Whew! Back from California--I will post some journal entries when I get the chance. I was thinking about the phrase "Hindsight is 20/20" as it came up in at least two conversations today. See, I completely disagree with that statement. Hindsight is never 20/20; sometimes it can be more blind than the present view. It's nostalgia that kills all abilities to see backwards clearly . Nostalgia is a lens we use to see what we've come through in the most favorable light possible, forsaking all memories that may taint the image we are to recollect. Like in relationships for example. I know I look at some of my exboyfriends as these wonderful guys (they were all wonderful guys) who were in such happy and simple and peaceful and all around perfect relationships with me (a total lie). I see only the best aspects of the relationship and any mistakes or shortcomings that lead to the ultimate breakdown of that relationship I see as being my fault. He is absolved of any responsibility for the imperfections of our time together. So in hindsight, I was to blame for everything while in reality it was probably a mix of internal and external forces. Nostalgia is like a stained glass window used to see outside; each colored pane excentuates some hue in the world beyond the glass, taking what is a known reality and making it a highly slanted viewpoint. Check what color your hindsight is before basing all of life's lessons on what has passed.
To combat my serious nostalgic tendency, I began to keep a journal so when I do start to feel the bag of blame dig into my shoulder I can put it down and redirect my memories back to a more grounded path and a lighter load. Hindsight is also not an aerial view, seeing all the possible choices, outcomes, chance happenings and opportunities. It is not a know-all solution. Rather, it is the ability to stand at a point and see realistically what has occurred before and how the paths lead to that point and the ability to take that knowledge and apply it to that next decision. And the one after that. and the one after that. It is good to have no regrets, but don't fear the lessons so much that you never look back at them in a constructive manner.
That is my deep thought for the day. G'night all.
