Pushing the Envelope
We learn what we must learn.
How many people do you know who won't take "no" for an answer? Is that a good thing, or could it signal a learning experience? My thought is that it's a win either way. Either you win or you learn something.
Tonight Gary and I watched a funny reality show called "Wipe Out" and cringed as contestants dove into dreadful activities. We had a great conversation about how difficult it is for a woman with breasts to plow into certain challenges. I don't know if anyone makes steel bras - maybe they do. But it looked like the women were wearing flak jackets. They may not have been as adept as their male competitors at accomplishing challenges, but at least these women were committed. The guys had difficulties, but the women seemed to be be pushing the envelope.
Earlier this evening, Kathy J and I attended our first Hula class. We're attempting to learn this graceful Hawaiian dance we both love because we don't want to die without having tried it. In front of the big mirrors that let you see every flaw or graceful move, Kathy and I bent our creaky knees and straightened our ungodly arms to do what the Kumu instructed. We were serious about the movements - but we laughed from time to time and nobody scolded us. Hula was our "Wipeout" - and we won the big prize because we stayed and danced till the class ended. With sweaty brows, we were "little brown gals" who embraced the funny mirror images and danced till Kumu said to stop. We pushed the envelope.
Life gives us many opportunities to push the envelope. We get to choose our responses - yes, no or maybe. Mom said "No" today. She could have pushed the envelope and gotten out of the hospital; but for whatever reason, she was tired and "no" was ok. Mom wanted a good nap and a decent meal. She didn't want to win a reality show contest. She chose an easier path, and for that I salute her.
Sometimes we feel inspired to push the envelope. Other times we feel that where we are is good enough for the time being. Intuition is a gift that helps us know the safest and best path. We must know that certain cirumstances dictate whether or not it's enough to simply stay present or move forward. Sometimes pushing the envelope, which sounds so seductive, attractive and good, may be the quickest way down a slippery slope. Think before you act.
How many people do you know who won't take "no" for an answer? Is that a good thing, or could it signal a learning experience? My thought is that it's a win either way. Either you win or you learn something.
Tonight Gary and I watched a funny reality show called "Wipe Out" and cringed as contestants dove into dreadful activities. We had a great conversation about how difficult it is for a woman with breasts to plow into certain challenges. I don't know if anyone makes steel bras - maybe they do. But it looked like the women were wearing flak jackets. They may not have been as adept as their male competitors at accomplishing challenges, but at least these women were committed. The guys had difficulties, but the women seemed to be be pushing the envelope.
Earlier this evening, Kathy J and I attended our first Hula class. We're attempting to learn this graceful Hawaiian dance we both love because we don't want to die without having tried it. In front of the big mirrors that let you see every flaw or graceful move, Kathy and I bent our creaky knees and straightened our ungodly arms to do what the Kumu instructed. We were serious about the movements - but we laughed from time to time and nobody scolded us. Hula was our "Wipeout" - and we won the big prize because we stayed and danced till the class ended. With sweaty brows, we were "little brown gals" who embraced the funny mirror images and danced till Kumu said to stop. We pushed the envelope.
Life gives us many opportunities to push the envelope. We get to choose our responses - yes, no or maybe. Mom said "No" today. She could have pushed the envelope and gotten out of the hospital; but for whatever reason, she was tired and "no" was ok. Mom wanted a good nap and a decent meal. She didn't want to win a reality show contest. She chose an easier path, and for that I salute her.
Sometimes we feel inspired to push the envelope. Other times we feel that where we are is good enough for the time being. Intuition is a gift that helps us know the safest and best path. We must know that certain cirumstances dictate whether or not it's enough to simply stay present or move forward. Sometimes pushing the envelope, which sounds so seductive, attractive and good, may be the quickest way down a slippery slope. Think before you act.
posted by Shannon Ingram | 10:12 PM
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