After a rather candid conversation with a dear friend, it wasn’t until the caffeine said good night and I slipped into bed that I had an after thought, a moment of clarity that didn’t reveal itself at the table set for two.
After being pressed to explain my point of view about my uneasiness to commit to a project of which he felt strongly towards, of which he assumed I would feel strongly towards as well, I circled and circled, unable to clearly express my resistance to join, to become a member.
I didn’t mind the questioning whatsoever. Sure, it was a little uncomfortable, but friends should make each other uncomfortable from time to time. It’s something that I needed, for it gave me an opportunity to reflect, to explore why I feel the way I do. The introspection began with a friendly conversation, with someone who I trust dearly.
Introspection means talking to yourself, and one of the best ways of talking to yourself is by talking to another person. One other person you can trust, one other person to whom you can unfold your soul. One other person you feel safe enough with to allow you to acknowledge things—to acknowledge things to yourself—that you otherwise can’t. Doubts you aren’t supposed to have, questions you aren’t supposed to ask. Feelings or opinions that would get you laughed at by the group or reprimanded by the authorities. — William Deresiewicz, Solitude and Leadership
After a rather candid conversation with a dear friend, it wasn’t until the caffeine said good night and I slipped into bed that I had an after thought, a moment of clarity that didn’t reveal itself at the table set for two.
After being pressed to explain my point of view about my uneasiness to commit to a project of which he felt strongly towards, of which he assumed I would feel strongly towards as well, I circled and circled, unable to clearly express my resistance to join, to become a member.
I didn’t mind the questioning whatsoever. Sure, it was a little uncomfortable, but friends should make each other uncomfortable from time to time. It’s something that I needed, for it gave me an opportunity to reflect, to explore why I feel the way I do. The introspection began with a friendly conversation, with someone who I trust dearly.
And the introspection continued in solitude…