By Pamela S. Meek
Many believe that Mothers day is just a day to send flowers, or cards or to take a mom or the wife out to dinner. But we here at Hot Psychology believe it is much more. We believe it is a day to look within ourselves and rediscover the part of us that is our Mom, the part of her that makes us who we are.
Whether biological, adopted, foster, Grandmother, Aunt, older sister, or the woman who lives next door, the woman who had the most influence in your life is a very special person that helped to form you into who you are today.
There have been some very strong women who have helped to shape me and make me who I am.
Some people look at me and say I am the spitting image of my mom. I take that as a compliment. People have always considered my mom to be a beautiful, sexy, loving, and intelligent woman. My mom has been a wonderful example of love and caring, and she’s taught me to follow my dreams. Her heartfelt support in everything I have ever done has been a blessing. Being married to my Dad, working, and raising six spoiled rotten kids was not an easy task, but she's never failed any of us. Even when we were wrong, that is when she was there the strongest.
Other women who shaped me and had a big part in my life were my Grandmothers;
My maternal Grandmother showed me how to laugh at troubles, how to find the good in even the worst, and she showed me how to find an inner strength I never knew anyone could posses. I learned as I watched her grieve the loss of both of her sons who were taken far too young. I held her hand as she sat at my Grandfathers bedside as he lay dieing. I prayed with her and listened to her talk of her love and devotion to him. I watched her rise up and walk down the Isle again when she was 75 years young. And I watched her grieve again when just 2 yrs later she lost him too. I see her now still active and vibrant, still loving each one of us as she waits to be called home.
My Paternal Grandmother taught me how to love the earth, how to plant and care for a garden and the love of animals. She also taught me about the importance of family. She showed me how to love and enjoy the times spent with my own children. She showed me that family is everything. Without family, there is nothing. One simply exists. I miss her a lot and sometimes wish she were still here to give me her advice.
I also have all of my aunts to thank. I was the first born girl on both sides of the family, the first born on my mother’s side, and was preceded by only a month by a boy cousin on my dad’s side. My aunts used to dress me up and treat me like a doll, so I have them to thank for my toughness. They also taught me about using my imagination, how to roller skate and ice skate, how to throw a soft ball, and how to run faster than the boys. They taught me how to be cute and how to pretend to cry to get my own way, much to my daddy’s surprise. Contrary to what my mom believes, it was not my dad who taught me to cuss either.
All of these women helped to shape the me I am today. Thank You Mom, Grandma, and a special Thanks to the Aunts!!
Here at Hot Psychology, we have tried to celebrate by finding some really great articles this month, and in the traditions of HP, we have found some thought provoking, intense stories of love and caring that dig deep into the discovery of what makes us human.
Carol O'Dell is a caregiver for her Mother in the “Sandwich” generation, and shares her most intimate thoughts with us.
Adrienne shares her fight as a mother to be able to love her child when post partum depression and treatment resistant depression stole all feeling from her life, and refused to allow her to love her son. Her article is a 2 part story that will premier here in Our Cultures and finish next month in To Your Health, along with an article on the VNS devise that now allows her to feel that love she so desired to feel.
And Tasha Evansguard shares her love and thankfulness for a woman who isn't biologically her mother and gives a new twist in family love.
Being a Mother, a Mom, or a Grandma is a special gift and Hot Psychology wishes all our Mothers a wonderful day, and a wonderful year.
For more from this talented writer, click here.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Massacre at Virginia Tech.
I can't even begin to express my sincerest of condolences to the victims and their families of this extremely mind-blowing tragedy. To think that a life can be literally blown to pieces in such a rapid and meaningless manner is an absolute heartbreak, and even worse, for no good reason.
The man responsible for taking the lives of these 32 people is nothing but weak and disgusting. No legitimate human being takes his anguish and disillusionment out on others unless he is afraid. Afraid of what, we’ll never know. Most likely, afraid of himself. Afraid of the evil that lurked inside of him. Afraid of never being known by society. Instead of ending his own life and going in the silence he’s remembered for living in, he felt it necessary to take the entire world down with him.
What happened on Monday at Virginia Tech will always be remembered; Cho Seung-Hui will not. Our nation is coming together to mourn the victims of this heinous rampage, and to comfort one another in knowing that we are united as one. When all of the media, madness, and mayhem of this devastating situation subsides, Cho will be nothing more than dust in the wind – a man who was clearly demented, lost, and alone. A man who will now be made to relive his wickedness over and over again until his final day of judgment. A man who deserves nothing more.
And as for myself, I’ll always wonder why. Why the police didn’t enter the building sooner. Why the campus wasn’t closed down after the first two murders took place that morning. And mostly, why such terrible things have to happen to decent people.
The truth is clear – our nation is slowly transforming from a safe place where nobody locks their doors, to a chaotic and unexplainable mess of crime, sadness, and utter selfishness.
The man responsible for taking the lives of these 32 people is nothing but weak and disgusting. No legitimate human being takes his anguish and disillusionment out on others unless he is afraid. Afraid of what, we’ll never know. Most likely, afraid of himself. Afraid of the evil that lurked inside of him. Afraid of never being known by society. Instead of ending his own life and going in the silence he’s remembered for living in, he felt it necessary to take the entire world down with him.
What happened on Monday at Virginia Tech will always be remembered; Cho Seung-Hui will not. Our nation is coming together to mourn the victims of this heinous rampage, and to comfort one another in knowing that we are united as one. When all of the media, madness, and mayhem of this devastating situation subsides, Cho will be nothing more than dust in the wind – a man who was clearly demented, lost, and alone. A man who will now be made to relive his wickedness over and over again until his final day of judgment. A man who deserves nothing more.
And as for myself, I’ll always wonder why. Why the police didn’t enter the building sooner. Why the campus wasn’t closed down after the first two murders took place that morning. And mostly, why such terrible things have to happen to decent people.
The truth is clear – our nation is slowly transforming from a safe place where nobody locks their doors, to a chaotic and unexplainable mess of crime, sadness, and utter selfishness.
The Sadness of Virginia Tech
Our hearts and prayers go out to those at VT. So many brilliant lives cut short, and only God knows why. Having a college age daughter, I find myself frightened to allow her to go to classes. I want her home, safe and protected with me.
As a writer, It is hard for me to admit, but I just don't have the words to convey my feelings of love, pain and sympathy. So instead I do the best thing I know...I ask Gods mercy on you and pray that he will be there to help you through this.
Cho Seung-Hui was a very troubled young man. I also pray for his family. I wonder what has happened in his young life that made him so angry, so torn apart inside that he would do such a thing as this.
It would be so easy to allow my pain and sadness to turn to anger and start pointing fingers and blaming, as so many have already begun doing. It won't bring back our children, and it won't make things easier for those who have so much pain to deal with right now. So what I will do, and what I ask each of my readers to do, is to take a minute or two to pray for the families, the students and faculty, and the town. Let us also pray for our country and for Gods guidance and love. God have mercy on us all.
Amen
Monday, April 9, 2007
A Woman President
A Woman President
By Pamela S. Meek
"Something which we think is impossible now is not impossible in another decade.”
Constance Baker Motley (First African-American Woman in the U.S. to become a Federal Judge)
In March we celebrated National Women's History Month. We celebrated many heroic achievements of women who have contributed to the economic, political, and social progress of our country. We honored the courage of the early suffragists, including Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who fought for the right to vote. We acknowledge pioneers such as Virginia Claflin Woodhull who in 1872, became the first woman to ever run for President of the United States, as well as other women, past and present, who paved the way for our advancement into the women we are today, and the women we still struggle to become. Many of us have contemplated a woman holding
the office of President of the United States for many years.
The problem is, the world was not ready when we had the right candidates and now, there is a huge question as to IF we have the right candidate running when we might be ready to accept a woman. I have decided to leave my own personal opinion
out of this at this time.
In 1872, Virginia Claflin Woodhull became the first woman to ever run for President of the United States. She ran under the Equal Rights Party. Since then we have had eleven other women who have entered the race.
1884 and again in 1888- Belva Ann Bennett Lockwood ran for President under the Equal
Rights Party.
1964- Margaret Chase Smith was the first woman to have her name placed in nomination for President by a major party. She received Republican primary votes in New Hampshire, Illinois, Massachusetts, Texas, and Oregon, among others, and had twenty-seven first ballot votes at the Republican National Convention.
1972- Shirley Anita Chisholm was the first African American woman to run for President. She campaigned throughout the country and was on the ballot in twelve primaries in what was largely an educational campaign. She received 151.25 delegate votes at the Democratic National Convention
1972- Patsy Takemoto Mink ran as an anti-war candidate in the 1972 Oregon Democratic presidential primary, winning two percent of the votes.
1976- Ellen McCormack entered 20 state primaries for the Democratic presidential nomination as an anti-abortion candidate, winning 22 convention votes. She became the first woman to qualify for federal campaign matching funds and qualified for Secret Service protection. In 1980, she ran for president again as the candidate of the Right to Life Party, winning more than 30,000 votes from three states.
1984- Sonia Johnson ran on the ballot of the Citizens Party.
1988- Patricia S. Schroeder a Democrat, took preliminary steps toward making a serious run for the presidency, but was forced to drop out before the primaries because she could not raise the necessary funds.
1988, 1992- Lenora Fulani - New Alliance Party. Ran for U.S. President twice and qualified for federal matching funds both times.
2000- Elizabeth Hanford Dole - resigned her position as president of the American Red Cross in January 1999, a position she had held since 1991, to run for the Republican nomination for President
2004- Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun was among ten Democrats seeking the 2004 presidential nomination.
2008- Hilary Rodham Clinton is a current candidate for the Democratic nomination for president.
When checking into the backgrounds of these women, I found that, in my opinion, there were several who would probably actually make it if they ran today. There were a couple who made me wonder what on earth they were thinking, and a few who just made me laugh and very glad they were not elected.
On that note, let’s take a look at what it would take to elect a woman as President in 2008...
1. Political party affiliation; Today we have the Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Right to Life, Green, and a new one I just heard of called the Technologists. Just how important is her party she represents to you?
2. What about personal Ethics? If we define Ethics as the difference between right and wrong used to benefit society as a whole and to improve the human condition, do you feel these personal ethics are important and should they be used to judge a candidate?
3. Stance on Important Matters; How would your candidate need to vote and on what matters do you feel are important?
4. Is Personality important? What if the candidate feels she is superior to others and is rude to her body guards and others she feels are inferior? Should that enter into the political debate? Should someone be elected because everyone likes the way they smile and treat others?
5. Is it enough to be Politically savvy? Just knowing the ins and outs of the political arena is not usually enough, what else would your candidate have to know for you to elect her?
Bonus question…Do you know of a woman who should run for President today? Why?
We would love to hear from each of our readers. Please take a moment and answer our short poll in the Blog area of the magazine. www.hotpsychology.com, to answer our brief questionnaire…or just tell us what it would take for you to vote for a woman
President.
By Pamela S. Meek
"Something which we think is impossible now is not impossible in another decade.”
Constance Baker Motley (First African-American Woman in the U.S. to become a Federal Judge)
In March we celebrated National Women's History Month. We celebrated many heroic achievements of women who have contributed to the economic, political, and social progress of our country. We honored the courage of the early suffragists, including Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who fought for the right to vote. We acknowledge pioneers such as Virginia Claflin Woodhull who in 1872, became the first woman to ever run for President of the United States, as well as other women, past and present, who paved the way for our advancement into the women we are today, and the women we still struggle to become. Many of us have contemplated a woman holding
the office of President of the United States for many years.
The problem is, the world was not ready when we had the right candidates and now, there is a huge question as to IF we have the right candidate running when we might be ready to accept a woman. I have decided to leave my own personal opinion
out of this at this time.
In 1872, Virginia Claflin Woodhull became the first woman to ever run for President of the United States. She ran under the Equal Rights Party. Since then we have had eleven other women who have entered the race.
1884 and again in 1888- Belva Ann Bennett Lockwood ran for President under the Equal
Rights Party.
1964- Margaret Chase Smith was the first woman to have her name placed in nomination for President by a major party. She received Republican primary votes in New Hampshire, Illinois, Massachusetts, Texas, and Oregon, among others, and had twenty-seven first ballot votes at the Republican National Convention.
1972- Shirley Anita Chisholm was the first African American woman to run for President. She campaigned throughout the country and was on the ballot in twelve primaries in what was largely an educational campaign. She received 151.25 delegate votes at the Democratic National Convention
1972- Patsy Takemoto Mink ran as an anti-war candidate in the 1972 Oregon Democratic presidential primary, winning two percent of the votes.
1976- Ellen McCormack entered 20 state primaries for the Democratic presidential nomination as an anti-abortion candidate, winning 22 convention votes. She became the first woman to qualify for federal campaign matching funds and qualified for Secret Service protection. In 1980, she ran for president again as the candidate of the Right to Life Party, winning more than 30,000 votes from three states.
1984- Sonia Johnson ran on the ballot of the Citizens Party.
1988- Patricia S. Schroeder a Democrat, took preliminary steps toward making a serious run for the presidency, but was forced to drop out before the primaries because she could not raise the necessary funds.
1988, 1992- Lenora Fulani - New Alliance Party. Ran for U.S. President twice and qualified for federal matching funds both times.
2000- Elizabeth Hanford Dole - resigned her position as president of the American Red Cross in January 1999, a position she had held since 1991, to run for the Republican nomination for President
2004- Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun was among ten Democrats seeking the 2004 presidential nomination.
2008- Hilary Rodham Clinton is a current candidate for the Democratic nomination for president.
When checking into the backgrounds of these women, I found that, in my opinion, there were several who would probably actually make it if they ran today. There were a couple who made me wonder what on earth they were thinking, and a few who just made me laugh and very glad they were not elected.
On that note, let’s take a look at what it would take to elect a woman as President in 2008...
1. Political party affiliation; Today we have the Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Right to Life, Green, and a new one I just heard of called the Technologists. Just how important is her party she represents to you?
2. What about personal Ethics? If we define Ethics as the difference between right and wrong used to benefit society as a whole and to improve the human condition, do you feel these personal ethics are important and should they be used to judge a candidate?
3. Stance on Important Matters; How would your candidate need to vote and on what matters do you feel are important?
4. Is Personality important? What if the candidate feels she is superior to others and is rude to her body guards and others she feels are inferior? Should that enter into the political debate? Should someone be elected because everyone likes the way they smile and treat others?
5. Is it enough to be Politically savvy? Just knowing the ins and outs of the political arena is not usually enough, what else would your candidate have to know for you to elect her?
Bonus question…Do you know of a woman who should run for President today? Why?
We would love to hear from each of our readers. Please take a moment and answer our short poll in the Blog area of the magazine. www.hotpsychology.com, to answer our brief questionnaire…or just tell us what it would take for you to vote for a woman
President.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
One Nation Divided
By Linda O'Connell
Illegal immigration issues are a huge topic of great concern in America. The side on which one stands divides or unites us. I am conflicted on the issue, and I am not certain that there are any clear cut solutions, despite my wavering opinions.
Residents of Valley Park, Missouri, a sleepy little town west of St. Louis are up in arms. Local legislation that would impose a fine on anyone who employs or rents to undocumented immigrants, has been repealed. Routing out the illegal immigrants has pushed the hot buttons of compassionate, caring individuals --- and they stand firmly in their beliefs on both sides of the issue.
Perhaps the adage, with age comes wisdom, is true. I had an older neighbor once who imparted her knowledge and wisdom to me when I was a young mom. Each evening we would stroll around our city block. She had been a war bride in the 1940’s and met her soldier husband in her hometown in Germany. She immigrated to the United States where she attained citizenship, and raised a family. But she left a huge chunk of her heart in the Rhineland. She frequently talked about her country and the family she left behind. She also spoke of tyranny and tolerance.
One evening we noticed a moving van parked down the street. As we approached, we saw that the family was African-American, the first black family to move into our segregated neighborhood. The woman said to me, “I don’t know why people make such a big deal out of color. People are just people. Ethnicity doesn’t make one bit of difference when you’re under five years old or over seventy-five. When you’re in your formative years, all you want to do is play and eat and sleep; doesn’t matter what color the kid is next to you. People are just people. It’s the way you treat one another that matters at that age. When you’re old and falling apart, it doesn’t matter what color the person is who feeds you or takes you to the toilet. It’s the way the person treats you.”
That statement has had a profound impact on me ever since. An elderly relative, who had been a racist all of her life, entered a nursing home last year. She receives quality, loving care from a devoted African-American nurse, and they have developed a fondness for one another. I can guarantee you it wouldn’t have happened years ago.
Our inner city school has a diverse ethnic population. Recently I received a new student from Thailand into my preschool class. I listened to a group of children discussing the new girl. One of the children said, “I think she is Chinese like me.”
“No, she is maybe from my country. Her hair is black like my hair,” said a little girl from Eritrea, Africa. Another child chimed in, “I know! She is Vietnamese; her eyes look like mine.”
I sat quietly and listened as the children continued their debate. It reminded me of times I have been in group situations. I attend educational seminars and I also facilitate at these events. I begin by asking teachers to observe other people in the room for a few minutes, and then I ask them to share what they have discovered. Invariably they will do a head count and tell me how many people are in attendance. Typically, one by one they will begin to dissect the group by ethnicity, gender, age, hair color, even clothing. They seem confused when I smile and remain silent. I do not respond until the last observation is voiced. They are amazed when I make my own observations. “You are all human beings, all or most of you have hair, and you have eyes with which to see my materials. All of you have ears with which to listen intently and learn something that you might impart to others. You are all able to speak, ask questions and share your information with me. Every single one of you have feelings that can be hurt or bolstered by what I say and do as your group leader.” They nod in agreement; most understand that I am trying to demonstrate the profound effect each of us has on others. I ask them to ponder a question; why is it that when we walk into a group, we immediately see our differences? The answer is simple; it is human nature to be a bit egocentric and ethnocentric. I remind them to treat others as they would want to be treated - with respect and compassion.
I remembered the day I attended my grandson’s preschool graduation. The children pledged allegiance to the flag and sang a patriotic song. A nice gesture, perhaps a policy instituted after 9/11, not necessarily part of a typical preschool curriculum, I thought to myself. I wondered exactly how much the youngsters understood as they belted out unfamiliar phrases: “My Country ‘T is of Thee, sweet land of liberty, let freedom ring.”
My reverie was interrupted by a verbose child in my own classroom who said, “You guys are all wrong! I know what she is; she’s JUST a girl.”
If only we could all see one another as just a boy or girl, just a man or woman. After all, people are people. It’s not skin color, ethnicity or religion that makes one bad or good; it’s their actions.
Now, I completely understand why my grandson’s teacher taught her students the Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic song. We do live in one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all. As Americans practice their constitutional rights to freedom of expression we unite on different sides of the immigration issue. Our country - land of the free and home of the brave - stands divided. Our government needs to get some things straightened out. In the meantime, we should all try to treat others as we want to be treated.
For more from this talented writer, click here.
Illegal immigration issues are a huge topic of great concern in America. The side on which one stands divides or unites us. I am conflicted on the issue, and I am not certain that there are any clear cut solutions, despite my wavering opinions.
Residents of Valley Park, Missouri, a sleepy little town west of St. Louis are up in arms. Local legislation that would impose a fine on anyone who employs or rents to undocumented immigrants, has been repealed. Routing out the illegal immigrants has pushed the hot buttons of compassionate, caring individuals --- and they stand firmly in their beliefs on both sides of the issue.
Perhaps the adage, with age comes wisdom, is true. I had an older neighbor once who imparted her knowledge and wisdom to me when I was a young mom. Each evening we would stroll around our city block. She had been a war bride in the 1940’s and met her soldier husband in her hometown in Germany. She immigrated to the United States where she attained citizenship, and raised a family. But she left a huge chunk of her heart in the Rhineland. She frequently talked about her country and the family she left behind. She also spoke of tyranny and tolerance.
One evening we noticed a moving van parked down the street. As we approached, we saw that the family was African-American, the first black family to move into our segregated neighborhood. The woman said to me, “I don’t know why people make such a big deal out of color. People are just people. Ethnicity doesn’t make one bit of difference when you’re under five years old or over seventy-five. When you’re in your formative years, all you want to do is play and eat and sleep; doesn’t matter what color the kid is next to you. People are just people. It’s the way you treat one another that matters at that age. When you’re old and falling apart, it doesn’t matter what color the person is who feeds you or takes you to the toilet. It’s the way the person treats you.”
That statement has had a profound impact on me ever since. An elderly relative, who had been a racist all of her life, entered a nursing home last year. She receives quality, loving care from a devoted African-American nurse, and they have developed a fondness for one another. I can guarantee you it wouldn’t have happened years ago.
Our inner city school has a diverse ethnic population. Recently I received a new student from Thailand into my preschool class. I listened to a group of children discussing the new girl. One of the children said, “I think she is Chinese like me.”
“No, she is maybe from my country. Her hair is black like my hair,” said a little girl from Eritrea, Africa. Another child chimed in, “I know! She is Vietnamese; her eyes look like mine.”
I sat quietly and listened as the children continued their debate. It reminded me of times I have been in group situations. I attend educational seminars and I also facilitate at these events. I begin by asking teachers to observe other people in the room for a few minutes, and then I ask them to share what they have discovered. Invariably they will do a head count and tell me how many people are in attendance. Typically, one by one they will begin to dissect the group by ethnicity, gender, age, hair color, even clothing. They seem confused when I smile and remain silent. I do not respond until the last observation is voiced. They are amazed when I make my own observations. “You are all human beings, all or most of you have hair, and you have eyes with which to see my materials. All of you have ears with which to listen intently and learn something that you might impart to others. You are all able to speak, ask questions and share your information with me. Every single one of you have feelings that can be hurt or bolstered by what I say and do as your group leader.” They nod in agreement; most understand that I am trying to demonstrate the profound effect each of us has on others. I ask them to ponder a question; why is it that when we walk into a group, we immediately see our differences? The answer is simple; it is human nature to be a bit egocentric and ethnocentric. I remind them to treat others as they would want to be treated - with respect and compassion.
I remembered the day I attended my grandson’s preschool graduation. The children pledged allegiance to the flag and sang a patriotic song. A nice gesture, perhaps a policy instituted after 9/11, not necessarily part of a typical preschool curriculum, I thought to myself. I wondered exactly how much the youngsters understood as they belted out unfamiliar phrases: “My Country ‘T is of Thee, sweet land of liberty, let freedom ring.”
My reverie was interrupted by a verbose child in my own classroom who said, “You guys are all wrong! I know what she is; she’s JUST a girl.”
If only we could all see one another as just a boy or girl, just a man or woman. After all, people are people. It’s not skin color, ethnicity or religion that makes one bad or good; it’s their actions.
Now, I completely understand why my grandson’s teacher taught her students the Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic song. We do live in one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all. As Americans practice their constitutional rights to freedom of expression we unite on different sides of the immigration issue. Our country - land of the free and home of the brave - stands divided. Our government needs to get some things straightened out. In the meantime, we should all try to treat others as we want to be treated.
For more from this talented writer, click here.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Welcome
Hello Everyone and Welcome to the new Our Cultures Blog.
Here you will find commentary on todays culture, and sometimes lack of culture, book and entertainer reviews, a few opinion polls, and hopefully, the heartbeat of what makes us human.
We look forward to hearing from all of you . Please comment on the articles and let us know what you feel. We would also appreciate you letting us know what you would like to see and read here.
Thanks for visiting Hot Psychology!
Pamela S. Meek
Our Cultures Editor
Pamela Meek
Editor for Our Cultures
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Town and Country: City Girl, Urban Life
By Sharon Moran
Inconsistency is a human trait that is common in all members of our species. It’s hard for humans not to be inconsistent, and I’m no exception. I’m an oddity of human characteristics and at the same time entirely normal. Assuming inconsistency is, in fact, a normal yet unavoidable part of the human experience. My own inconsistency involves being pulled in two equally different and equally compelling directions at once.
I fantasize about one day living in a cabin in the mountains and using sunrise and sunset to mark my days in lieu of an alarm clock. I have visions of deeply inhaling clean mountain air and tending to my organic vegetable garden in preparation for the day’s dinner. (Okay, I admit it’s not a well-thought out plan. I’m not even sure how conducive a mountainous terrain is to gardening, but just follow my fantasy here.) My family and I could spend hours on a nature walk, and we could repeat the process day in and day out.
Since I currently homeschool my daughter, we could linger in the mountains as long as we choose since there will be no school bell beckoning us. I’d probably walk everywhere when I’m in the mountains, because after just two years of living in South Jersey, I’ve lost the capacity to drive on anything but flat surfaces. I do anticipate that I would eventually tire of being confined to one location for very long, so I’ve mentally prepared alternate living arrangements for when that time comes. I can alternate my mountain months with visits to my 300-acre farm (that I’ll hopefully be able to afford to purchase one day). There I could stroll about aimlessly with my daughter in tow and gather delight from my German shepherd herding the sheep I purchased for his own amusement and companionship. I could ride my horse down the 800-feet path that leads to our mailbox located on the main road to pick up our day’s mail, and then aimlessly meander back while allowing my own desires for the day to dictate my plans rather than the clock I purchased for $19.99 at Macy’s.
To read the rest of this article in Hot Psychology Magazine, click here.
For more from this talented writer, click here.
Inconsistency is a human trait that is common in all members of our species. It’s hard for humans not to be inconsistent, and I’m no exception. I’m an oddity of human characteristics and at the same time entirely normal. Assuming inconsistency is, in fact, a normal yet unavoidable part of the human experience. My own inconsistency involves being pulled in two equally different and equally compelling directions at once.
I fantasize about one day living in a cabin in the mountains and using sunrise and sunset to mark my days in lieu of an alarm clock. I have visions of deeply inhaling clean mountain air and tending to my organic vegetable garden in preparation for the day’s dinner. (Okay, I admit it’s not a well-thought out plan. I’m not even sure how conducive a mountainous terrain is to gardening, but just follow my fantasy here.) My family and I could spend hours on a nature walk, and we could repeat the process day in and day out.
Since I currently homeschool my daughter, we could linger in the mountains as long as we choose since there will be no school bell beckoning us. I’d probably walk everywhere when I’m in the mountains, because after just two years of living in South Jersey, I’ve lost the capacity to drive on anything but flat surfaces. I do anticipate that I would eventually tire of being confined to one location for very long, so I’ve mentally prepared alternate living arrangements for when that time comes. I can alternate my mountain months with visits to my 300-acre farm (that I’ll hopefully be able to afford to purchase one day). There I could stroll about aimlessly with my daughter in tow and gather delight from my German shepherd herding the sheep I purchased for his own amusement and companionship. I could ride my horse down the 800-feet path that leads to our mailbox located on the main road to pick up our day’s mail, and then aimlessly meander back while allowing my own desires for the day to dictate my plans rather than the clock I purchased for $19.99 at Macy’s.
To read the rest of this article in Hot Psychology Magazine, click here.
For more from this talented writer, click here.
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