Brilliant Monica! The phrase that says I have established a continual performance review of myself, complete with a disapproving supervisor who lives in my head...OMG...that is me! Still today! So thank you! I was always a follower who didn't question rules; however, my actions sometimes, sometimes only, contradicted that. My mother used to say that I was a covered amber, and I was, but never let the amber uncover and burn beautifully. Though years ago I began asking...wait, who decided that...or ...who made that rule...Yes, I am not done yet; I am a project in progress, and now...enjoying the ride as much as I can, with challenges, joys, and sadness at times.
Beautiful story, Monica. And here’s the golden nugget for me: “The problem with making rules for myself is that every rule eventually becomes another opportunity to judge myself.” (I always find at least one golden nugget in your writing.) I will hold that close today.
I agree. Who made the rules and why? I was fortunate to have a very nonconventional Mom and it gave me probably more freedom to choose. Though those "follow the rules" guidelines were also installed through society, advertising, social mores.
I have no idea what I am passionate about because after finally retiring I am tired. And trying to find my way back to me outside of all the expectations to show up to work and play the role. I have given myself permission to rest and regroup. Then it will become more visible. Thank you for this article!
Thanks for a rousing read. It definitely got me thinking of all the rules imposed upon me, and how they keep haunting and heckling me. I appreciate your morning post and story. sounds like you were having a fun time. 🧡
You’re right on. When I turned 70, I said to myself, “F—-, I can do whatever I want now. And…when the kids come to visit, they can make their own beds.”
You mentioned something about “passion.” I wanted to quote that! Thanks for the morning talk.
Wow! This was powerful! To speak your mind so clearly at 18 and have a patriarchal father shut you down. Yup, women’s liberation still had chains.
And…Breaking the rules! What amazing freedom.
Rules…they need to be argued, they need to be weighted and measured. Rules do not fit all circumstances. Perhaps we need guides, not rules.
Brilliant Monica! The phrase that says I have established a continual performance review of myself, complete with a disapproving supervisor who lives in my head...OMG...that is me! Still today! So thank you! I was always a follower who didn't question rules; however, my actions sometimes, sometimes only, contradicted that. My mother used to say that I was a covered amber, and I was, but never let the amber uncover and burn beautifully. Though years ago I began asking...wait, who decided that...or ...who made that rule...Yes, I am not done yet; I am a project in progress, and now...enjoying the ride as much as I can, with challenges, joys, and sadness at times.
Beautiful story, Monica. And here’s the golden nugget for me: “The problem with making rules for myself is that every rule eventually becomes another opportunity to judge myself.” (I always find at least one golden nugget in your writing.) I will hold that close today.
I agree. Who made the rules and why? I was fortunate to have a very nonconventional Mom and it gave me probably more freedom to choose. Though those "follow the rules" guidelines were also installed through society, advertising, social mores.
I have no idea what I am passionate about because after finally retiring I am tired. And trying to find my way back to me outside of all the expectations to show up to work and play the role. I have given myself permission to rest and regroup. Then it will become more visible. Thank you for this article!
I accept your challenge today, Monica. One rule.
Thanks for a rousing read. It definitely got me thinking of all the rules imposed upon me, and how they keep haunting and heckling me. I appreciate your morning post and story. sounds like you were having a fun time. 🧡
You’re right on. When I turned 70, I said to myself, “F—-, I can do whatever I want now. And…when the kids come to visit, they can make their own beds.”
You mentioned something about “passion.” I wanted to quote that! Thanks for the morning talk.