Thanks For The Reminder

I talked at length to someone yesterday who reminded me of me, when I thought I had everything figured out. When I operated under the assumption that my way was the proper way to live, and anyone living differently was an idiot. When I thought the best way to make change was to protest, and yell, and have anger inducing discussions and debates over politics, religion, and the like.

I could see his frustration. I could tell from what he was saying he was not happy. He was at odds with the world. He was Melanie of times past. It was like a surreal remake of A Christmas Carol. I was seeing what this person was writing (the conversation was via text) and it was telling me all of the ways in which I needed to NOT live.

I just kept responding with hopeful things, and positive things. Letting him know that there are ways to change things, just by being such a good person that others see how you live and think, "I want that. She seems to be getting it right. I should find out what's going on there." There is no reason to try and tell someone why they are wrong. Getting in to a discussion with someone trying to prove why what you think, works better, rarely ends well. It usually ends up in frustration and no resolution. It makes no sense to me to operate that way.

I am glad that I had this conversation because I like the reminder that I never want to be the kind of person who has to stand on a soap box, and explain to everyone why they should live like I do. I really like living the way I do. And I really like that others find peace living in completely different ways. I like that I don't have to prove why what I'm doing makes sense, because I just know in my gut it does.

I like that I met someone yesterday who lives an "alternative" lifestyle that I do not understand. Someone who is married, and also has a girlfriend. Whose wife has two boyfriends outside the marriage. They are completely honest and open with each other about it. I am meeting the wife on Saturday so I can get the female perspective of why that life works for her. I am fascinated and am excited to learn something new. I do not think the way they choose to live or love is wrong, just because it is not a way I can imagine living and loving. I am full of wonder and really excited that I am open to finding out why these people are polyamorous, and how they make it work.

I am glad that my mind is open and that I am able to accept all different types of people in my life. That I want to understand the things which don't make sense to me. That I don't get angry because someone says something I disagree with. When someone says something racist, or homophobic, I can make one small statement telling them how sad it makes me that they feel that way. Or if I'm in a mood I can smite and belittle them (let's be truthful. I'm not always the bigger person). But I'm glad that I have found peace for the most part, in a world where I see so many people who are at odds with so many things. I like being even. Which is something to behold from a woman whose brain is so uneven at times she wants to hold her head and scream.

Happy picture of the day: I used to have this hair when I was little. Thanks a ton mom.