An Ordinary Life

Monday, February 28, 2011
When I was a young person, I had an aversion to the idea that I might be living an ordinary life. My accomplishments (such as they were) were never enough for me, leading me to indulge in less than honorable behavior.

I don't know what the root cause was for this behavior (a work in progress, no doubt), but I've come to outgrow it. And I'm so glad.

I live a perfectly ordinary life. My accomplishments, while not extraordinary, are sufficient. I'm a good (though not exemplary) employee. I've grown into a decent (though by no means perfect) parent. I've learned how to be a faithful and (mostly) considerate spouse. I trust I've outgrown my tendency to be a less than stellar friend.

These less than extraordinary accomplishments aren't really anything to brag about. In my estimation, they're the minimum criteria for being a decent human being. And that's kind of the point. In the last twenty years I've come to realize that for me, being a decent human being IS the goal, and constitutes MY extraordinary life.

Now, in my mid-forties, I judge my ordinary life not only to be "good enough," but something to aspire to...and something that has led to satisfaction and happiness in my life.

Go, me.

6 comments:

vince said...

Go you indeed.

I consider you a stellar friend, one I am blessed to have in my life.

mom in northern said...

Welcome...

Tom said...

"Less than extraordinary" is "not perfect." But sufficient to being a perfectly good person.

JstPam said...

Yep....

Anne C. said...

Ditto Vince.

Jeri said...

Go you indeed - your ordinary life and stellar friendship is one I admire and treasure.
LOVE!