Three Things I See Everyday And Wish I Could Change

In a way, that title is misleading. There are far more than just three things which I would change. But in keeping with the theme of “A Genie grants you three wishes”, I kept the list small.

These are in no particular order, and I reserve the right to change my mind on any of them. Ya hear that, Mr. Genie?!

Burnout – There are as many reasons for feeling burned out as there are people who feel it. Over the last few weeks, I’ve seen it in family, friends, co-workers – all with different causes. But they all have the same basic look. A furrowed brow, a wearied countenance, a sense that they are just exhausted. The look of just not being able to take it anymore. I get it. I’m there too, and it never seems like things will improve. When you work and work to try to get ahead, only to get smacked in the face and have to take two steps back, it beats you down.I wish I could take this away from all of us. Give us the energy, the resources and the opportunity to do what we love to do, rather than what we need to do.
Nearsightedness/Self-centrism – We all get focused on our daily stuff – I’m certainly no exception. Not seeing the forest for the trees is not just a cliche, it’s a way of life when things get overwhelming. But that’s not what I mean. No, I’m talking about the folks who aren’t struggling, who might actually be doing ok, whose still have no concern for anyone but themselves. Now, the argument could be made that the reason they are ok, the reason they are not struggling is because they look out for themselves. I guess I just wish more people were looking out for others and helping when they see someone in need.
Emotional Jail – I don’t knowif it’s a character flaw or not, nbut I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve. It gets me into trouble, and sometimes I say things that might have been better unsaid. But at least you know where I stand. But I see so many people who are obviously hurting, who have held a deep-seated hurt for so long that they will not, and likely cannot release. It holds them back, whether it’s a fear of trying something new, allowing someone into their heart, or just believing that things can be good.This perhaps is the one I wish I could change most of all. Maybe because there’s a part of me that’s behind bars. I know where the jail is. I can see the key to unlock the cell door. But I just can’t seem to reach it. And I see others in their cells, some so disheartened, so beaten down, so overwhelmed by the fear that they might be hurt or disappointed again that they won’t even try to open the door. Even if someone is willing to open it for them.

So there are my three wishes, things I see every day that I wish I could change. What would you change?