A pen(ny) for your thoughts

I was once ridiculed for writing notes using pen and paper. I kid you not! I was covering a major national news event with fellow journalists a few years ago and I was captured in the backgound of a picture that was shared on social media.

I wasn’t on social media at the time but a friend alerted me to the comment… something to the effect that pen to paper notes is “old-fashioned”! I don’t know the person who commented, but clearly they felt strongly enough to be critical without understanding the context.

A journalist is never without a pen and paper, even in the digital era. I do most of my work on my cellphone or PC working remotely; from emails to editing interviews for on-air. So much for being “old-fashioned”…

Practically speaking, while my cellphone may die, my pen always has ink so I’m covered, make that pens. Every bag I own has a pen, or two in it. And besides the notebooks I go through, there are tons of papers with notes, even some of my poems in progress. Putting pen to paper is very much part of the creative process for me, and in that sense, yes, I am “old fashioned”.

But that’s not my point.

A few months ago, while I was chatting to my friend about my auto immune condition, an acquaintance overheard and clearly felt compelled to ask me about it. It went something like this…

What condition is it?
It affects my blood cells and blood flow to my organs.
Are you on steroids?
Yes
Oh, no wonder you have put on so much weight!

I smiled.

Later… I laughed it off! The next day, I told a few friends about it, and I laughed more! My friends were upset. I honestly wasn’t. When it comes to such comments, I have developed a thick skin. It must be all that extra weight I’ve gained! (PS. I’m heavier now than I was then)

So here is my point, finally. It’s easy for people to offer opinions, pass judgement, be rude and make sarcastic remarks on social media and face-to-face, when they don’t know you well or understand your journey. Their comments can cut deep. But is it worth getting stressed out over, allowing it to affect your self esteem and feeling down? Ask yourself – what role does this person play in my life? Should I value their opinion and take it to heart?

Sometimes, I think it’s just in their nature to be that way. Of course, it’s not okay. But it is what it is. You can’t change or control them. Please don’t waste your energy trying.

What you can change and control is your own thoughts, words and actions and how you react. Speaking from my experience, it’s better to ignore what I call the “side shows” in the journey of life. Do not allow them to detract you from your goals or disturb your inner peace. At first, it may be difficult, but with practice and the maturity that comes with being older, it becomes easier, I promise. Show them kindness even if it isn’t shown to you.

And be kind to yourself too. You deserve it!

(Image: Pixabay)