Bob’s Corner

What are your eccentricities?  What activities or behaviors do you have that are a bit peculiar or out of the ordinary?  Are you okay with being your authentic self?    

I like quirky people.  I enjoy the company of people who just don’t have it all together, people who feel like misfits, and people who can’t help but be genuinely themselves.  I have a sincere admiration and appreciation for people who are real.

It has been my experience in life that when someone presents themselves as perfect, it’s only a matter of time before the façade falls away.  The bigger their ivory tower, the more devastating the crash when it comes tumbling down.

Besides, I don’t relate very well with people who think that they are perfect, and I believe most people feel the same way.  There’s just something phony about it.  Honestly, everybody has issues and problems and each of us is a bit odd in our own wonderful way.  You are uniquely you.  So, let’s stop pretending that we are exactly like everybody else.  You weren’t made to be a copy.  Just be yourself!   

I went to see a singer recently.  His voice reminded me of crooners from days gone-by.  The man could sing!  I overheard people around me saying that they were disturbed by his constant, dramatic, jerky body movements, and that they couldn’t bear to watch him.  How sad.  The man was putting his heart and soul into his work and he sounded absolutely delightful.  This brings up a good point. 

Be very careful about judging others.   All you see is a small sliver of someone’s life, and the glaring part that’s standing out is often the thing you don’t agree with.  In a very real way, your judgement is a reflection of you and your way of thinking.  Be mindful of what is causing such a reaction in you.

Always remember that we are limited, vulnerable, and often times imperfect.  That’s okay.  That’s real life.  It’s how we learn.  Besides, perfection is just a fairytale that we tell ourselves. 

You appreciate being able to be completely yourself.  That’s when you thrive.  Allow others that same respect.  Please.  And if you don’t feel like you can be yourself, be very careful that your ivory tower doesn’t become your perfect prison.    

Bob Payne, Manager