Opening the Closed Mind

“Last night I had the strangest dream.. I sailed away to China, in a little row boat to find ya and you said you had to get your laundry cleaned”

To clarify, to the under 30s (in a non condescending manner), I did not have this dream. I’m not interested in travelling to China or anywhere for that matter at the moment, no less in a row boat. I’d just be happy to visit my folks 30ks away or get a much needed beauty treatment done up the road right now.

This is just a classic song from the early 80s and covered in the 90s. I mean, how weird are song lyrics? 

So, how are we all?

Actually, you don’t have to answer, I may already know. My facebook and Insta give me a clear indication of how most peeps are feeling about 2020. If you’re lucky enough to be a Victorian- you’re likely to have expressed these feelings with some choice words peppered on top.

It’s cool.

Let. It. Out.

Equally remember, it’s cool to not have to agree, disagree or even express an opinion on someone else’s feelings and thoughts.

Just an idea. *A non condescending idea. 

Do you ever get the feeling that at any turn or at any time you could potentially be about to insult, offend or upset someone without that being your intent at all? I do. On the daily. I feel that I’m a nano second away from putting a foot wrong. Or putting my foot in it! And not to boast, but I’m a seriously, overly, analytically, considerate person.

My sole purpose in life is to not offend. Anyone. For any reason. I’m also super opinionated. Let’s face it, these two factors can clash. And do clash. 

No matter how hard you try, the opportunity to upset or offend others is a daily possibility, if you have thoughts and are willing to share them.

Especially on social media.

Social media by it’s very premise means much of our interaction can be the written word. Not able to distinguish paralanguage and context. This means that when you can’t hear someone’s tone or articulation of certain words, messages can be misinterpreted- and misinterpreted they do get. This can lead to a plethora of problems for any and all involved. 

Alas, my point- someone could read the first part of this little article and jump to the conclusion that I have mentioned China; and in our current climate was I eluding to any sort of racial upset? Was the mere mention of a topical country rude and misleading? 100% no, I wasn’t, and no, it isn’t.

I have had this song in my head for a solid week- no lie, you could ask my neighbour! But contextually, if I didn’t outline that, then perhaps someone or some people would think it had an underlying message.

You see, how incredibly easy it can be to confuse, upset or cause unrest? My simple reminder for this week is to not jump to conclusions or assumptions.

Honestly, in these crazy times it’s probably best to just let some things slide. Have your opinion, be convicted if you are so inclined, but as Dr Suess once said, “step with care and great tact and remember that life’s a great balancing act”. That’s the best I have for you leading into another week of covid 19.

Be kind, be cool, be tactful and most importantly – just keep doing your best. X