I have a lot of different thoughts swirling around in my brain right now. Today is my last day of work for a week, so that is not helping me to concentrate. I’m going to put down all the thoughts and see if that helps me to concentrate a bit better.

First, I am listening to Brené Brown’s book, “Rising Strong” for the fourth time. I find it to be uplifting, encouraging and motivating. One of the take-aways for me is the idea that the people we meet in life are doing the best they can. This idea is often unpopular, especially to those who may have higher standards of behavior than others. It can be easy to look at someone behaving in a way we would not ourselves behave and think, “Ridiculous! Why would an adult behave that way?!?!” But the thing that I have felt for a long time, and that Brené also discovers in her journey she shares in the book is that most people really are doing the best they can.

That mom you think is a hot mess? She may be hanging by a thread. Don’t judge, just walk along side her. That employee that shows up late every day or can’t seem to get anything done? They might have a mom in hospice or his marriage might be crumbling. Give him a break. That guy who cut you off in traffic and flipped you the bird? His teenager might have given him hell this morning and he is not sure what to do about it.

Certainly we all can do better in many moments of our lives, but I truly think that we are also doing the best we can with what we have and where we are in life. When someone speaks harshly about another, it cuts me to the core. When I hear slurs thrown around… “Thug,” “Waste of space,” “Scum.” Those words completely invalidate the fact that those are PEOPLE being spoken of. People. That really hurts my heart.

Next random thought…. I am still working hard to keep with my Lenten resolution. I am looking at people with kindness. I am trying to seek better in myself as I relate to those who frustrate me. So far, it has been pretty successful. Yes, I am only three days in. I get it. I have lots of days ahead. Actually, I am hoping this becomes my new normal, so I have the rest of my life ahead.

Thought three… I am struck by the number of people who seem to be more interested in their comfortable misery than in changing. They rail against their lives, complaining about every little (and big) thing that they face, but they also make no effort to change. They don’t seek help, counsel, or relief. They don’t accept suggestions for change. They seem to prefer their own misery to options that might require effort.  Wait, look at me… I am only three paragraphs from my first thought and I’ve already stopped being considerate.  Kathy, listen… those people have a story you don’t know. They have challenges and struggles. They are fighting battles and you know nothing of them. Worry about yourself. Here is your reminder:

Worry about yourself

Next thought…

This week, for me, has been filled with so much good news, I almost feel guilty. Why is that? I feel bad that so much is going right! I think that is going to take some personal investigation to uncover. What is inside my personality and brain that allows me to feel guilty for all this good stuff? Hmmmm….

A quick rundown of good stuff:

1. Mia got into Mercyhurst. We should hear within the next week whether or not she got into their Autism Initiative there. We are cautiously optimistic.
2. My mammogram was normal.
3. August got a date for their top surgery! May 24th is the day!!!
4. I had to write a paper for my Group Therapy class that was so cathartic that I feel lighter than I ever have in my life.
5. I leave for Florida tomorrow for a week! I will be with Karen who is celebrating “50 can kiss my ass” and a couple other ladies. It should be a lot of fun. We are going to watch the Pirates at their Spring Training Camp!

I think that may cover most of my randomness for now. Happy Friday, dear friends. Please share with me your own random thoughts! I cannot be alone in my randomness, can I?