Faded Favorites
The best article of clothing I own right now is a sweatshirt.
I do not remember how many years we have shared. The ends of the sleeves, the collar, and the bottom of the shirt are all fraying. My shirt was once black, but is now quite faded.
We have a close relationship, which has included some painful experiences. I was wearing this sweatshirt when I fell down while I was running last fall. I own very few pieces of clothing that have actually absorbed so much of my own blood, sweat, and tears.
My shirt is perfect for wearing when I get up early to do some writing on gloomy mornings in June. It is comfortable and intimate, and keeps me exactly warm enough as I sit at the computer in the dark making sense out of something.
I have promised to end our relationship when it is too warm to need a sweatshirt. I have been able to hold on so far, but even I know that what we have cannot last forever. It may already be past time for us to go our separate ways, but I am reluctant.
I relate to quite a few things the same way I relate to my favorite shirt. My shirt does not really help me think more clearly or write more articulately. I do not really need it, I am used to it. I hold it around me, even though it is coming apart at the seams, because I would rather not change.
I keep doing things the same way, though I could do better, because change can be a challenge.
What do you rely on that has outlived its usefulness?
What skills, or insights, or articles of clothing, would it be helpful for you to replace?
[Image by MrVJTod]
2 Comments
Manoj Shah
June 13, 2012Thought provoking words, Great !
Change is a challenge for all most all of us inspite of the etrnal truth that Change is the only constant thing in this life.
I guess its all about building the apetite and readyness to face something new every moment. Have a plan but live in present, Prioritise and focus on one thing at a time. All this will not change your circumstances but may prepare you to better to change your shirt.
Strategic Monk
June 13, 2012Thank you, Manoj. Yes, it can be a challenge for us to give up the thinking, and the objects, with which we are comfortable. We start to think of them as the source of our comfort, even when they hold us back from becoming who we want to be. Developing the ability and the appetite for change is like strengthening a muscle; we need to exercise and build our capacity.