What’s your story?

I have issues. Emotional scars from a lifetime of trying to feel my way through this crazy world. At times I can be paralyzed by fear that tells me I’m not enough or I won’t be accepted as I am. I struggle with childhood memories that tell me I’m loved as long as I look good enough on the outside. I sometimes feel socially awkward, ashamed of my past, or question the value of my voice in the world. Oh ya, I definitely have issues. Chances are you probably do, too. In fact, I would guess that if we really knew each other’s story, we would realize that humanity in general is quite fragile and broken.

I can tend to make quick judgments of people. In traffic, if someone cuts me off I instantly assume the worst of them. My wife (a.k.a. the Angel that has put up with me for 28 years) will often remind me that they probably didn’t mean to cut me off, while I’m tailgating, just waiting for an opportunity speed past them like a Nascar driver. However, I’m slowly starting to see the world through a different lens. Rather than looking at someone by their actions, I’m trying to see the human behind the actions. We’re all just trying to figure out life, and as I hear people’s story it becomes much easier to see them with love, compassion, and understanding.

If we as the human race just choose to believe the best about each other and show kindness toward one another, how much better would life be? It all seems too simple, and yet I really believe it is the key to our happiness and success. When one falls down, we reach out and help them up. If the waiter in the restaurant is rude, choose to be nice. Talk to them and connect with them as a person. Chances are, they have their own struggles they’re still working through in life. And if you ever cut me off and I wave at you with one finger as I speed by, I’m sorry. I love you but I’m still a work in progress and I have issues.