Unfinished

This world is made up of different kinds of people, some tall, some short, some slender some plump, some pleasing to the eye, others not so much, some sturdy and health and others who fall with every passing wind. As humans we are attracted to the average height, physically beautiful, sturdy and healthy people of this world as they seem to suffer less and are always able to participate in every day activities that do not limit us or them. We are attracted to what we aspire to be. We are attracted what doesn't take much effort, put us out of our way or bring unwanted attention. On the other hand, those less whole are often judged for being so, I am guilty of this even though I am only ever about 70% well at any given time - there is always a complaint. As a sickly child adults would sometimes comment that I was somehow unfinished, i.e. "God neva done mek her yet".

Getting older I have outgrown some nagging ailments but have become prone to others. It is interesting to listen to people's views of my seemingly "regular" sickness when I choose to mention it. I place the word regular in parenthesis because this is subjective. I may have a complaint once or twice per year or have a recurring ailment that flares up at inconvenient times. As much as we try we judge people's competence and worth based on these uncontrollable realities. In the end those of us who may suffer choose when to complain and who to complain to. We are careful how we describe an affliction and to what extent it is disclosed. You don't want to be pitied, you don't want to be overlooked, you don't want to be judged and you absolutely don't want to be ridiculed.

Ailments, interestingly, may transcend the medical and include being socially awkward, over weight, aesthetically unappealing, too old or too young, a myriad of things. We look at people through our marred lens and measure a persons worth based on a flawed social construct. This only continues until the tables are turned and you end up on the receiving end - when you are now seen as unfinished.

For those on the receiving end I say live with the principles Don Miguel Ruiz described in his book, The Four Agreements;

1. Be Impeccable with your word

2. Don't Take Anything Personally

3. Don't Make Assumptions

4. Always Do Your Best

One point to note, your "best" is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best.