I remember the day my intern supervisor at a VA Hospital left a sticky note on my computer. It simply read, “Perky Boundaries”. There it was. That yellow square staring at ME.
Stop the perkiness from bleeding into the lives of others.
Be aware of the impact of perkiness.
Beware of the impact of perkiness.
Bind perky.
But, um, I’m perky…
I removed the note. It stuck to my index finger and continued to stare at me, like a mirror reflecting perk-o-lating, perkiness at me. At the age of 25, it was a mildly devastating moment.
But now, as I relish in the comfort of middle-age and motherhood, I am able to feel the gratitude of that not-so-perky moment.
Having been a dancer and actor much of the early years of my life, I wrestled with the existential message on that 3M Post-It Note. I knew it was valuable feedback. I knew that those who observe our work as mentors will give the gift of critique and feedback. I knew that I must “Take The Note” and say, “Thank you Perky Boundaries”. It hurt. I was in pain. I was unprotected. I was in the real world with out my mommy to protect. I put myself right there open to the Universe…
So, I took the note and used some Jungian psychology to allow the note to guide me on my path to being a better public servant for those in need.
We cannot change anything unless we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.
Carl Jung (1875 – 1961)
I opened myself to The Note and thought about the advantages and disadvantages of my persona. It became a message about protecting myself from those who might harm. A message about being authentic. I did not condemn, but allowed an open focus.
And in this same spirit of openness to the Universe, I put my children out there. Thrust into new environments I put them in front of teachers and mentors and peers who will, Give Them a Note. I remind them, it won’t always feel good to hear what people think. Not all mentors will be nice. I remind them that some of the Not-Nice are just as important. It is possible that they are honest. You must listen, always. You must decide how to liberate yourself. I can’t always protect you.
And so, today, I reflect on my path and feel grateful for The Notes given to me in my life. And feel grateful to value that only we, our self, can use the notes to liberate and grow who we are…
This post produced as part of a year-long expression of gratitude. Gratitude 365 by SShep)
SShep
Creating A Meaningful Life 