Thursday Freestyle

by Michelle Lasley

Michelle Lasley is a mother, wife in Pacific Northwest learning to balance green dreams with budget realities.

July 28, 2011

j
Mixing

Image by alexis22578 via Flickr

I am flipping between Google+, Facebook, Twitter and my email (home and work). My brain is buzzing. I have to write. But, I can’t focus the thoughts enough to find a consistent theme, so I’m just writing.

A co-worker‘s last day is tomorrow. He was hired on after being laid off from his long-time employment at a local, large multi-national company. They closed down a factory, where he worked, and offered a small selection of volunteer opportunities. He chose our non profit as an office assistant.

This co-worker is nearing a government recognized retirement age. He has had a wide ranging career, including stints as a bus driver, illustrator, and working in shipping. He has been a lot of fun to share front office space with, and he will be sorely missed.

So, this known date among some other changes just has my brain whirring. My thoughts are stuttering so I am even having difficulty typing!

I’ve been writing lately about my amazement at the thought processes of people whom I would deem of “mature age.” People who are 25 to 30 years my senior who make, in my mind immature, petty choices. People who have by many accounts had successful, varied careers in the white collar world. Then, when I witness them in day to day interactions I am unabashedly shocked at their immaturity. How could they possibly get so far when they think so little of others?

I am often reminded of what my 10th grade English teacher prophesied whilst discussing Julius Cesar. “THE MASSES ARE ASSES” wrote Mr. Cardwell in big, blocky letters.

I shared with my co-worker, who is leaving, that “Belief” is one of my largest strengths. When I first entered the non-profit world nine years ago, I was shocked, SHOCKED to learn not all my co-workers were passionate about the health-care industry. Sure, some were nurses, some had been doing it a long time… but I’d venture a guess that only 10-20% were actually passionate about the work the group did and as a result their job.

Because “Belief” is paramount to my existence, I have a very difficult time understanding why someone would do something just to do it, to pay the bills. If you are going to dedicate so much time to a thing — why not believe in it? This is how my brain works. I’ve come to understand that not everyone works that way, and I acn accept it. At 23/24, it was difficult. Since then I’ve had jobs that paid the bills and provided the insurance, then my after hours were spent going to school, volunteering, or doing other things I love.

Now that I have a family, with limited time to spend, I’m back to the need of a career that compliments my beliefs.

Really, the point of this free form, free style post is that while we have the ability to have great wisdom (collectively), we also have the ability to have great stupidity and act on it (anyone read about Congress lately?). I must remember that procrastination and patience serve great roles in prioritizing and judgment. If I withhold judgment in favor of patience, things often work out for the best. When we honor each other’s emotions, feelings, desires, and wants, group wisdom prevails and we don’t have to be the asses of the masses.

Enhanced by Zemanta

0 Comments

Read more on this topic…

Journey Home: Reflections from 10,000 Feet

Journey Home: Reflections from 10,000 Feet

As I sit on the plane, surrounded by the hum of the engine and the chill of the window, I can’t help but notice the person in front of me repeatedly adjusting their seat, each movement a grating assault on my laptop screen. The journey back to Portland, high above the clouds, prompts reflections on the comforts of home and the complexities of travel.

The Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year is a cyclical and seasonal calendar. It marks the changing of seasons and incorporates festivals, or Sabbats, celebrating various aspects of nature, life, and spirituality.