Reading does make you think...go figure
Currently, I am reading a few books, two in particular: The Silent Wife and Sycamore Row. While the expectation is that these novels will be discussed at the end, there are a few statements/situations within both that I find interesting and want to explore more. Therefore, I want to provide my perspective on some of these situations and hear what others may think. So, if you like, feel free to respond. I may make similar posts down the road.
The synopsis of The Silent Wife tells us that it is "...a finely wrought, emotionally charged psychological thriller about a marriage in the throes of dissolution, a couple headed for catastrophe, concessions that can’t be made, and promises that won’t be kept"
http://asaharrison.com/
What it doesn't tell you, is that the "wife" is a thriving Psychologist with her own practice that is very good at understanding/reading people. Why is this interesting? Because the story flip-flops from each perspective, you get to see how the each person's mind is working as he or she goes through life. It is even interesting how the thoughts of the "wife" seem more substantial than that of her husband's. I am sure this is mainly because she is a doctor and he is a real estate developer.
One of the first few statements that made me stop and think was this one; "Other people are not here to fulfill our needs or meet our expectations, nor will they always treat us well. Failure to accept this will generate feelings of anger and resentment. Peace of mind comes with taking people as they are and emphasizing the positive." First, what does this mean? The things that you truly need in life will more than likely not come from other people. Stop focusing on what you think people should do or say because it is will cause stress and emotion for things you can never change.
Think about it, how many times have you gotten upset because you thought someone else would do something differently and how did that situation play out?
Example: When I went to India, I made it a point to bring back a souvenir for everyone that I cared about or has a consistent part in my life. First thing I did, when I landed in the US was send everyone a text saying that I was back in the states and had souvenirs for them.
My expectation: Everyone would be happy that I thought enough to bring them something back and would eagerly try to collect their souvenirs.
My reality: Most people were happy. One person never came over to see me, even acted as though they were upset with me (for what I am still no so sure) and barely responded/talked to me for some time.
My reaction: I then got upset and began pondering all the potential things that the person could have been mad about and kept annoying Jamie with the situation.
My final resolution: Let it go. I showed an appreciation that most often never reciprocated. I had to let it go and I sent the souvenir to a friend that I knew would love anything that I sent her. After I let it go and said I did my part, I had to accept that people are people and I can't base their actions on what I think should be.
The synopsis of The Silent Wife tells us that it is "...a finely wrought, emotionally charged psychological thriller about a marriage in the throes of dissolution, a couple headed for catastrophe, concessions that can’t be made, and promises that won’t be kept"
http://asaharrison.com/
What it doesn't tell you, is that the "wife" is a thriving Psychologist with her own practice that is very good at understanding/reading people. Why is this interesting? Because the story flip-flops from each perspective, you get to see how the each person's mind is working as he or she goes through life. It is even interesting how the thoughts of the "wife" seem more substantial than that of her husband's. I am sure this is mainly because she is a doctor and he is a real estate developer.
One of the first few statements that made me stop and think was this one; "Other people are not here to fulfill our needs or meet our expectations, nor will they always treat us well. Failure to accept this will generate feelings of anger and resentment. Peace of mind comes with taking people as they are and emphasizing the positive." First, what does this mean? The things that you truly need in life will more than likely not come from other people. Stop focusing on what you think people should do or say because it is will cause stress and emotion for things you can never change.
Think about it, how many times have you gotten upset because you thought someone else would do something differently and how did that situation play out?
Example: When I went to India, I made it a point to bring back a souvenir for everyone that I cared about or has a consistent part in my life. First thing I did, when I landed in the US was send everyone a text saying that I was back in the states and had souvenirs for them.
My expectation: Everyone would be happy that I thought enough to bring them something back and would eagerly try to collect their souvenirs.
My reality: Most people were happy. One person never came over to see me, even acted as though they were upset with me (for what I am still no so sure) and barely responded/talked to me for some time.
My reaction: I then got upset and began pondering all the potential things that the person could have been mad about and kept annoying Jamie with the situation.
My final resolution: Let it go. I showed an appreciation that most often never reciprocated. I had to let it go and I sent the souvenir to a friend that I knew would love anything that I sent her. After I let it go and said I did my part, I had to accept that people are people and I can't base their actions on what I think should be.
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