things I like part 6

[buster]

1. Going to movies (Let The Right One In) in old college districts on rainy nights when nothing else seems fun
2. Soft sweaters
3. 50% off Helmut Lang jeans from Polite Society
4. Ben, who works at Polite Society
5. Planning potlucks, with and without guest nutritionists

Comments

Hmm...

[pangaea]

Ricecricket recommended that movie, too. I now have to get my ass to a theatre and go see it.

If only I can get my ass to stay awake while watching it, too...

My internal monologue

[tarvie]

First reaction: YEAAAHHHH!!!! Totally! Embrace things! Attitude is everything! This is my life!

Second reaction: But, um, Tarv, what is the difference between embracing situations and complacency? Huh? Should you embrace the oppressive system you work within? Should you embrace being in a toxic situation?

Third reaction: Dude! It's a question of reflection and energy! Acting instead of reacting! We've covered all of this before.

Fourth reaction: You should totally write this internal monologue as a response anyway.

Re: My internal monologue

[buster]

I was thinking about the second reaction too, and I think the third reaction is right... there's a HUGE difference between embracing and complacency. Say you're in an abusive relationship... complacency would be about disregarding your feelings, justifying them, or repressing them. Embracing would be about owning up to how you feel, expressing those feelings, and taking responsibility for them. Being the feelings changes the way you act. It creates an opportunity for meaningful work, true self-expression, and courage.

I think it's about embracing the sensations that come about as a result of the mix between your inner and outer worlds. Not justifying the outer world, but fully experiencing it for what it is.

Re: My internal monologue

[tarvie]

Oooh, yeah. Well put.
Reflection, HONESTY, action, embrace. I'm gonna turn that into a t-shirt.

[j_u_d_i]

I loved Let The Right One In. It makes me happy that so many people are seeing it. It's such a weird movie, yet so satisfying. It hit a lot of my sweet spots: coming of age story, triumph over bullies, wacky townsfolk, unexpected tonal shifts. The snowy swedish scenery was perfect for creating a creepy atmosphere.

I think there are two schools of thought about the latter part of your post: acceptance versus change. Accepting, receiving, embracing versus realizing something sucks and getting the heck out/changing it. I think about this a lot this time of year -- do I wait it out in Boston through the winter & love the (limited) things that are great about it, or do I try to escape to more pleasant places more often. For me, the former strategy seems to work best, actually. I guess it depends on your personality.