Right? Perhaps. By the time I’m old and gray (I’m 33 years from being 100), we will not be in control of our driving enjoyment.
So. If there’s nothing new, then perhaps I should pause and return. Back to simpler times. Playing with friends, tromping through the woods, and enjoying the turning of pages of a good book you cannot put down.
From Another Viewpoint: If there's nothing new, then perhaps I should pause and return. Back to simpler times. Playing with friends, tromping through the woods, and enjoying the turning of pages of a good book you cannot put down. Click To TweetI’m unloading my world as I age. The things I thought to seek for are not my goal in life. Trim the sails. Set the rudder. Give “stuff” the ol’ heave-ho! It’s time to start carrying a pocket knife again. Why? There’s always a good stick to whittle and sharpen.
There are things I’ll never part with, however. My petrified wood reminds me of life before the changes left remnants with just a hint of what it might have once been. That’s the way I feel this morning.
A song from my early married life rings true. When life gets complicated and loaded with care, let’s yearn for the time back in our beginning.
Take me back, take me back dear Lord
To the place where I first received you.
Take me back, take me back dear Lord where I
First believed.
(Andrae Crouch, 1975, Take Me Back)
Loved this one.