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Looking Kind Of Silly

Joseph Tom Riach – Author of successful living books and mystery novels, vivid views of life and business

LOOKING KIND OF SILLY 
by Joseph Tom Riach

 

is the 8th of twelve articles for light holiday reading in my 2020 series of  Tom's Summer Shorts. The tales are a blend of my real life experiences, professional insights, personal views and fun stories. My hope is that in them you find joy and inspiration.

 

   “You look kind of silly doing that,” opined Wally as he wandered, cigar puffing, into my backyard where I was exercising by running on the spot.

   “And you look kind of silly,” I quickly retorted through laboured gasps, “Poncing around with a smouldering roll of dried leaves in your gob!”

   In the immediate silence that followed our humourously barbed exchange, I gave thought to how people can see themselves and situations in totally different lights from others.

   There are those who are rigidly blinkered and only ever see things from their own point of view - never any other. Such people tend to be self-opinionated and selfish.

   At the opposite end of the spectrum are the 'pleasers'; those who always succumb to the wishes of others. These folks lack confidence and have low self-esteem.

   Between the two extremes there lies a vast range of personalities who see life from a variety of, and often constantly changing, perspectives. Such people, especially those consistantly towards the centre of the spectrum, could be said to be well balanced. They have the ability to appraise situations and the people enacting them as if in overview, from a position hovering above the scene rather than being anchored in it. This permits them flexibility of thought and action based on both self-interest and empathy.

   It is reminiscent of the teaching of advanced driving. In these courses students are encouraged, not only to see their drive as themselves in the car and looking through the windscreen and mirrors, but also to view their journey globally, as if consulting a map from above. In this way they can observe, plan and take consideration of the situation and needs of all the other drivers around them. The mantra is to progress safely, smoothly and speedily on their journey while creating the circumstance which permits the other road users to do likewise. A case of being both assertive yet considerate. It's a pretty good way of working.

   “Look Wally,” I continued, “I'm working out here. As you know I have no issue with you smoking. Anyone is free to ingest whatever they like into their own bodies, it's a basic freedom as far as I'm concerned and I'd never interfere in that. What I do ask is that you do your kind of 'puffing' in your own time and space and leave me to do my kind of 'puffing' in mine! - fair deal?”

   Wally shrugged his shoulders indicating agreement and sauntered off. I resumed my running on the spot. As I did so I caught my reflection in the mirror strategically placed for the purpose. My friend did have a point. I looked kind of silly.

 I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal. 

My latest novel is 'Too Early For A Glass Of Wine?' Claim your copy by clicking on the image below.

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LOOKING KIND OF SILLY  is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
I hope you enjoyed this Summer Short and found it to be of value.
To learn more please visit me on my Author Page.
See you there! Regards, Tom.

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© Copyright Joseph T.Riach 1998-present. All rights reserved.
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Comments

  • Top Commentor
    It's a pleasure to read your writings Tom. Terri speaks highly of your Books.
  • Top Member
    Fantastic post Tom. I can appreciate your thoughts on the personalities of people. As you stated selfish people see things from their own point of view - never any other. They tend to be self-opinionated. On the other hand the 'people pleasers'; they always succumb to the wishes of others. These folks lack confidence and have low self-esteem. I know a few people like this and I try to help them with their self confidence. As you stated in your post "a vast range of personalities who see life from a variety of, and often constantly changing, perspectives. Such people, especially those consistently towards the center of the spectrum, could be said to be well balanced." I believe this to be a true statement. My friend I don't think you have to feel silly about running in place. It's your prerogative because you're doing it for your health, however I don't feel that cigar is healthy for Wally (smile). Always a pleasure to read your blog posts and look forward to seeing more from you.
    • Top Commentor
      I was thinking the same thing Terri. Sometimes when people approach you with a criticism, instead of a hello, how are, it can off putting. It's seems as though they are trying to compensate for their own bad habit.
    • Top Commentor
      Thanks Terri, lovely thoughts. Although a non-smoker I always carried a pack of cigars with me on mountain climbing expeditions. Lighting one up was the most effective deterrent to the infamous Scottish midgies! So, there is a place in life for eveything. Tolerance is I think, a fine virtue.
    • Top Member
      I think so too Tom.
  • Top Commentor
    I do find inspiration and enjoy reading your writing Tom. A person who has low self esteem and also lacks confidence, can fortunately, improve their outlook on life. However for a selfish person I, feel, there is no hope for them because they don't even think there is anything wrong with them. I see the point that you can show empathy for others, yet not compromise yourself, a perfect balance. Well as close to perfect as you can be.
    • Top Member
      Great thoughts Robin and I agree too.
    • Top Commentor
      A pleasure to hear your thoughts Robin. Thank you so much for expressing yourself clearly and appreciating my points too. Exactly what I'm talking about! :-)
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