To All The Fish

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." ~ Albert Einstein

In light of all the conversations I've had recently about careers and jobs, I still find this quote incredibly prevalent. In fact, I just received an email tonight about how it's time to stop comparing and start doing.

Cheers to that.

Let's get up and get a move on. I can only think of two close friends that are doing what they have always wanted to do. Isn't it time that I stop envying the fact that they've set out on their path, and get to steppin' in my own direction?

Another wise old dude once said, "Try not. Do or do not. There is no try."

So here's to Yoda and Albert. May their words of wisdom ignite a fire within us all.

Significant Others Used as Qualifiers

Grammatically speaking, that is to say.

It really bugs me when people start every sentence with BF wanted..., GF says..., BF called... OK. We get it. You're in a relationship. Is it necessary for you to tell the world that you and your significant other do everything together?

It's quite likely that you use your BF/GF as a modifier so often that the rest of us can assume you're talking about them when ever you speak. For the record, I have no issue when people call each other by their names. John and I this, Suzy and I that.

Does this make me a hater? Call it what you will, but there are plenty of SECURE couples out there who don't feel the need to mention their significant other in every sentence.

So what's the deal? Are there folks that do it to make the other feel better? Do they do it to reassure themselves? Or is it really just a ploy to annoy the rest of us? Better still, has social media just gotten the better of grammar and people have just gotten too lazy to do any more than the bare minimum?

"A" for Effort

Here's a topic that's been sitting on my mind for a little while now.

Is there a difference between liking and supporting? Specifically, can you dislike the final product yet still be supportive of the effort?

To answer my own question, yes. Yes I believe that it's possible to support someone even though you don't like what they produce. Case and point, my closest friend is an artist. She does photography, painting, and jewelry making among other things. While I 110% support her working for herself, I do not like all of the abstract art that she paints. Does that mean I won't go to a gallery showing or exhibition? Of course not.

You don't go to a Wake or a Funeral for the dead. You go in an effort to support their family and loved ones.

When you've known people for over a decade, you sort of expect support when you take big steps in life. Whether you're joining the Peace Corps, applying to Grad School, or relocating for a better job, is it wrong to expect a little encouragement from those close to you?

In my personal experience, yes.

It's OK to talk about celebrities or sports, you can even talk about politics and religion with your close friends! But when it comes to talking about a potential career path, or something equally important that will directly impact your life, suddenly everybody is speechless. We don't really need cheerleaders, do we?

Another yes. Yes we do. Not all the time, but we definitely need them when it matters. Don't just be there for someone because they're coming out of a bad relationship, have gotten laid off, or worse, have suffered the loss of a loved one. Although, those are really good times to step up and show you care.

The bottom line is this: You can support someone without liking their work.

Be the friend you say you are. If someone close to you is putting themselves out there for the world to see, let them know that you're still there for them, win, lose, or draw. It's easy to talk about the lighter side of life. It royally sucks when you can't talk about the scary, the serious, or any of the other "what ifs" that go bump in the night.

We who are looking for support, are not looking for "Yes Men." It sure would be nice to know that you're rooting for us though.

Blank Slate

Everyone's got a breaking point.

I'm very near said point. Need a public space in which to funnel my coherent thoughts.

Not ready to type yet, but it's close.

Couldn't pass on the name though. :) Original images coming soon. Stay tuned.