Someone at work had a cup of Starbucks with a jacket on it–one of those ones with an inspirational quote on it. You know I have a somewhat rocky relationship with inspirational quotes, right?
This particular quote was from Oprah, and it was about the importance of living your passion. Know what? That comes from such a place of privilege it drives me nuts. Yes, be as happy as you can. Yes, ideally, do something you enjoy if you have the choice. But not everyone has the luxury of living their passion. Not everyone comes from a place of such plenty that they can do that. Some people have to shovel shit and dig ditches. Some people have to work multiple jobs to support their families. They can elect to have a great attitude about it, but you know what? It is NOT going to be their fucking passion. It will be a job. And there isn’t anything wrong with that.
In our world, your passion might not be your work. It might be a hobby or a sport. It might be a sketch pad or knitting needles. It might be laughing with your friends on the back porch. Do what you can to be happy and don’t worry about Oprah thinking you are doing it wrong.
The jargon of positivity also makes me a little sick. Was that negative? Well, I have to balance out the positivity. Balance, they say, is crucial.
What is it that offends my sensibilities so?
I hate the clichés. I hate the sappiness. I hate the positivity that goes beyond reason. I hate the obscure language designed to hide that what they are saying to be nice to people, including yourself, and have a good attitude. You can’t charge money for that though.
I want to talk about in a language that isn’t aesthetically abhorrent to me if I need to talk about it at all.
Ranting aside, I think that focusing on the good in life is great. I think that mindfulness and meditation are great. Credit where credit is due, there is a lot of science backing the idea that people who are rationally positive and who do some sort of mindfulness practice generally do better in life as far as health and happiness are concerned. And professionally, if that’s something that’s important to you.
But then there’s also this: I don’t want to be the fucking dog. YOU be the fucking dog.
Positivity for snide people. That is what I want.