Overlooking the Obvious

The other day, I was talking with someone that I had know recently tried to kill themselves. I was also aware that in the aftermath, they'd been back and forth on accepting help from others. During our conversation, I asked "how do you feel about yourself?" The person replied, "I generally think of myself as a happy person. I have a lot going for me." I then asked, "do you ever see yourself as a depressed person?" They instantly replied "No! of course not." The then rhetorically asked "so do you think that people who are happy with themselves and aren't depressed go out and try to kill themselves." The person looked a little for a moment and said, "I didn't think of it that way. What should I do?" I told them, "that's obvious. Be honest with yourself and others, by seeking and getting help." Their response was to follow through and do so.

Reflecting on the conversation, I keep thinking about how often we do not see what is directly in front of us. We have the unique ability to ignore the obvious. Sometimes we can be so wrapped up in ourselves, our problems, even other people that we are temporarily blinded. That is why relationships, friendships and communication are so important, to me. I need others help, not because I'm weak, bad or lame but because many times I don't see the world as it is. I usually see the world as I am.

By embracing the relationships that we with people in our day to day lives, we can learn so much. As a matter of fact, we can then see further down the road and gain insights that we would otherwise miss. I can't tell you how many times when others have pointed out "the obvious" to me that later I was saying, "how could I have missed that?" Sometimes I can find my error, but despite that I am appreciate of the people that help me to see more clearly and stop overlooking the obvious.

Namaste'

Jaye Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO