Friday, December 5, 2014

Glad to Know Me

I am just wondering if I was introduced to myself, would I like me? How would the conversation begin and under what circumstances would the two of me find ourselves in this awkward predicament?

Well, since this is more than a possibility verging on an eventual probability, I must get prepared.

As with all my “out there” thoughts, this scenario was planted in my brain by way of a series of comments regarding a person who looks like me enough to be my twin brother.  This man works in the hospital where I volunteer.  The physical traits are unmistakably me with a five o’clock shadow.

We’ve met, have not conversed, but just that uncomfortable face to face introduction which supports the theory of evolution.  There must be a missing limb on the family tree because it’s uncanny how much we mirror the outside self.

Not wanting to pry or really care enough to begin a conversation, we occasionally pass ourselves in the hallway and with the exchange of that same familiar grin, go on about our business.

Now, that it is confirmed that I do exist in multiplicity, I need to adjust my inner self to present the best of me to all I meet, or pass by, or gaze at; etc.

The challenge being which side of my multi-faceted me shall I present to John Q. Public?

Having graduated from a six-week summer course on etiquette somewhere in my preteen years, I already practice appropriate posture (especially if descending a staircase), know when to extend my RIGHT hand and can engage in the howdoyoudo’s in several languages.

That’s all well-intentioned if I were to find myself in a formal social setting;
but, what about the casual impromptu occasion? Taking cues from a complete stranger has the potential of a neon danger sign looming overhead.

Say for instance, meeting my son's future girlfriend.  It’s well known that sons generally choose partners with Mom’s endearing qualities.  But which qualities will I recognize in this mini-me?  Will I be equally impressed or quickly dissolve the budding romance and run for the nearest exit?

How to gage which me to face the world, on a daily basis, is my constant challenge.  I can be very well-rehearsed in front of my bathroom mirror (it is full length, as I like to practice my entire body language). Stepping outside and maintaining self- confidence is not for the weak of spirit or stomach, ya da ya da. It’s a skill honed over decades and I admit, that I’m not the least bit shy.  I’ll talk to anyone.  It’s not vanity to do so, it’s generosity of heart.

You know when you “connect” with people. That eleven-second rule (the time it takes to make a first impression) is more than ample when you realize
the existence of commonality. You don’t have to ponder which you to share.  It just happens.  Or does it?

Maybe the other embodiment of you has just met the original. Do you like him or her?  Is there a reason to share a part of yourself?  Do you appreciate the qualities which form a bridge from stranger to a friend?

Is this a human condition, this multiple me syndrome?  Do my dogs or cats or aquarium freshwater fish have the potential to recognize in others that which exists internally? I vote yes.

It’s absolutely irrefutable that the me I give out to the universe will attract and simultaneously repel like energies.  Positive will engage positive, negative will keep trying and opposites will attract and throw the whole equation off-center.


So with this discussion begun, I have choices to make. But first, I need to check my day timer to determine the best me for the job of getting on with my day….the possibilities are endless.