While waiting for take-out, I took out my notebook and wrote SHIFTS, as in shifts in perceptions, rites of passage, ah-ha moments . Maybe it’s the anthropologist in me, but I’m interested in this dying tradition. Not because I like tradition, so much as I like the idea that we have to go through something in order to grow up. And we are a world, it seems, that is enamored with not ever growing up.
“Staying young” has its value, but I’ll wait for growing up to gain its fans.
An incomplete list:
When I realized I needed to talk less, and listen more.
When I forgave my mom.
When it dawned on me that my mom thought in Thai, not English.
When I decided to get over my fear of motorbikes and learn how to drive one, and did.
When I realized other families are dysfunctional too.
When I decided to stop staying up at night worrying about money.
When driving a car long distances turned therapeutic.
When I stopped protesting after given a compliment.
When I started to believe – I am attractive.
When I stopped competing with other women.
When I saw myself as a good teacher.
When enough people told me I was a good listener, and I listened.
When silence became my favorite sound.
When I became less apologetic for liking 80s rock.
When I felt old, and when I felt young.
When I stopped walking fast.
When I stopped rushing to work.
When I began taking writing seriously.
When I saw myself making a mistake for what I believed to be love.
When I debunked my ex’s options, one by one.
When I told myself, if I wanted it done, I had to do it.
When I decided to end unhealthy friendships.
When I stopped feeling so damn guilty.
When I started to dream big.
When I recognized, I am lucky.
When I decided to live abroad.
When I couldn’t/wouldn’t/shouldn’t start the day without coffee.
When giving became important.
When being an Asian was not cool, different and weird.
Whenever I read, and whenever I write.
You forgot to mention going on a walkabout. Wait, I have you confused with someone else. Never mind.
LikeLike
Oooo. Walkabout. Haven’t heard about that in awhile. I’ll throw that in the next list 😛
LikeLike
There’s a movie from around 1970. Probably a bit dated by now, but was interesting back in the day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fdqwbs8uKwQ
LikeLike
Thanks for the share. The trailer was indeed very intriguing. Piqued my interest about the film, and a time when movies had more meat.
LikeLike
Lani, you inspire me. This is an awesome list, so full of insights. This could/should/must be a book. Keep up the amazing work.
LikeLike
Awwww. Thanks John. What a sweet thing to say. Making my day!
LikeLike
Really enjoyed this Lani! Thanks for sharing, totally agree with John you’re a light 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Robyn 🙂 I love compliments! ❤ xxoo from CM
LikeLike
What insight you have (shall I dare say for someone so young-sorry it’s my own age that made me say it)! A very inspiring last. Much for us all to chew on here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see you are digging through the archives. I’m glad to be of service 🙂
LikeLike