What is a human autopilot? We've all been there, driving to a destination, knowing where we are going and without realizing the passing of time we are suddenly at an intersection or close to our goal and can't remember how we got there. I get scared at first and wonder if I stopped at all the lights, saw every pedestrian and how can my mind get sooo distracted that I wasn't paying attention to where I was.
Life seems like that to me...
A person is constantly shifting into autopilot to get things done, to fit into the social norm to do what is expected of them. Years I spent thinking that to be 'accepted' into the society as a whole I needed to do specific things...get a career, look a certain way, talk a certain way, have specific things. Notice that these are all external THINGS! How silly is that. Feeding the external portion of your existence and not nourishing the internal. For some reason it seems to be assumed that on the outside if you look together you are all together inside as well.
A person is constantly shifting into autopilot to get things done, to fit into the social norm to do what is expected of them. Years I spent thinking that to be 'accepted' into the society as a whole I needed to do specific things...get a career, look a certain way, talk a certain way, have specific things. Notice that these are all external THINGS! How silly is that. Feeding the external portion of your existence and not nourishing the internal. For some reason it seems to be assumed that on the outside if you look together you are all together inside as well.
Well when you hear 'Stage 4' Colon cancer, your autopilot gets turned off for just a bit. The time you need to absorb the news and what could it possibly mean? And low and behold the autopilot goes on to again to learn and discover all you can do to help yourself. You delve yourself in all the cancer books, internet research and stories of survivors. Another autopilot sets in called 'Live like you were Dieing'. I used to like that song until I pulled out of that philosophy of impending doom and now find myself in an mode of 'Live like you are Living'. Its MUCH more fun!
Living like you have always dreamed of but never took the time to nourish your internal soul. Sounds corny I know. I think I've been in autopilot since I was twelve, survivor mode. Trying to figure out what I was supposed to do. Finding my hubby and having my kids was the BEST thing that has ever happened to me. Thank goodness I DID not follow societies expected norms and went for the gusto. That is when life is the MOST rewarding for me. When people see that a young mom and family CAN make it. Yes it was hard but nothing in my life was more worth it than that.
Today I spend my brain energy on just that 'today'. And thoughts of what to do in the garden tomorrow. How I feel today and what can I do to feel better. I am more than blessed that I can take the time to explore my inner 'autopilot's and realize that there are many more to come as I tread on new waters but I hope that whatever tsunami comes my way I will ride it and turn on whatever human autopilot I need to wade through the storm.
Which 'one' of your autopilots will you turn off briefly today?
Your depth from years of thinking, planning, caring, outweigh anyone I have ever met. You continue to inspire, teach, and focus on what is real, and lasting. A rare quality indeed. Little Sister teaching Big Brother, Only you....Hugs, Jim
ReplyDeleteI'm going to learn a lot from you. Once again.
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