Quirks

In a week that saw the passage of the Affordable Care Act and a number of trusted Republican legislators acting like children, I think that I want to write about something that all of have and can relate to: QUIRKS!

Quirks are interesting and can be endearing. However, once they get out of hand they become annoying to others, and it becomes recognized as the price we have to pay for having to live amongst other people.

In my late-teens and into my mid-20s, I had annoyed my mother with my refusal to eat in public spaces. For some reason I became extremely self-conscious and would not eat at restaurants or cafeterias. This was annoying to her since I would often meet with her at her job to have lunch and she would eat her food, but I would keep mine in my bag and take it home in order to be eaten later. We'd have conversation over an meal, but the only one eating was my mother.

Hindsight is truly 20/20.

There is no doubt that other people's thoughts of me were affecting my decisions and this opportunity to enjoy precious time with my mother. As someone who is not thin, I let this create a quirk in my personality, and as a result wasn't living with vigor and purpose.

It is something I regret. Nonetheless, quirks can present a learning opportunity to determine how one will live life on their own terms. Everyday, I challenge a quirk in a proactive way to live fully on my terms and not in response to how I think others may react.

Until next Monday...