Journal Entry #610

November 7^th, 2011

I am a very straight forward get to the point kind of guy but this does not always sit well with others. At times it is important I stick with this method but as I evolve and learn I have always realized that in order to get what I want I must change so I value the input I get from others. I take the time usually after my knee jerk reaction to give what has been offered some value. This is how I perform my series of checks and balances.

I would be a fool to  expect a different result by doing the same thing over and over and I hope I am wise enough to act on this.

No one likes to be told they are wrong or that what they have said has no value and this message hit home again recently. We get going on a path and at times we might have taken the wrong fork so we must keep looking back as well as forward.

An example from a good Face Book friend of mine whose’ wisdom and knowledge I truly admire. Now my first reaction was a quick knee jerk but the more I thought about it the more I saw the wisdom in the words.

Thank  you  Bappa;

Bappa Mukherjee ………….How thick is your skin Gary ?
ever measured it ? !! ….if you do because till now you have not yet
checked it…you will counter a shock

 you know there are
many sports commentators who never excelled in sports but never short of giving
their expert comments as if they are the penultimate authority !!…your
attitude will hardly make you popular…but you need that..don’t you…just do
not demean others…

 and look at me, here,
even though you call nonsense what ever I say yet I am promoting your work to
my circle (as per your request) with an open mind so that people may know your
mind….and witness your work, you see this is the difference…you disappoint
me Gary..Steven is more smart than you…take some lessons from him )

 

Gary David Currie……….. Do as you will Bappa
Mukherjee I am who I am and you will interpret me the way you see fit. A
thicker skin means to not take things so personal. I have explained this many
times. Do you want me to be nicer then I will only be conforming to your
definition of niceness.

My attitude will be taken as you want it to be. I am
consistent in my message. Really what is the problem with the word nonsense. It
means no sense, does not make sense. Why is this a problem? I do not call
nonsense on all you say that is simply not true. If you want me to patronize
you then I am the wrong guy.

 

Your disappointment is your view of me and I cannot
change that nor do I want to. To thine own self be true as you have basically
said. I have done nothing that warrants to be seen in the light you have chosen
but it is your right to chose it.

 

I take lessons from all. Steven sure is smarter than I am
in many ways and I have told him so. But I am me and not Steven.

 I am not forcing
you to promote my work your choice. I appreciate it but if you don’t want to
then don’t but please do not use this as leverage.

 

An open mind is why I challenge you on what you say. If
you feel above challenge then again I am not your man.

 

I do not bow down to threats so do as you will as I stand
behind who I am and my message.

 

As I told you I rub everyone the wrong way sooner or
later that is my talent as I seem to be able to challenge the comfort zones. If
you’re upset I obviously hit a nerve but it is your nerve to deal with not
mine. I have my own nerves to deal with and adjust.

 

I respect you as a person and admire what you do and that
will not change based on what I have seen.

 

Bappa Mukherjee…… I am hunting for the exact decorum on
‘discussion’…Gary, honestly I am not used to this style of ‘discussion’ and
yes it is my fault as you say and I am comfortable with it…and yes my friends
are not shy, they are good and well established people and not hankering for
any promotions or to push their views either just to score points !!
…discussions need a conducive environment, how easily you demarcate people
whom you do not even know…is it not aggression ?

at times one need to say enough and I am taking the first
step…..carry on with your ways and from the depth of my heart I wish you good
luck

There are a few more comments to this discussion but I think this gets the message across. The very fact that Bappa was willing to offer me his thoughts should be enough for me to value them and I am glad I did.

It is vital that we keep adjusting and correcting even when we feel we are right. I am glad there are people willing to be patient and offer me their thoughts as at times I must seem as arrogant to them as they do to me.

Thanks Bappa for your patience and understanding..This was a valuable lesson for me and I want to publically thank you for valuing me enough to offer me what you have..

“I fear the man who believes he has arrived for the destination always changes” 

Gary David Currie

Sometimes that man is me…

Seek the truth always

Gary David Currie