You did an LTK episode and mentioned meta realities (examples like countries' borders, the concept of money) and I realised how many meta realities exist that are treated as sacred (doing things with friends that are 'tradition').
As a recently diagnosed autistic who's struggled with social anxiety, this new view was a game changer to interpret reality my own way and not be pressured into things I don't wish to partake in, or feel guilty for declining to be involved when I would've felt uncomfortable to do so.
Be open to all points of the compass. I have found that life is full of twists and turns and unexpected ups and downs with a constant stream of new people coming into my life and beloved favorites streaming out of my life. By being open to all points of the compass both in my mind and my heart, I find I can handle and manage this amazing life of mine and wherever it takes me.
It wasn't exactly advice, but I remember 2 professors in college giving me a compliment that encouraged me to stay the course and pursue the arts as a profession. Up until that point, everyone in my life discouraged me. I look back, 31 years later and silently thank those 2 professors for helping me stay the course and make a career. One professor said, "I feel there is room for you in this profession". The other professor (who is a famous 20th century modern classical composer with quite a bit of fame) once told me, "You have a very musical mind!" Coming from her, that was so supportive.
Loved this essay! Your essays and replies to my comments/emails have been one of these outstanding sources of timely advice for me.
Aside form yourself, I remember on my last night in Rome a few years back, chatting to a fellow Aussie who validated my feeling that 7 weeks overseas my myself had changed me. He told me that since I'd become a new person, my people at home would have to recognise that as I told them stories about my trip, and that I no longer had to fit into the same boxes as I did before I left. Now I pass this advice onto anyone who had been through some kind of rite of passage, such as travel, and I do my best to recognise and acknowledge how they've changed through whatever experience/s that might be.
And thanks for sharing that story: strangers in far-flung (or otherwise unfamiliar) places do seem to be founts of knowledge, insight, and wisdom, don't they?
It's difficult to explain, but stick with me!
You did an LTK episode and mentioned meta realities (examples like countries' borders, the concept of money) and I realised how many meta realities exist that are treated as sacred (doing things with friends that are 'tradition').
As a recently diagnosed autistic who's struggled with social anxiety, this new view was a game changer to interpret reality my own way and not be pressured into things I don't wish to partake in, or feel guilty for declining to be involved when I would've felt uncomfortable to do so.
Oh I love this. Thanks so much for sharing this with me, James—makes my day :)
Be open to all points of the compass. I have found that life is full of twists and turns and unexpected ups and downs with a constant stream of new people coming into my life and beloved favorites streaming out of my life. By being open to all points of the compass both in my mind and my heart, I find I can handle and manage this amazing life of mine and wherever it takes me.
This is a great way of saying that, love it :)
It wasn't exactly advice, but I remember 2 professors in college giving me a compliment that encouraged me to stay the course and pursue the arts as a profession. Up until that point, everyone in my life discouraged me. I look back, 31 years later and silently thank those 2 professors for helping me stay the course and make a career. One professor said, "I feel there is room for you in this profession". The other professor (who is a famous 20th century modern classical composer with quite a bit of fame) once told me, "You have a very musical mind!" Coming from her, that was so supportive.
Very meaningful compliments—love this, thanks for sharing :)
Loved this essay! Your essays and replies to my comments/emails have been one of these outstanding sources of timely advice for me.
Aside form yourself, I remember on my last night in Rome a few years back, chatting to a fellow Aussie who validated my feeling that 7 weeks overseas my myself had changed me. He told me that since I'd become a new person, my people at home would have to recognise that as I told them stories about my trip, and that I no longer had to fit into the same boxes as I did before I left. Now I pass this advice onto anyone who had been through some kind of rite of passage, such as travel, and I do my best to recognise and acknowledge how they've changed through whatever experience/s that might be.
Thank you!
And thanks for sharing that story: strangers in far-flung (or otherwise unfamiliar) places do seem to be founts of knowledge, insight, and wisdom, don't they?