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LISTEN LESSON
Saturday June 6, 2015
Someone being kind, being nice, said something I chose to interpret as criticism rather than critique, skewering rather than supportive.
Sure, he meant well.
Still bothering me this morning – can’t get this out of my head. I’ll spill it here instead.
I’ve gotten past that comment, I’m not angry.
How many times have I been that quipping one – cute or funny or vague with someone – when they interpret my attitude as smug, arrogant, dismissive, unkind?
Many.
Learning something I could have and should have learned better long ago is humbling.
To those I’ve irritated when I should have praised, to those I’ve insulted when I was simply wanting to be funny, to those I’ve insulted, demeaned or devalued in the course of shallow banter – I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking.
I wasn’t thinking.
I wasn’t learning much.
Mark Kolke
column written/ published from Calgary, AB
morning walk: 15C/60F, steady breeze and brilliant sunshine lit a nearly cloudless sky. Foot feeling fine, we headed for a longer walk than usual (in part, a test to preview whether I can walk 18 holes this afternoon) and Gusta was thrilled to sniff places she’s not been in a while and chase some squirrels. The squirrels were never in danger …
Reader feedback:
HABIT SURROUNDED
Love your musings. Could you add me to your email list? SF has been sending me some of your stuff, LH, Lethbridge, AB
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