The above picture was taken years ago, on a trip to see some European particle accelerators…I’m the gal in the navy skirt. I haven’t thought about that for a long time, but was recently reminded when the Large Hadron Collider at CERN made the news. Some people were worried that turning the machine on would create microscopic black holes that would destroy the earth.
I haven’t wasted any time worrying about that, but I was interested in what I remembered about CERN. I went there twice, and I remember how great is was to get back to Europe…some scenery in particular sticks in my mind…and I remember some of my interactions with people, but the details about the various machines are long gone. I do remember that the first trip taught me a lifelong lesson. It was a great trip, but by the time it was finished I was feeling completely overwhelmed and inadequate…there was so much about accelerators that I didn’t know. I told my boss that one thing was certain, I needed to learn a lot more physics. His answer was life-changing. He bet me that it wouldn’t do any good. I couldn’t possibly learn it all, there was just too much. He was internationally known in the field, and he felt over his head at times, too. His situation was worse because he had a reputation to protect…he had to pretend that he was always on top of things.
I could learn from that. His comment made me look at what I really wanted…to have an interesting job that used my talents, one where I liked the people and was respected. In fact, I already had that, that’s why I was sent on the trip. And there I was letting my ego stress me out because I didn’t know everything. How stupid was that? Clearly my first priority was to stop taking myself so seriously and to enjoy the process. I could do that, and I did. I also learned some more physics, which I’ve forgotten by now. But I never did forget the lesson that trip taught me…I’ve integrated it into my life. That’s partly where I developed my basic philosophy:
Stay curious and open to life. No matter what happens keep learning and growing. Find what you love to do and find a way to share it with others.
Which of your experiences have affected your basic philosophy? Have you ever let your ego rob you of the adventure of life?
Thanks to bikehikebabe, Elisabeth, rummuser, Robert and Monique for commenting on last week’s post.
“Have you ever let your ego rob you of the adventure of life?”
Yes, it happened just now. My husband was at the cabin all weekend & my computer was on the blink. He said he told me how to fix that. Yeah,about 6 months ago & yet I felt stupid. Do I need more ego?
bikehikebabe,
I would try letting go of my ego (the part that’s making you feel stupid) and working on my sense of humor. If he says he already showed you how to fix it, why not just say you forgot. Isn’t that one reason you married him? To keep track of little things like that? And instead of feeling stupid, how about patting yourself on the back for having the sense to marry him. He’s a great guy, and it seems to me you showed all the intelligence you need. 🙂
As usual, I really appreciate your comments.
Jean says,”He’s a great guy, and it seems to me you showed all the intelligence you need.”
Yes, I was smart to marry him.
When he fixes something & I thank him, he says “That’s what I’m here for.”
bikehikebabe,
Why not use that when he says he already showed you how to do something? Just “innocently” say, “But I thought that’s what you’re here for.” The nonverbal has to be bantering and friendly, of course. For me the important thing is to use humor to connect with one another.
Undoubtedly, reading The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Kapra.
rummusers last blog post..Terrorism.
rummuser,
🙂 It sounds like an interesting book.
Hi,
I think I am in one of those belief system challenges right now. And my life has been tweaked along the way in small ways.
That ego definately just likes to work on messing up spontaneity though use to think I barely had one or let it have its way. Life is too short!
I laughed so hard at bikehikebabe’s comment: Do I need more ego? And your answer….humour! Luv it!