So… I just wanted to quickly show my face on this blog – so you guys know I’m still here and haven’t been swallowed up by a sink-hole.
As many of you already know… my book is now printed (wooo-hoooooo!!!)… and all of my time has been spent on preparing backer’s packs and slowly (but surely) getting copies of the book out to every person who funded my crowdfunding, book-printing campaign.
Preparing the backer’s packs…
I’ll do a proper book launch thingy (both physically and online)… ONLY after I’ve sent all the bits ‘n pieces to my backer-peeps.
I’m also working like a fiend on getting the new website up… because – it’s kinda silly (and typically shortsighted) of me to be sending out books – which advertise a website – that actually doesn’t EXIST yet!
Once the website is done… I’m going to transfer this blog to that site (it doesn’t really affect you guys – because even if you type in the old “live against the flow” URL – it will automatically plonk you on my new site).
So… THAT stuff… (plus renovating our house – again – and preparing it for Air B’nB)… and kids, and life, and birthday parties… is why I’ve been a bit scarce.
Anyhoo… here’s a little cartoon that I scribbled-up a while ago.
I drew it after a conversation with a woman I met in Durban who “heard” something entirely different to what I was actually trying to say. Perhaps – there’s some of you can relate with this?
Anyhoo… there’s a whole LOAD of stuff that the Ranty part of my personality would like to say on the matter… but… I’m not really in the mood for an argument with anybody – so I’ll just leave you with this last little scribble-thought of mine:
Laters…
H x
Oh Heather, thank you so much, you just made me laugh and cry at the same time! I can so relate to this. There are lots and lots and lots of people out there who will be able to hear you, and understand you and get you–actually a lot more than not. This woman was incapable of hearing you because she has another agenda. Or maybe she is just one of those “let me take what you’ve dared to utter and turn it inside out and upside down, wring all the good intentions out of it, then shove your nose in it like you’ve had a biological accident on the floor in front of hundreds of people, and finish by shaming you into thinking that you have committed an intentional affront to everyone, everywhere who knows anything at all and more specifically a personal slight against me.” Those people come along our path to seriously test us. She doesn’t deserve an explanation or justification. She should get the “art” stake, figuratively speaking of course. Bye-byeee!
Oh I almost forgot this part: “If you try to apologize, explain or back-peddle, I’ll capitalize on your guilt, wollop you again and try to suck your soul out through your tear ducts!”
Bwaaaaa-haa!!!!! I take it that you’re familiar with this type of person, then…..??? *chuckle-of-knowing-glee*….
I have learned over my lifetime that there are some people who WANT to be offended no matter you say. If you say black, they say white, or you agree it is white , they will say gray. Or red, or pink. You are right, we just have to wave and walk away. It is not worth it. Just feel sorry for them, it must be miserable to always be so miserable. That just sucks so much energy out of a person, I could not imagine living that way !!
Some people you just can’t please, especially parents who mistakenly believe that they have to defend their own children against some obscure, often unsubstantiated, misinterpreted, complete crap.
You are brilliant! I just forwarded your website link to all my Ed Psych colleagues – they will love it!
Cheers
Warrick
Thanks Warrick! I’m (slowly) making peace with the fact that it’s IMPOSSIBLE to please everyone – and that there are difficult people out there… and I *will* meet up with them on occasion. If anyone has some “Water-off-a-Duck’s-back” elixir – I’d love a generous dose! 🙂
I loved this cartoon, I am faced with these kind of people and find i am constantly tried to smooth the waters and try to please > I am really trying to learn to put them in their rowing boats and send them out to sea…I have lost me identity over the years and with less than 2 years to pension decided it is time to change. So pleased my daughter went to howick Authors week-end and bought your book. We both love it and I have just ordered one for a friend’s birthday present. Look forward to reading all your blogs. Lyn
Thanks for that, Lyn…. I think that MOST of us (and especially women) can identify with the people-pleasing thing. Like you, I’m a peace-keeper… I don’t want to fight with people… I try to keep things calm (and it has often been at my own expense). I think I’m (SLOWLY!) learning how I can speak my truth… and make my boundaries clear… (and still be a nice person). I must admit – it’s something I’m still working on… (not quite there yet). Thanks for ordering another copy of my book! I’ve sent you an e-mail about that… and I look forward to chatting on the blog!! XX