What will you do now that you “no longer”
September 8, 2014 by Marguerite Orane
Filed under Featured Posts, Release
Came across this quote from Meryl Streep, which I shared on Facebook. Many people shared it as well, stating their total agreement:
“I no longer have patience for certain things, not because I’ve become arrogant, but simply because I reached a point in my life where I do not want to waste more time with what displeases me or hurts me. I have no patience for cynicism, excessive criticism and demands of any nature. I lost the will to please those who do not like me, to love those who do not love me and to smile at those who do not want to smile at me. I no longer spend a single minute on those who lie or want to manipulate. I decided not to coexist anymore with pretense, hypocrisy, dishonesty and cheap praise. I do not tolerate selective erudition or academic arrogance. I do not adjust either to popular gossiping. I hate conflict and comparisons. I believe in a world of opposites and that’s why I avoid people with rigid and inflexible personalities. In friendship I dislike the lack of loyalty and betrayal. I do not get along with those who do not know how to give a compliment or a word of encouragement. Exaggerations bore me and I have difficulty accepting those who do not like animals. And on top of everything I have no patience for anyone who does not deserve my patience.” – Meryl Streep
I instinctively said “YES! That’s me too”. But then I started to muse: if I have stopped doing something, then I must have started something else. What does my stopping any of the above mean in terms of what I now choose to do? I think it looks something like this (warning – it’s stated in the present tense, but is still a work in progress):
- I speak up about cynicism, criticism, hypocrisy or excessive demands.
- Or I decide it doesn’t matter and walk away.
- I only spend my time with those who like me, love me and who smile with me.
- I accept people as they are (although that does not mean I will choose to be in their company).
- I speak words of love and encouragement.
- I choose my friends carefully.
- I am the friend I would like to have.
- I am patient.
What’s your own list of “Now that I no longer ….., I now ….”?
Initially I thought Meryl was talking about me and the point I am in my life. But then I realize that I am not alone on the tiny planet; after a while some of us just do not enjoy politicing.
Bacause of my present spin on life I now have more time nurturing what I choose to do, much of which you have already listed. I do concur with bullet point 4; as that epitomizes how I relate to people.
Cheers,
Congrats Francis!!!! you are rowing down the stream of life, merrily merrily merrily merrily!
Blessings in abundance
Marguerite