September 2011 - We’re all in this together

I have a habit of folding paper into tiny pieces. I usually get away with this undiscovered. However it does become a problem, for example, when I am asked for my ticket on a train. The creases make the writing hard to read, so the situation often ensues into a bit of a saga. I don’t remember doing the folds, they are just done, it seems to be something I find soothing. I sometimes wonder if I should try origami. I think it’s common for some of us to have odd habits and likes.

As someone who works full time disseminating intensive interaction I come across “odd” habits on a near daily basis. I come across them so regularly that nothing is now odd to me, only interesting. I spent today listening to the sound of running water from a kitchen tap and experiencing the delight of someone listening to this and simultaneously tapping the kitchen sink. We did this about 6 times in an afternoon.

Yesterday I spent an hour walking up and down a corridor, sitting on the floor and then getting up, except sometimes it’s only half getting up, as instead of continuing to get up we sometimes sit back down again.

I love the individuality of this work. There are no stereo types, just people doing what they’re doing and it is my privilege to try to see if they are willing to share some of their treasured behaviours with me.

I was talking to my dear neighbour recently, we were talking about her aspirations for her children and areas she would like to see change in their lives. Generally so erudite, lovely and supportive I was completely flummoxed when she casually commented to me in a sad face,

“Well of course with your people you always wish them to be different from what they are”,

NO I DON’T.

What I do wish for them is a long fulfilling life, I wish them happiness, I wish them opportunities to grow, to experience life in all it’s multi colours, I wish them to meet interesting people along the way...

... And funnily enough this is what I wish for all people, not just “my people”,

I can’t remember the last time I had a bad day at work with “my people”. I love getting to know “my people”. I love seeing what they love doing and maybe, if I’m lucky, being involved. I also love doing this with my family, friends, god children and people I come across in my every day life.

I’ll be mentioning this to you in one of our regular tea and cake get togethers, but in case you read this before then, no criticism, no big sagas needed, but how about we cut the “your people”, and we just talk about people from now on? Love ya.