Thursday, October 27, 2005

The 'Me' Decade spawns rebellious offspring.

I took after my Grandfather. My Grandfather would write cards to everyone for their birthday. For every occasion, you were guaranteed a card from Grandpa George. I’m not as diligent but I try my best to send a card to my family and friends. Like my Grandpa, I like feeling connected to people, even if they are hundreds of miles away.

I think that’s one of the reasons why I enjoy cooking so much. Dining is communal. I always wanted that communal atmosphere when I was little. I only felt more isolated because my culture differed from everyone in my neighborhood.

Sure I get neurotic with my shindigs but I really do enjoy planning and executing it. In a world as big as ours, there is too much isolation to build your own Great walls.

I catch myself reverting every now and then to an introverted state. Yes, I do enjoy my downtime with my husband and it can be very easy to lock yourself away from what’s around you but I try to always remember we are all in the same world. Many of us are going through the same things. We’re not alone and the more we open ourselves to others, the more we grow, learn and become stronger.

My co-worker’s wife had surgery last week and her husband found an entire meal placed on their doorstep. It was from some fellow church members. “There was enough to feed 2 teenage boys and 2 adults. Plus, we had enough leftovers for lunches the following day. It was the best gesture I could have received at that moment.”

That’s what I want to walk away with. In life, we’re not alone and we need to stop trying to isolate ourselves. When we do, we block out the good and in essence block out the good we have in ourselves.