No ripples

My BFF and I got a tattoo that says, "No ripples on the water," as in I have No Ripples and she has On the Water so that when we stand side by side (with our arms on each others shoulder) it is a continuous statement. Also, we love togetherness.

How this came about was we were out at Calabash for dinner - why were we there? Birthday? There was a reason.....anyhoo! - and happened to be taking in some Fresh Air before going into the restaurant. A gentleman walked by speaking loudly to himself while gesticulating, as some the denizens of the East side do, and the BFF was trying to casually watch from her periphery on high alert. I just kept talking and enjoying the Air, stopping to say, "keep calm - we aren't even part of his awareness." She questioned my unconcern at a potential negative interaction and I said, "No ripples on the water. I always stay impassive, make eye contact and then look away. I think it's good to acknowledge our worlds are brushing up against each other and then be okay with respectfully breaking contact."

I work hard at removing drama from my life and by that I mean me not reacting immediately to things - not giving a made up story/attached meaning a chance to percolate. Giving myself a chance to seek clarity through communication. Being aware of what about me is being reflected. To catch myself when I start to have imaginary conversations with people in my mind, to recognize how what I heard/perceived/remembered  doesn't make it truth. This is goddamn difficult - we are wired to think about ME, who's thinking about me? About what's "Fair" - this crazy notion that Fairness is when 'cui bono' is only myself. Let's not kid ourselves, I still get riled up over nonsense. This is a lifetime goal of learning to let go - I will repeat this theme here a thousand times, I'm sure.

I had the benefit of having an amazing friend whom I lost. However, that experience gave me the perception shift/heart change to look at a lot of things and say, not necessarily 'don't care' but more so, does this need my energy? Do I increase my happiness or those around me by getting excited or upset by it? Do I know what actions to take to bring this to completion or am I hanging out on my mental hamster wheel with zero joy being created? Making this my go-to way of being is a lifetime goal. 

Did these nylons run on purpose just to fuck with my day? Am I actually getting upset about micro plastic threads that have shifted? Did that person just give me the side-eye? Have they looked at what they are wearing? Is this person trying to hog the armrest? Listen high and mighty! I paid the same amount! I can't believe I am doing most of the house work around here, they should KNOW to help me. Oh litany of useless negativity that oh-so-comfortably floats through our subconscious. 

And they should KNOW? Anytime you say that to yourself should be a good clue not enough talking has been done. The tally you have in your head? You're the only one aware of it and probably not counting a bunch of things outside of your (never faulty!) memory. 

GOD! I am so smart, doling brilliant wisdom to you people. Do I do this? Who's blog is this? We don't need to correct MY behaviour around here. Move along. As a side note, Tea Tree Oil will fix anything. So will oil of oregano. True stories, both. 

On a lighter note. GOBAMA! No leader will be perfect for 250+MM people but you seem to be trying. 

a haiku:
get off albatross
wait, that's just my perception?
that's liberation

and just because...

xo