People

 Blog35:

In all our lives we are involved with, and are surrounded by people.  Being surrounded doesn’t however imply that they have our best interests at heart.  In the course of time, and for many reasons, we do break away from one another or continue to get connected.   Most come and go, like a wheel.  As journeys take shape, we meet more people and build new connections.  It is in this chosen or incidental connections that we get to know those who are either worth keeping or forgetting just because.

People take an interesting or boring stance at times.  I’m not sure if personalities dictate that, but it is what I observe, anyway.  Then again … it could be that folks intentionally make that choice too.   For instance an acquaintance, Sandra, simply doesn’t want to talk in a group gathering even if she has much to share.  She’d rather listen first to issues of the moment before she even considers making a comment or sharing relevant information.  She has a matter-of-fact voice and countenance, and she prefers to always observe events and others.  If she were compelled to contribute to a conversation, she’ll do.  Otherwise I don’t expect her to say something.  People like Sharon, in order to not be perceived as boring, must be invited into the conversation.  It’s the right thing to do.

Other people are both absolutely choosing and wanting only to make significant info or comment to share or they’re simply kibitzing when they open their mouth.  One person I know, Percy, draws the attention of the crowd.  She seldom speaks, but when she opens her mouth, people around her pay attention and they gravitate to her words.  There’s almost this assured feeling in the air that what’s to come should be listened to intently.  She weighs her thoughts so that what he says is reflective of good thinking, importance and wisdom.  The opposite character displays an attitude like that of a clanging cymbal – sometimes noisy, and insignificant.  A person who embarks on small talk, small bites … either buys and kills time to be noticed or does it because he may not know what to do in the stillness of time;  he may feel that something must be said in an  awkward moment.  Sometimes, it is acted upon by one in to simply fill time.

There are people who definitely reflect fruits of positive spirit and those who outwardly display arrogance.  I’m convinced that those who fall into this opposing character display are the best and the worst.   Purcell and Heathcliff, my lunch-break colleagues, are perfect examples of good nature, calm and gentleness.  Both are soft-spoken, cheery, polite and respectful.  When they’re with a crowd one can almost be sure that words of encouragement will come out at an appropriate time.  Those around will get a cheerful comment.  In a testy situation, they are the ones that surely will find and say words that bring calm.  I call them my ‘feel-good’ buddies.   And then there are people like Shovet – arrogant, faultfinding, thoughtless, cold and callous.  Shovet thinks of herself as one better, and more capable than others; she’s one who doesn’t pause to claim knowledge about something.  She takes the stance of a ‘know-it-all’ and more often than not, speaks without thoroughly thinking.  Her words convey poison.  Something dark and ugly are without fail going to come out of her mouth once she opens it.  It is incomprehensible how she comes up with her heart and mind-stabbing words and thoughts, but she seems to do such with ease.  Always, there’s something to criticize - work or opinion.  In a circle, people quickly avoid her.  People scurry away from her presence so they don’t get victimized by her insensitive words.

Whatever people choose to do, become or act upon, they unfortunately or fortunately could.  In civilized society though, we want to always get out there in the midst of others participating in respectful conversation, showing consideration, supporting and encouraging one another.  Lifting up someone and expecting the best of others may take a deliberate effort at times, but it does wonders to the morale of one or all.