Prejudice

The second definition for the word prejudice on dictionary.com is: any preconceived opinion or feeling, either favorable or unfavorable.

Prejudice is ingrained and impacts each one of us. Years ago, when I worked for a large corporation, I had the advantage of a great deal of "required" training each year. What a fabulous concept to work in a learning environment, but that's a blog onto itself.

When we think of the word prejudice, we often first think of skin color because it is obvious and unfortunately more prevalent than such an educated nation should accept. However, prejudice by the above definition helps explain why it's so difficult for us to relate to one another at all. I don't have a TV. About 9 months ago, my daughter moved out and I made her take it even though I loved the 55 inch screen.

I thought that it was time to learn Spanish, and how to twitter, and to write the book I had always planned. Well, I do twitter, but am only up to the teens in twitters. It takes too long to get a response. I'm a bit more communication needy. But I still intend to write the book.

I research my job. I may tell you depending upon the day that I hate it. But I don't. I feel that all the little things I do and the way I respond impacts the universe. Egotistical? Maybe. But my mom told me that I should treat everyone I meet without exception with respect. I took that a step further and it may be my dad's impact that I should go out of my way to be kind. You never know what people are going through and a smile and kind word is something I feel I owe to them. I feel that it is unfair for me to not learn everything I can to do the best job I can each day.

My life has sometimes been difficult. I was nearly born into a difficult world. But I am lucky to possess a high IQ, which is good. But I value my current ability to enjoy what life offers each day. I didn't always keep my eye on that. But it's hard for people to understand that. I actually get into my big, soft bed with the Sealy mattress and say out loud, mind you, that I love my bed! I do say it and I smile - going to bed at 9pm some nights.

I like to take pictures - it is my one strong, lifetime passion, but not to the point that I miss out on the moment. These days, the best and funniest moments with my grandson are not captured on my brand new camera. I'm too busy laughing with him and loving him up with kisses to take the picture.

I like to live in the moment. I wonder how many people live in the moment? Or as the sun sets, do they text about where they're going out later? Or as their spouse or partner eats breakfast with his or her hair all messed up and looking with a pout at the paper. Their partner complains about the dishes left in the sink. Perhaps they should look again. Isn't that tired pout just a little sexy? What if that person were not around with their sexy little pout and dirty dishes? Hmm, I think there is a Christmas movie about imagining life without someone.

Life is short. There are hard times. But if you open your eyes, there are beautiful things happening amidst even the difficult events. I see them. Am I alone?

Prejudice by the meaning above may stop you from appreciating a stranger's comment, a co-worker's awful story about their life, a child's acting out, a partner's way they show affection, or just stopping to enjoy the sunset on a beautiful day.

Don't assume that my difficult life leaves no room in it for fun. I enjoy life. I stare at the sunset in what is now fondly referred to as my grandson's room, painted a bright orange, which he seems to love. Don't assume that I'm boring because I don't possess a TV. You are free to judge me as not your cup of tea or someone you don't want to befriend because I want to talk about my daughter, my grandson, or my latest project at work. But relax and explore what makes you happy. Life is too short to not live in the moment.