It occurred to me the other day, that I spend most of my life in the gray zone. It’s as though I can never really make up my mind about a million different things. Doesn’t that make me a bit wishy-washy? And if it does, I need to correct the situation because I have a hard time with that myself; people who leave me wondering about their true feeling, beliefs, ideas, points of view. It’s not that we need to agree – not at all. It’s just the desire to know people honestly. I’d rather spend time with people I completely disagree with than with someone I’ve never scratched the surface with. At least we know where we stand in each others eyes and can respect that . And why dance around, why hold back? All we have to lose is a friendship that was never really there to start with. It was just a pretense.
I guess it’s an age thing, but by this stage in life I hardly see the purpose of wasting time in the gray. For example; I have been on a half-diet plan for at least fifteen years. It’s a kind-of, sort-of, if it fits into my schedule, but only if we’re not on vacation anywhere or having anyone to dinner, or if I’m out with friends, diet. So, I am kind of, but not really, on a diet. I need to either lose the fifteen pounds or quiet talking about it. I’m sick to death of my lack of discipline.
Another thing I do is split myself in the department stores between the hip-hop edgy fun stuff and the let’s face it, we are getting older and this is what we should be wearing department. I don’t want to wear those clothes, the ones that are all spandex-y and scream of elastic and lose fit and comfort. I don’t want those even if they are comfortable and I look ridiculous in the other edgy fun clothes. My refusal to accept my age and changing shape is glaringly immature.
And then there is my faith. I am a true believer of the love of our Heavenly Father and salvation through His Son. Yet I don’t like going to church. I personally don’t have a lot to say in favor of most church people, although there are, of course, many exceptions. Yet, there are also so many phoney-balonys that I don’t like being there. The problem is, if I never go, I start missing it terribly so we go, and then I get my fill, and then quit for a while. I should make up my mind and either do some good, get involved, volunteer; or just forget about it.
Another example of my wavering self: I love my dogs and have never been without a dog in my entire life. Yet, they tie us down. It’s a guilt ridden experience every time I leave if even for a few hours, let alone for an extended period of time, like an actual vacation. I love to have them cuddle up on the couch at night with the fire blazing and a good book. Yet the morning light shows a fine layer of dog hair and sand covering everything in sight; carpet, furniture, coffee table, and wet days leave the place smelling bad. The vacuum never stops. The dusting never ends. And although they are great protectors of home, I can’t stand the barking.
I’m going to start making up my mind. Just because I’ve always felt one way, doesn’t mean I can’t change my opinion and feel differently now. Also, I’ve made a decision to quit worrying about what anyone thinks of where I stand on any issue in life. At least I’m going to stand tall on one side of the fence or the other – no more straddling, swaying back and forth, fearing judgement. Who cares anyway? I’d rather get out of the gray and be proud of myself even if it means I end up standing alone. It’s time for honesty, especially with myself.
Later,
We all have an expiration date, like it or not. Let’s not waste each others time!
Hi Mary Ann…I agree, can’t stand surface chatter, I would rather be alone. Stopped talking about eating and weight years ago. 49 years, still Levi’s and a white cotton shirt. I’m guessing you will have dogs until the end. I am pretty sure you won’t be standing alone after you take a stand.
Does this mean Rita and Maggie are going to the pound?
Heck no! Maggie and Rita are guaranteed a long happy existence here on the beach. But after they go…..maybe a life with no dogs so we can travel and not feel so bad about leaving them.