The plan was for a few friends to get together for a little fun and enjoyment. But more than fun was had during our Sunday afternoon outing. Since I am evidently the only person on the planet that has not read The Help, I had no idea that going to see the movie would stir up such strong emotions. I had watched the clips and it looked like it would be a funny and enjoyable movie to see with friends, and it was. However, it also taught me a great deal about our not so recent history and how much we have grown.
I studied history in school, and I have read the books on the civil rights movement. I know the story about Rosa Parks and her bus seat, but I had no idea that there were people who behaved as those women did in that movie. Nor did I know that there were actually laws on the books that specifically targeted people because of their race.
I was born in the South, I grew up in the South and I will most likely die in the South. I have always been proud of my heritage. But watching that movie yesterday, not so much. I grew up during the time that was depicted in the movie. My family never had the luxury of a maid. And for that I am now very glad, although I would like to believe that if we had, they would not have been treated as poor women were. I learned a lesson yesterday and I hope it is one that I never forget.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Jealousy
Jealousy is a terrible emotion, and I should know. I have allowed jealousy to tag along and dictate my attitude and feelings toward others for years. The biggest problem with letting jealousy take over, is that is keeps you from really seeing the person you are jealous of for who they really are.
Jealousy has popped up when I least expect it. I have felt jealous of the kind of car a co-worker drove,the paycheck my neighbor brought home, and I really been jealous of those people who seem to be able to eat anything they want and never gain an ounce.
Jealousy popped in and paid me a visit this morning at the gym, can you believe it the gym. When "miss perfect" walked in my eyes turned from blue to green in a nano second. There she was, not an ounce of fat, beautiful hair, there was nothing wrong with her, she was perfect and I hated her. Why was she working out I wondered to myself she certainly didn't need to. But what I don't know is who she is. I do not know her story. I have no idea what her life is like. My opinion was based totally on what I saw and how it made me feel. which by the way was very inadequate.
I have learned and am still learning, that if you waste time being jealous then you may never know who a person really is. And sometimes the one you are jealous of may turn out to be the best friend you ever had. We all need to remember to dig a little deeper and stop making assumptions based on emotions.
Jealousy has popped up when I least expect it. I have felt jealous of the kind of car a co-worker drove,the paycheck my neighbor brought home, and I really been jealous of those people who seem to be able to eat anything they want and never gain an ounce.
Jealousy popped in and paid me a visit this morning at the gym, can you believe it the gym. When "miss perfect" walked in my eyes turned from blue to green in a nano second. There she was, not an ounce of fat, beautiful hair, there was nothing wrong with her, she was perfect and I hated her. Why was she working out I wondered to myself she certainly didn't need to. But what I don't know is who she is. I do not know her story. I have no idea what her life is like. My opinion was based totally on what I saw and how it made me feel. which by the way was very inadequate.
I have learned and am still learning, that if you waste time being jealous then you may never know who a person really is. And sometimes the one you are jealous of may turn out to be the best friend you ever had. We all need to remember to dig a little deeper and stop making assumptions based on emotions.
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