Mediocrity Loves Company
As a chemist you learn early on that like attracts like. Eventually, when two objects/beings that are not compatible the repulsion forces take control and lead to eventual increased distance between them. In my experience in studying human nature and the ways of people in social groups I have found that more often than not negative energy attracts negative energy. I have recently tried to remove myself from the negative energy around me. Parasitic people who only take and do not give are so beyond draining. I try to surround myself with positive people in hopes that I maintain myself in the "green" and area from the dangerous red zone.
I was at the store yesterday and I was asked by the cashier "Has life been treating you well". At first I was totally caught off guard and didn't really know how to answer the question. I paused for a few seconds and then replied “Very well thanks for asking.” I then thought about how life has panned out for me and honestly it’s freaking fantastic. Life is amazing for me right now, I am strong, healthy, happy and enjoying myself. I have nothing to complain about and although it was just a simple question it made me think about my life and how blessed I have been. I love myself, I have my moments of self-loathing but I look again in the mirror after taking a break and see all of my assets both physically and emotionally and I know I am on the right path. I thank that cashier for just planting a seed and helping think more positively.
Well I guess I have to address the nature or meaning of the title of this post “Mediocrity loves Company”. This is meant to address a few people in my life that have a tendency to not enjoy others successes and strengths because it makes them feel weak and inferior. We all have done that, hated. Hate other people that are perceived as wealthier, more beautiful, popular, intelligent etc. But I have found that we can learn a lot from embracing others positive attributes because we can learn from them. I have seen some folks in my life avoid others just because they don’t care to appear weak to someone else, they do not ask for help, they will not do certain activities with people “better” than them because it makes them feel weak. I have been on both ends. I have avoided people because I perceived myself as weak and did not want to publicly show them off. I have done this on a professional level (refused to ask for help) and on an athletic level (I worked out on my own for a while).
We can learn from people that are "better" than us, they can offer advice, tips and how to get to where they are. In my case It was not until I opened up to a good friend and he guided me away from the treadmill and elliptical. It was not very bad, he saw I was pretty pathetic but I got better and better and he liked seeing the results along with me. Most people love sharing and helping someone else become better. The only person judging me was ME. This is where the mediocre start to fall into this endless cycle that perpetuates their mediocrity. They lack self-confidence and look to other people to compare themselves to or to make them feel better. They do not like to admit weakness or they perpetually put themselves down both internally and verbally. They get defensive and just stop trying because they cannot bear failing if they actually tried….
This is not a way to live.
When I first started grad school I was well aware of my flaws and weaknesses and I am well aware that I am good and bad at various things. I had to learn to get over my pride and ask for help. Ask a question, admit I failed, and admit I did not perform as well as I could have and I should have done something about it. This attitude carried over from when I learned that I was falling in love with #Crossfit. The humility that you need in order to get better at all the movements and lifts is phenomenal. Personally, I think life as a true crossfitter has transformed me into an awesome scientist, healthier person,better girlfriend and athlete
I warn you if you are around someone that either finds you intimidating or intimidates you... you need to do some thinking. Work on your self-love and learn that if a person makes you feel bad about yourself intentionally then it is NOT a healthy relationship. Take a step back evaluate yourself and those around you and remove yourself from poisonous situations.
Peace, Love and Lift Heavy
Jenn
