I had 2 different experiences today, and both grew me some.
About midday I found out someone had called me out on a dishonest posting I’d made months back. I used to wish to hide or get defensive when I was challenged or questioned, but this time I felt genuine guilt for my wrong, and I quickly worked to make amends. Something in me knew the only way out was through, so I made changes ASAP. I still am responsible for what I did, but hiding was not a feasible option this time. Regarding Kahn, I’ve felt more emotion lately, and seeing what I’d done in this situation had me wanting to out myself, and I did. Lying more–either to myself or others–would have kept a constant unnecessary fear in place, so I just admitted to it and made needed changes. Doing this vs. the bullshit of lying was EASY.
That was the one difficult thing today. The other is on the other side of life and relationships. It has to do with giving.
It started this morning around 630AM, with me and my regular Saturday work partner starting out on our route. He was hungry, so we stopped at Burger King so he could pick up breakfast and go. We went in, me thinking I’d get nothing since I’d eaten plus I’m watching my money for my bitcoin withdrawal next weekend. He got his stuff, almost paid, but then asked me if I wanted a sausage biscuit. I quickly replied yes, as I desired it. I felt wrong though, like a user, since I had money on me.
I’d not had any plan on giving back, but I did think of it. And an hour before we finished, we stopped at a gas station, mostly to kill some time. I wanted to give back, so I asked him if he wanted a drink. His immediate question was “you paying?” which I quickly said yes to. We walked in, and I went to make a coffee for myself. My coworker made a soda, and he handed it off to me to go pay for it.
But while I was making my coffee, I’d gotten into a funny discussion with a guy making coffee for his wife, who was waiting on him outside. He’d not tried some new flavors, I hadn’t either, so it was like “let’s see how this tastes”. We both liked our creations, and we headed to check out.
Here’s what caught my attention. This guy bought his one drink, but without seeking permission, paid for my 2 at the same time. I was stunned seeing how he gave like it was normal. When my coworker came to get his drink, I told him this guy had just paid for it. His response was “see what happens when you give to people? Good things come your way.” He then shared how he was out with his wife last night and saw a homeless guy. He’d gave some money to that guy, and then he watched as another woman stopped driving to give the guy some money, and immediately after watched another guy stop to give the homeless guy a Burger King meal. It made him feel good inside. I felt good just hearing about it.
I know I’m thinking about this since my mom told me last weekend she wished to be put in a nursing home when she leaves the hospital so she’ll have time to rehabilitate safely. I’ve not called. My brother, who’s caring for her mostly, called Thursday, but left no message. I didn’t call back because I didn’t wish to listen to his guilting and “shoulding” on me. He acts like a martyr and reacts angrily to those not wanting to play his game. And my sister texted me Friday afternoon saying my mom went to the nursing home. She sided with my brother though, like it was our job to emotionally support him. He’s playing different roles in the victim triangle. I don’t support the victim thinking.
But I’m still thinking about my mom. I’ve stopped repeatedly since I still feel like giving to her is a never-ending aim. It’s an old message I grew up with. I always looked for a return, but was disappointed regularly. So, I just stopped giving. It was giving everything everyday, or not at all. The latter was not an option while growing up, but so was receiving anything from her.
But I’m in the spot though where I have to live with myself now. And I’ve said it before here: most of my worst imaginations about people in my life NEVER occur. Like last weekend with my mom. Like weeks before when I visited her at home. Nothing bad I’d imagined ever happened. (I’ve been playing the victim bullshit here. I’m seeing it now when I compare myself. I’ve been playing this role. Hmm.)
How to change? Take care of myself first, for if I’m shitting on me, I’ll shit on someone else too.
But… giving back to my mom is me giving back to myself too. I remember loving my wife when I was chasing her pre-divorce. I learned giving of myself made me feel really good about myself. Loving her was essentially loving myself too. THAT is a good addiction to have. And I got a similar feeling inside last weekend when I saw my mom.
I’ll go see my mom. I need to give to receive. I already had my lesson today, getting coffee 
Edit: Called. Got her answering machine and left a message. Then texted her since I don’t know which nursing home she’s at. Then texted my brother asking him for details.
The only way out is through.