Frames

I inherited a bad back. I can trace it at least three generations. Through poor decisions and worse posture, I haven’t improved my situation.

One of my great pleasures is to have someone walk on my back. Professionals have warned me this is a bad idea. I appreciate their wisdom, but it is too nice to abandon.

I laid on my stomach while one of my children walked on my back. It was wonderful. As warned, it wasn’t good for me. My child lost their footing and fell off my back. It was more of a stumble, but they stumbled right onto my glasses on the floor next to me. My lightweight frames were completely mangled.

My kid was apologetic, but I knew this was entirely my fault. I should have put the glasses somewhere safer. I probably should have stretched more often, exercised more frequently, and spent less time sitting at a screen, too.

Luckily, I had a backup pair of glasses. I had previously ordered a cheap pair online that seemed better on the screen than in person. I had never worn them when I got them. Now, I had no other choice.

I didn’t love them and wouldn’t have picked them. Surprisingly, I got compliments. Not just friends but strangers. Turns out, these glasses I would never have chosen suited me wonderfully.

I sometimes mistake the frustration I have for myself as anger towards others. Most often, that frustration is because something I put off previously catches up with me. I also resist change. Being forced into a situation allows me to experience something I might never otherwise choose.

Am I upset with you or frustrated with myself? What shortcut am I taking that I shouldn’t? What am I missing out on by being grumpy about change?

Be curious, be kind, be whole, do good things.