Category — Character Traits

A wise friend once told me that if we don’t like a characteristic in another person, it’s likely because we see the same trait in ourselves.

Her words came back to me this morning after I met a young man who is trying to make his way in the film industry. At least, he says he’s trying to make his way. His appearance and demeanor sent the opposite message. He recently returned to Texas after dropping out of film school and is working part-time at a child care center in a local gym. To my knowledge, he is not plugged in with the local film and video production community (which is huge and thriving in the Dallas Metroplex), nor is he savvy about new trends in online video (as evidenced from our conversation). His mode of dress – a well cultivated hipster thrift-store look – likewise did little to convey the qualities of ambition and drive.

I found myself feeling not only let down by my brief encounter with this individual (who I had hoped might be a resource for upcoming projects), but also feeling resentful, even angry toward him. In recognizing this, I had to ask myself just why I was so hot and bothered by someone else’s shortcomings? [Read more →]

Some years ago, I was really into astrology. I mean, REALLY into astrology. I had a shelf full of books on the subject, I attended workshops to learn how to interpret the movement of the planets, and I would spend hours on the Internet creating astrological charts based on the birthdates of friends and family members.

Since that time, I have of course come to realize that astrology — like so many mystical and New Age teachings — is a load of bunk. But, for a number of years, it held enormous appeal for me, because it helped quell my anxieties.

Astrology made me feel powerful; it gave me a sense of control. If I could just interpret the stars correctly, I would know what was coming at me — I could be prepared. Computer crashed? Must be the planet Mercury rising. Challenges communicating with a co-worker? It’s because they were born under a constellation that makes them bullheaded and proud. (Couldn’t possibly have anything to do with my attitude.)

All of this came to mind recently when I saw the description for a group on Facebook called the New Thought Movement. [Read more →]