That's Bananas 1: You Can't Be Nice Without Thinking Twice

That's Bananas is a new column I'll try to write often, where I talk about things that I find crazy. I was going to start an entire new blog, just dedicated to my rants, but I don't have the patience. Here's rant number one in what's going to be a regular thing I hope. 

You know what really grinds my gears? The fact you can’t be honest anymore without the fear that you’re offending someone. A friend recently explained that it’s not actually what I’m saying to people, but rather that the people I’m saying things too are far too easily offended. She may be on to something, but it just bothers me that you can’t be genuine anymore, without someone believing that you have an alterior motive.

Over the past couple of months I’ve gone back to school to finally live out the dream of working in the radio industry. What’s been the biggest revelation about the program, is how easy going everyone I’ve met is. The past few years, I’ve met people who fall more into my friend’s comment above, about being easily offended. Meaning to say, when my jokes or remarks aren’t met with shock, horror and best of all animosity, I’m always surprised.

Another thing that’s interesting about the program, is that you can actually constructively criticize people and they won’t either get mad at you and not talk to you, or say nasty things about you on the internet. Instead, constructive criticism is welcome, as everybody wants to improve and become masters at their craft. It’s a complete 180 from what I’ve been used too the past few years. But it leaves me with the question, can you be nice without thinking twice?

We spend so much time in our lives trying to impress other people, that we’ve started second guessing our every move. Why? Do we really need to live our lives searching for constant approval, or can we just develop some sort of comfort knowing it’s okay to be ourselves? I want a beer but do I need company?

I’m a big believer in just being yourself and rocking out to the tune of your own drum. We put so much pressure on ourselves to be this image that at days end we don’t know if we want to be. But what’s the reason for such anxiety? I mean ultimately, if you’re happy with yourself at the start of the day and the end of the day, does someone else’s view really matter? As I said earlier, it’s all about you and nobody but you. Be yourself and let life take care of the rest.

Keep on Cheering For A Win,

E