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Friday, February 03 2012 |
Social Dryness+
 There are times in our lives when we come to the realization that we are not the center of the universe. It is a difficult realization; for by our very perception we are inclined to see ourselves as the focal point of a great and wide circle. I look "out" at everything thats not "me;" and when I turn my head the world seems to revolve around me. When I am in my car, I am the only driver I can appreciate; all other cars are lifeless machines, mere obstacles. When I stand in long line, the line seems to move much too slow until, of course, it is my turn.
And naturally this sense of "centeredness" gets transposed to my social life as well. It is always urgent that people notice me. I must prove that my opinions are quite important, and it is best that my presence and my character be admired by others at all times. And of course, it is more important that people notice things about me than about anybody else. Its quite a natural feeling; after all, its "me." And all this has often been referred to more simply as the ego.
Then suddenly, a period of social emptiness or social dryness hits. For a while, strangely, inexplicably, my importance subsides a little. My opinions are not met by others with dazzled glares; my conversations are not considered that interesting anymore; my presence is not as sought after as I once believed. In other words, I come to realize that I am not the center of the picture; I am only a small detail, positioned not in the middle but a little to the side and almost lost among the thousand other details. Instead of everyones eyes being continually on me, as I once thought, I am noticed really only a fraction of the time. And inevitably, I begin to feel a bit depressed. Why am I not that important anymore? My self-esteem takes a plunge, my emotions and activity become lazy. I begin a period of social dryness.
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Friday, December 30 2011 |
I Resolve, I Resolve, I Resolve….
By: Christine Agaibi
 As we wrap up 2011 most of us will spend the last few hours and moments of this year reflecting on the past year and pondering our goals for the year to come. New Year’s resolutions are often born of this reflection and of the ambitions we have for the future.
As we contemplate all our accomplishments, disappointments, joys, and sorrows from this year, let us not forget that regardless of your circumstances, the New Year can unfold with many wonderful possibilities and opportunities. Many of us spend the last moments of the old year contemplating how to best improve in the New Year and optimistically make commitments and resolutions to achieve new goals.
So, how can we make goals that are likely to be accomplished in the New Year? Additionally, how can we sustain our resolutions so that they last beyond just a few days or weeks and instead lead to long lasting triumphs? St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians states, “Indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him as the truth is in Jesus. That you put off concerning your former conduct the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful and be renewed in the spirit of your mind and that you put on the new man which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:21-24).
Therefore, wherever we are currently in our lives, we need to create a fresh start that “takes off the old man” and “put on a new one” placing God at the center. Our resolutions first and foremost need to be dedicated to improving our relationship with God. All else will follow from there as the verse says, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33.
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