I used to think that we are all being measured by what we are as individuals. But as I get older I am beginning to realize that we are actually being measured by how well we relate to other people.  Suffice to say, while we may put ourselves on a pedestal and proudly identify ways we are different and unique, I have now come to the understanding that life is so much more palatable when you realize how ordinary most aspects of your life really are.  And as cliche as it sounds, I have come to accept the fact that I put socks on one at a time just like every other person on this planet.  This used to a be terrifying thought for me, but now I take silent comfort in the fact that we are all more similar than we are different.  This what keeps me hopeful about humanity, even when our national leaders spew out ridiculous stuff like this or when I see something as disturbing as this.

Given all this recent introspection, I’ve settled in with the notion that all of the emotional tumult that I have been experiencing these past few months is not uniquely my own.  According to this article or or this one here, I am either right on schedule or a tad early (which I believe is attributable to having a kid at age twenty) for a midlife or mid-thirties crisis.  And just like the legions of the other women (and men) who have experienced this ‘crisis’ before me – things that we have been tolerating about ourselves, our lives and most certainly others are now becoming intolerable.  The time that we have spent filling up with unsubstantial or insignificant things now grows increasingly important to us and taking action towards a more meaningful life becomes a premier endeavor.

Don’t get me wrong.  I’m not gonna stop watching Youtube videos or reading really trashy gossip blogs because I really enjoy those diversions from time to time.

I’m just only going to do those things while I am at work.

Tags: change, happiness, links