For some reason, I got to thinking about extremes. There are certain things in life that really create a visceral reaction in most people, more than other things. These are things that you either “love ’em or you hate ’em”, and there is very little in-between. Brussel sprouts, roller coasters, scary movies, cilantro, social media, sushi, spicy peppers, pungent cheese, air travel, lamb chops, the color orange, going to the dentist, pit bulls, The Yankees, The Patriots, and okay, even my Steelers, are all things that come to my mind when doing a quick inventory in my head of things that create an emotional charge, in people and in life. There are many more things that would fit into the extreme category. With the way of the world and the news these days, it would seem that we all fit into extreme categories. But in reality, in the way of most things, most of us are not extremely one way or another way. Most of us fit into the middle ground. We might have a few pet projects, pet interests, and pet peeves that bring out our most extreme emotions and reactions, but for the most part, people are pretty even-keel.
I started thinking to myself, “Would it be better to be an extreme person that everyone notices and reacts to in a very visceral way, or would it be better to be a Nice Nancy that never offends anybody?” I think that it’s just best to be myself and to let others be the same. The extreme people and things in life, make it all very interesting. These extremes spice things up, evoking strong, stirring emotions that make us feel very alive and charged. Thankfully, the moderate calming things and people in life, keep us balanced, when we need to let the adrenaline levels drop down to a cool simmer. One way is not necessarily better than another, but both are very important parts of our “being alive” experience. If we can make peace with that, then we can appreciate the extreme parts and the non-offensive parts of ourselves and of others, in a very non-judgmental way.
This is a quote from one of my notebooks. Unfortunately I cannot find the author which is a shame because it is so spot-on:
“Know that some people contribute to your well-being by making you comfortable and safe. Others threaten or drain you in some way, causing you to rise up and be better. All of them belong in the story.”
I couldn’t say it better. Prayers are with our dear friends who have experienced the very extreme side of weather with Hurricane Michael. May you now be experiencing peace and comfort and soothing, from calming helping hands swooping in to help you and to guide you back to center.