Merry Season of Cooler Weather, Scrooge!

Freedom of speech is a glorious thing, isn't it? We are a nation founded on speaking from orifices other than our mouths, often with self-serving motives. It is no wonder that others less fortunate strive to maintain residency within our borders. We are living the dream!

With all sarcasm aside (merely for a moment, no worries), being able to voice your opinion is genuinely something to be grateful for. I only wish it was used in more of a positive aspect at times. The holidays are here and this year more than any before, I keep encountering people with massive amounts of negativity about how people express their well wishes. If I had a dime for every time I heard someone say, "Ugh, I hate when people say Happy Holidays! It should be Merry Christmas!", all of my Christmas shopping would be paid for...and then some!

Have we gotten so jaded and self-righteous that we think everyone else should believe what we believe and celebrate the way we celebrate? It's gotten to be such a touchy issue that many people trip over their own tongues when trying to figure out the acceptable way to wish you a "Merry Season of Cooler Weather".

When someone says good morning, do you instinctively look at your watch, notice it's 12:01pm and shout, "How dare you! It's actually afternoon, you moron!" I sure hope not. So why, when someone is just trying to send you happy thoughts during the holidays, does it become this eggnog pissing match?

Perhaps we can change our way of thinking to realize that they are saying something nice, regardless if it specifically fits our religious or lifestyle traditions. Personally, I celebrate Christmas. But, I welcome the world to wish me a happy Hanukkah, Diwali, Christmas, Wigilia or Kwanzaa. Please know that I will graciously accept your kind spirit and wish you the same.

This is both my free speech and my two-cents. Enjoy!

I'm the Imperfect Worm...Just Without All Those Pesky Flaws!

Self-exploration is a life-long process with what seems to be an awful lot of WORK. Evaluating decisions, making amends, adjusting reactions and categorizing relationships. To quote the famous philosopher, Pooh Bear, "Oh, bother!"

I'm the first person to admit to my imperfections and strategically learn how to right wrongs and consistently grow as a human being. Yet, I somehow don't allow myself the option to make mistakes. What a quandary!

You see, I think often times we continue to unknowingly punish ourselves long after those we hurt have forgiven us. It is this deep-seeded guilt and sense of inadequacy that often interferes with integral parts of our lives without us even realizing it.

I have a minor obsession with human psychology and a double major in critical thinking and behavioral science so trust me when I tell you that I am qualified to analyze absolutely no one. But, isn't it intriguing that you're sitting here reading this post thinking, "Man, she nailed it on the head!" Please, hold your applause for the end of the post.

Once you tap into your unconscious and catch these mental self-mutilations, it opens up this whole can of worms. Some will be these big, slimy ones that you can barely even stand to look at and others will be harmless little buggers that you encourage to be on their way. But, a worm's a worm, people. They're gross and unsightly but when dealt with in the proper way, they are no longer a nuisance to you.

So, maybe just for today we can cut ourselves a break. Make a couple of mistakes, learn from them and let's not beat ourselves up with years of internal punishment. Be as forgiving to yourself as you are to others. The applause may commence. ;-)