Monday, July 11, 2011
Dateline: Vancouver, British Columbia

Are You Cranky?

Photo: Suzanne Summersgill

There’s an unusual amount of crankiness going around. Do you feel it? Staying focused and centered and (dare I say it?) happy is a struggle these days, unless I hole up inside my head and don’t talk to anyone.

We tend toward crankiness with friends and co-workers when life is dumping on us; someone needs to know we’re upset and it’s usually the one closest at hand. It’s sleepy consciousness, but we do it continually. We seldom weigh the cost of mistreating those close to us, while saving our best behavior for those we wish to impress. Such behavior is upside down and backwards: those closest to us are always more important than those whose ass we chronically kiss. This kind of thinking will get you in an enormous pickle.

When working towards clarity and self awareness, one of the earliest affirmations to make is, “I’m never upset for the reason I think.” If we begin to live within this possibility, everything will change for us. Once we start questioning WHY we are upset (especially when we’re miffed at each other) we begin to get a completely different picture of our emotional reality.

Another important lesson (especially when we’re lost) is “Find your heart and you will find your way.” Anger towards others is usually the result of a hard heart. When love moves out fear moves in, anchoring us in a negative polarity. Negativity breeds crankiness.

Constantly challenging ourselves is the first step to self-awareness, one that — optimally — begins long before challenging others. Being honest with each other begins with being honest with ourselves, and that’s something we can’t afford to put off one moment longer: personally, professionally, or politically.

To stay grounded in positivity, follow Kurt Vonnegut’s advice: “There’s only one rule I know of: goddammit you’ve got to be kind.” (God Bless You Mr. Rosewater)

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