For those who remember the loon socks and issues of "hanging on too long," changing my mindset is a related-but-different phenomenon.
Recently, I was asked to appear in black slacks/skirt and white blouse. (Yes, this example is also about clothing. Deal.) Piece of cake. I have lots of white blouses from...from...huh. From back in the 90s, when I used to work in an office--and even then wore business casual and kept a couple of white blouses hanging around only because "they're a necessity." So said both Mr. Dress for Success and my mother, independently. Therefore, when I looked recently, I found a couple. One had yellowed. One had never fit. One was waaaaaay not something I would ever wear. So they've been disposed of.
Decades have passed since a white blouse was actually a necessity in my life. They're also not necessary now--I rarely am asked to wear white and this just request happened to fall at the wrong time of the laundry cycle to haul out a sweater.
So my point is this: It's one thing to live for decades and change your life circumstances several times. It's something else again to change your mindset, and, with it, all the crap you tote around with you.
And because the personal is political, I'll ask these questions:
- Is it time for the people in a country to the south to change their mindset around health care? New legislation is one thing--how about doing the mental work necessary to understand that people should not receive health care based on how much money they make? Imagine all the energy that would free up, all the risk and growth, if entrepreneurs knew that they could get sick without requiring an employer for health insurance.
- Is it time for a church to change itse mindset around fear? Perhaps the Catholic church could stop being so defensive about the wrongs its leaders have committed (and perpetuate). (Hey, I can dream.) Perhaps local congregations could focus on the best ways to particpate in defining and fulfilling their missions in the community, instead of being afraid the institution itself won't survive.
- Is it time for the government in this country to stop being afraid of losing power? Hint: The Catholic church may yet understand that hiding information only exacerbates any crimes from the past. Learn from their example. Be open. Try aiming for respect from Canadians instead of popularity. You may be pleasantly surprised.
- Is it time for a city government to change its mindset and approach to economic development? How about putting resources into creating a city that's safe, pretty, and clean? People will enjoy living here. They will create and attract companies--and perhaps, eventually, tourists. Because stalking tourists doesn't make anybody very happy and doesn't appear to be successful.
Now that I've prescribed changed mindsets for the world, I feel better. As if I've cleaned out a closet--perhaps even a mental one.
