Soulmates
Posted by Stuart at 08:09 AM on January 21, 2003Regardless of the title of this post, no, I have not found a soulmate in Asia. Instead, my life has slowed down a bit now that I am working, so from now on I might post things here that don't really have to do with my travels, but instead just little interesting (to me) tidbits that I run across.
So the "interesting tidbit" I found today was a quote from my favorite newspaper columnist, Mark Morford (SF Chronicle). In response to a reader's letter, he said in his classic rambling run-on sentence style:
"I do indeed believe in soul mates and do not believe there is only one in the entire world for you, however and but, I believe soul mates are not the fluffy aww-gosh dreamboats we so exaggerate them to be, but are rather souls who enter your life to help you and force you and urge you to deal with your shit, as it were, to peel back and dig down and rethink everything and it's painful and annoying and not necessarily something devoutly to be wished every second of every day despite how romantic you think you are or you think you want to be."
Interesting view of the whole "soulmate" issue, with which I think I have to agree. I immediately thought of those people who were (or are) a big part of my life who at the same time made my life extremely difficult because they forced me to question who I am, what I do, and why I do it.
So to all of those who routinely kick me in the butt (or beat me upside the head), thank you! :)
Thank you Stuart and Beth. These two posts have, in retrospect somewhow, turned an absolutely terrible day in my life into something good.
Yes, that is a good way to look at the whole idea of soul mates. Similar to the thinking that people come into your life for a season, a reason, or a lifetime.
Facing "who you are" can sometimes be difficult and painful, at other times extremely liberating , joyous and peaceful. However, we all must be careful as to who we allow to influence our thinking and way of behaving and from whom we get advice --- the core of who we are as individuals and parts of the whole. We are sometimes blinded by those outside influences and ways to be, and I, like you am very thankful for those who have been there to straighten me out, tell me a truth about myself that causes me to be introspective, and those who love me despite it all. Bring on the opinions, because different ways of thinking and outlooks and attitudes are quite fascinating, but when it comes to the nitty gritty and the truth, my antennas go up, and I carefully listen and am slow to form my own opinions and perceptions.
As I have heard from different people throughout the years, true friends can be counted on one hand - I am so very fortunate and thankful to have that handful of people in my life.
Love you!!!