Yesterday, I had a prospective Room Renter come look at the house. She let me know how disappointed she was, how it wasn’t what she expected — how she needed wall to wall closets, and added “because I’m a Girl.” and she said this while looking at me, evidently not a girl. And I heard how she’d need furniture (it’s furnished), and she wanted cozy (it’s spacious). I heard all about how it was wrong for her — this was how she framed what she wanted: talking about what she didn’t want or like. I thanked her for being clear. She said she’d think about it, and I asked her why she’d think about something she didn’t want? something that wasn’t right for her?
and these past few days I read articles from folks who are criticizing TV shows, or criticizing other writers for “getting it wrong” — on an issue, on a theme, on Miley Cyrus. People are writing about how other people missed the point, didn’t tell the real or most important story. Yet again.
And the great news about someone having missed the point — is that you get to make it. But we often spend our time talking about what others didn’t get right for us — be it a perspective, or wall to wall closets. (and really, how could they?) Missing how all of this contrast gets us clear and connected to our own truth and perspective, however frustrating and disappointing this process of awareness is. How we use this moment born of contrast is up to us —
May you step forward into the space created by things that are not true for you. Not your reality. Not your experience. May you not spend your time on a Lit Review of how people got it wrong — yet still be able to build the foundation, make the case for why what you have to say matters. May we all be able to make our points and move on. May we all find rooms in Life we want to rent.
love,
lvl xo