Focal Point…Can I get an “amen”?

Today I reposted on Facebook an article written by Meryl Streep entitled “I No Longer…” Obviously I reposted this because it resonated with me. As is the norm with having more than 1,000 “friends” on Facebook, the repost got some likes, some positive “amens” and some lengthy retorts. That’s okay – and that’s the point of the article, wasted on those who don’t get it. She could care less if you relate or “like” it. That’s what’s ironic about those who judge her words.

Ms. Streep’s words speak to me as a woman in the middle of my life, one who has endured immense joy, heartbreaking loss, the gift of knowing lots of different people from all sorts of backgrounds and persuasions. She says, “I no longer have patience for certain things, not because I’ve become arrogant, but simply because I reached a point in my life where I do not want to waste more time with what displeases me or hurts me.” She goes on to justify her intolerance with those who would waste her time with unnecessary attention to their poor, hateful, or dismissive behavior. Amen!

It’s not arrogance. It’s focus – on the people, things and moments that bring joy. It’s about focus on what matters and makes a difference. It’s an acute realization of the lifelong adage: “Life is too short.” It’s about knowing and loving yourself such that you don’t live to give time and energy impressing anyone else, stuffing feelings and obligatorily spending time on something of no real value at the sake of something that is valuable. I really do “like” it!