Be Yourself – Everyone Else is Taken
As this past week unfolded there were multiple points of “new awareness” with “pokes” from the universe that included a few serendipity/synchronistic and A’ha moments. That’s how the blog title came into being for this week…..even at this 4th quarter of life it’s a good thing to be reminded to “Be Yourself”. Why? Because, even within the 4th quarter it’s still easy [old belief systems] to forget there really is NO requirement to fit into that box/mold that seemed like such a necessity in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarters.
A Lee Harris workshop titled “Rebirth 2023” crossed my path a few weeks ago and Friday was the last day. It was one more attempt to step forward, explore and be curious about what else life may have to offer and turned into an exceptional experience. No magical “re-invention in a nano-second” but this idea to “be yourself” was contained in much of the content and practices. Additionally the multi-generational community welcomed and encouraged us 4th quarter participants with open arms. It was also a further confirmation that although different words, approaches, and presentations may cross my path, my mantra of “perfectly on time” continues to resonate as was evidenced by much of the information that was gifted throughout the workshop.
Three little serendipity stories
POTLUCK AND BINGO was attended with some of the Chilliwack Probus Club members. I know, I know….BINGO? Truth is I had a blast….it was delightfully entertaining to engage with this group of fun-loving individuals – many of them in the 4th quarter and of course it didn’t hurt at all that most of those sitting at our table were bingo winners (me too…LOL). There was a little bit of scuttlebutt about the game being fixed and a few small cat calls (all tongue in cheek and with much laughter). There were also a few comments, subject to interpretation, that will remain within the walls of the gathering place, but which again resulted in lots of giggles. It was so good to discover I can still laugh and be goofy…..
PICKLEBALL. No, I didn’t play – BUT – step-son Doug had talked about it with me some time ago and suggested it would be a terrific way for me to get in shape and stay fit (thanks for the encouragement Doug…you sounded like your Dad…). Anyhow, as we were leaving the Bingo event what do you think we passed by? Yep…. the Pickleball Court. And, who just happened to be outside the door? An inviting and knowledgeable individual from the Chilliwack Pickleball Club who encouraged us to join up, go through their orientation and a basic introduction of the game and then to attend their Skills and Drills session. They have a terrific YouTube about “How to Play Pickleball” – perhaps it’s one more opportunity to lighten up?
FOLK DANCING. Sandy (bingo partner and winner as well) was talking about this group and encouraged me to join them. Great exercise and lots of fun as they explore a variety of cultural dance steps/reels. Dancing has always been a happy place for me. Dance was the magic that started that most memorable story and journey with Donald James the prince. So, this new idea that I could go and just dance, for fun and as part of a group suddenly had a whole lot of merit. Another small step outside of the self-imposed box that has surrounded me for over 4 years now. Perhaps more to be revealed in the weeks/months ahead….first class will be Wednesday this week!
A brief tussle with the word ageism
The possible new adventures took me on another exploration, looking for information. For awhile I started tunnelling down an old-age/seniors/elders rabbit hole and was actually moving into a rant. Suddenly that just didn’t suit this idea of “be yourself” so I’ve shelved it. Maybe it will come back one day and maybe not. Suffice to say that ageism is alive and well in our world and what I choose to do with and/or about it is “perfectly on time“! Perhaps it will be a new idea to just lean into identifying our 4th quarter participants as “Wisdom Goddesses and Warriors”….LOL!
What’s the takeaway today?
The idea of undertaking to “be yourself” was totally foreign in the generation I was raised up in. In fact it wasn’t part of the next generations where I continued to TRY AND GROW UP! It’s probably only now in the 4th quarter that growing up isn’t terribly significant. I’m reminded of another saying I’ve heard over the years….growing old (oops – let’s make that wiser) is mandatory…growing up is optional.
For today though, something seems to be speaking loud and clear about “be yourself” – perhaps more for the beautiful young souls coming along behind me. Sometimes, I perceive levels of expectation being presented through media over-load and it raises flags and concerns for our next generations. Johann Hari in his book Lost Connections talks about “junk values” …. I hope we find a way to move beyond.
In truth, this human-suited journey can, at times, appear to be pretty short. While it may “look” as though the earth-school provides a myriad of experiences and opportunities to figure out what “be yourself” means wouldn’t it be delightful to simply know that at any and every given moment we are all “perfectly on time“? And, from there, simply walk forward on this journey with the knowledge that nothing is etched in stone and each of us (at whatever age) has the option to revise that “be yourself” persona to fit the moments.
