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It’s funny. I’ve been thinking about my life and the job I am looking for and would get and for some stupid reason my mind goes towards what would be worthwhile to my family (prestige or respect garnering). It feels like incredibly futile to ask this question. Then also my mind goes towards what would be satisfying to me? Again for the way I’d like to be loved or to please myself and that goal it seems incredibly impossible too. Always has. But I thought about it and no one corners the market on respect or love for their jobs. Even Meryl Streep has made fun of her career as just being 'an actress’ and not something very important. I suppose whatever I do it’s important to have a good dose of humility and also a sense of humor about myself.
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Hold on to what you can inside and keep on keeping on.
meryl streep is human enough to need humility? i thought her agents killed her off and replaced her with a robo streep. of course you can program a robot to look and sound humble.
**************coffee cup clink************
i'll drink to the importance of humility and humor. it's a liberating cocktail. i don't have to inflate the importance of my being. i only need to be.
I had my black coffee Arfie.
Thanks for the message!
It's not "stupid" that you feel the impulse to pursue respect or prestige, especially in the eyes of your family. We're wired for validation, for belonging, and for meaning. But respect and prestige are, by their nature, both subjective and fleeting. What is admired today may be forgotten tomorrow, and what impresses one group may mean absolutely nothing to another.
Personally, I believe that identity and purpose aren't found in accolades, but rather in making a difference in our little corner of the world. Acts of kindness often don't come with applause, but they can change lives. In my opinion, a life of substance isn't one that garners headlines, earns titles, or even impresses family and friends. It's a life spent listening, uplifting, helping, teaching, and standing beside others with empathy. I don't know everything you've done at the monastery, but I clearly recall you mentioned listening and helping people in confessions. That is only one specific example of you touching lives. You do the same on this site, through your compassionate replies to those who are struggling and intellectual journal entries that often teach and promote self-reflection. While respect and prestige often don't last, the impact you have on someone else's life will. When you are looking for a job, perhaps this is something to consider?
Just my one cent. : ) Hope you and Blue have a great weekend! Hugs.
thanks Judy! I appreciate you! hug
Ladybug wrote it beautifully
Big squishy hug sweetie...xo
Thanks Janet!