positivity, creativity, emotional relativity, and inebriated activities...

I must say that despite the fact that I've been trying to get into the habit of updating my blog on a regular basis, I've been kind of putting it off even when I've felt like I had something to say. That has more than a little to do with the response that my last blog received. It was all positive, but overwhelmingly so. It almost feels like it became a sort of viral phenomenon. The few people at work who didn't actually read it at least heard about it(minus the one person who really needs to not know about it, lest it be very damaging for me). One of my coworkers actually dubbed me the "voice of the people", which is very flattering, but a lot to live up to, especially when I am, for now at least, trying to keep my job. More surprising than all of this, though, is the response I got from people who I don't work with and have no connection to the situation. A number of people from my past chimed in to express their support, and some even expressed that they or people they know are going through a similar experience. Apparently, all is not right even in this bold new era of hope and change. It looks like dissatisfaction is still abundant, hope is not accompanied by opportunity, and there is a new lost generation in town.

That being said, I am willing to put all that behind me for now and try to focus on the positive, and there's plenty to be found. That's how life works. Sometimes the darkness only serves to make everything that's good about life shine all the brighter in contrast. I recently got around to seeing "Slumdog Millionaire", and was fascinated by the way that it manages to live up to it's reputation as a feel good film despite all of the horrible, brutal things that happen to the main characters throughout their lives. It just goes to show that life, even at it's worst, is an adventure, and the hardships you survive enrich your life more than the hardships you avoid(not that I would even begin to compare my own petty troubles to the events in that film).

Ultimately, this has been a pretty good week. Things at work have improved very slightly, mostly because I have chosen to not sink to the level of those who are causing me distress. I have chosen to maintain a positive demeanor whenever I can do so without completely degrading myself or sacrificing someone else. Diplomacy is a powerful thing. It is hard for your enemies to tear you down when you stand your ground but do so in a way that invites cooperation. Rage and defiance can be powerful weapons, but they are risky when the balance of power is not in your favor. When you employ those weapons without tempering them with the tools of diplomacy, you are merely inviting your enemies to crush you. Besides, I know I can be a likable guy, even to people that I don't necessarily like, so what do I have to gain by making myself unlikable?

Outside of work, things are looking up as well. This whole experience has brought me and many of my coworkers closer together, and that connection has been finding expression outside of work. It's not like grabbing a few drinks after work is really a new thing. I do, however, feel like these outings have taken on a new tone. It feels like there is more solidarity and goodwill to go around, and we've also welcomed some new faces. Suddenly going out after work is less a way just to blow off steam and has now become something I really look forward to. There's a sense of comraderie that I haven't experienced in a while, and have really been missing.

I also had the day off today and decided not to let it go to waste as a result of stress and depression, as has been my habit lately. I decided to take advantage of a rare day off on the first Tuesday of the month, and went to free day at the Museum of Modern Art. I haven't been to a museum in a while, and I forgot how rewarding it is. It was very refreshing bathing myself in such a fountain of creativity. I particularly enjoyed all the participatory art exhibits on display there. It was like being in a playground for thinking adults. All in all, the experience reminded me that I live in a city with a wide array of cultural institutions and sources of inspiration, and I really haven't been taking much advantage of them as of late. If I have any shot at growing beyond my current unfortunate situation, this is something that needs to change. Every now and then I need to allow myself to experience the possibilities that the world has to offer, particularly when they are practically right there in my backyard.