Margery's Note....
How often do you feel misunderstood?
I’m one of those women who seem to come across as “having it all together” even though I’m just as fallible and human as every other person walking the earth. Because of that, sometimes I belatedly realize that something I have said or done is perceived as offensive. Appearing to have it all creates expectations of infallibility in others. Yet they don’t actually know that the last thing on my mind is offending or hurting.
Not my intention, I assure you, as I come from the “gotta please” side of my family genes. Out of 4 sisters, 2 of us are pleasers and 2 of us are simply not interested in the subject. Those “other 2” sisters are the ones I have felt most misunderstood by since childhood, and once in a while, I experience the same feeling from someone who is sort of a modern-day representative of them.
Yes, I still get a bit triggered by it, otherwise why would I feel compelled to write this? Being told we don’t measure up to someone else’s standards is uncomfortable at best, and painful at worst!
So having had another episode of this recently, I spent several days pondering and wondering what to do about it. I wasn’t sure, so I waited.
Then I saw a documentary about Paul Simon. It is available on Amazon Prime, in 2 parts, each about 1-1/2 hours, and it gave me an almost overwhelming sense of joy regarding the notion of being misunderstood.
I highly recommend you watch it, but I’ll give you some points on why it had such an effect on me.
Paul was a sweet Jewish kid from Queens who hung out with his best friend Art from the age of 11. They both loved music, spent hours together listening to it, practicing harmonies, dreaming about being able to do something in the entertainment world, not imagining it would actually be possible.
But they kept doing it, were discovered and put into the spotlight. Paul wrote the songs, and Art created harmonies around them. They loved working together, and soon released a record. Which flopped.
Disappointed, they both stayed in school and kept doing what they loved, and finally they were noticed again, this time got recognition, more albums that did succeed and achieved national fame. For me, their music was integral to my life! They had a great run for about 5 years, until things changed.
Art wanted to do more different things, didn’t feel as connected because Paul was really the songwriter. He wanted to act in movies, Paul wanted to stay with music. The story I’m sharing barely scratches the surface of what they experienced, but I’m trying to get to my main point.
Paul was disappointed. Art was angry. Art couldn’t see it from Paul’s point of view and vice versa. Both felt misunderstood.
Since the film is really about Paul, I don’t know a lot about what Art did besides the few movies he made. What I saw clearly in the documentary about Paul is that one trait that to me makes all the difference.
He kept going. Art didn’t want to work on music like they used to, so Paul kept going. He released an album as a solo act and it flopped, but he kept going. He fed his fascination with other forms of music in the world by traveling, collaborating and learning.
When he went to South Africa and recorded with the Black musicians there he was almost canceled because he was accused of going against the Anti-Apartheid movement. But he stood strong and said that these amazingly talented people WERE the anti-apartheid movement and by recording and touring with them, he gave the movement more breathing room.
And he kept going.
The film spent a lot of time on the hearing loss that he has had to manage over the last few years. At 80 he had to learn a new way to sing and make music that expressed his new ideas, awakenings. He had to leave off writing and singing for a while. He let himself feel depressed, worked through it, faced it and kept going. He’s now producing a new album based on a dream he had about Seven Psalms.
I found myself getting misty over the number of times and ways that this little guy from Queens kept moving forward through his life, not being bogged down by the misunderstanding of those around him. He listened to himself. He kept going.
It was no coincidence that I found this film. I yearned to keep going and he inspired me to. I realized how important it is to let myself feel misunderstood! It gives me more to think about, to learn about myself. It triggers introspection along with an appreciation for the people I have clashed with off and on throughout my life. They fuel my fire, they enrich my journey.
And help me keep going.
Member Notes
GGN Member Anastasia Franklin is having a Pop-Up Sale!
Step right into the world of elegance and style at our exclusive POP-UP Shop! Discover a treasure trove of new and gently worn designer clothing that will elevate your wardrobe to new heights. Transform your living space with high-end furniture pieces that exude luxury and sophistication. Indulge in the charm of our exquisite tea sets that will make every sip a moment to remember.
Join us for a limited time only and immerse yourself in a shopping experience like no other. Whether you’re a fashion-forward trendsetter, a home décor enthusiast, or a tea aficionado, our POP-UP Shop has something special just for you. Don’t miss your chance to discover unique finds and one-of-a-kind pieces that will effortlessly elevate your style and living space. Come and explore the magic of our POP-UP Shop – where luxury meets affordability, and every corner holds a delightful surprise!
What’s Available!
TVs
Armoire
Entertainment Center
Shoes
Clothing
Bedding
Electronics
Frames
Pictures/Paintings
Home Furnishings
Jewelry/Accessories
Candles
AND MORE!
AND,
GGN Member Anastasia Franklin
Wants you to experience one of her amazing massages….
Enjoy The Fantastic Specials During the Month of June!!!
Regular Prices:
60 minute massage $100
90 minute massage $150
30 minute massage $55
GGN Member Ann Ranson shares:
Today I drew an Angel Card for all of us to connect with for the next few weeks!
As you know, the Angel Cards are a central part of the Transformation Game.
The Angel of Discernment
Use your sharp-sightedness to make clear distinctions and wise choices. Move forward with confidence in your inner compass.
People are often urged to drop their judgement of themselves and others. To stop judging others’ behavior and choices. I believe this is good advice.
Yet, what about when we don’t want to spend time with a person or discussing a topic that doesn’t correspond or resonate with us? Spiritual journeyers fear that they are judging if they don’t want to connect there.
That’s where DISCERNMENT comes in.
It is NOT judgmental to discern how I spend my time. I am free to ‘make clear distinctions and wise choices’ that work for me.
In that discernment, I’m not making the other person wrong or bad. I’m just choosing to spend my time another way.
I’ve used this distinction often as I work to avoid judgement of others. Hope this is helpful to you too!
I’d love to hear how you feel about Discernment.
Do you find the difference between discernment and judgement helpful?
Please share your thoughts.
I hope you’ll join me in connecting with the Angel of Discernment for the next few weeks.
Let it inspire and speak to you!
Ann Ranson
Coach, Facilitator, and Consultant
www.AnnRanson.com
[email protected]
Thank you to Toni Portmann for sharing this inspiring message….
Track Meetings
We still ask for $5 to cover costs. And yes, you can register at the last minute…. but it would be GREAT if you let us know a couple of days before so we can plan our refreshments!!!
Our Track meetings are designed to give us a sacred space to have meaningful, purposeful conversations without fear of being judged or competed with. Only Members can attend. They are amazing experiences, unlike any ‘networking meeting’ you have ever attended!
GGN members MUST REGISTER to attend these meetings, so just follow the links below! And if you want to learn about us, go ahead and join GGN~~if you decide it isn’t for you, we will refund your membership fee!
Currently we meet the 2nd Monday morning and 3rd Wednesday evening of each month (see below).
Each one is an event or happening in itself. Some members come frequently, some come only once in a while. Whenever you attend one, you will find out things you didn’t know, connect with women who will challenge and inspire you, and you will leave with some new perspectives.
Monday Morning Magic Track
- June 10, 2024
- 10 am to 12 noon CT
- These conversations get more interesting each month…. Hope you can join in with us!!!
Click here to join us for Monday Morning Magic!
Growth & Transitions
- Wednesday, June 19, 2024
- 7 to 9 pm CT
- We keep going forward…. Come share your stories!!!
Become a Member!
Great Girls Network is our way of being the opposite of the Good Ol’ Boys Network (which is still very much alive and well!). Even if you don’t participate in Track meetings, your membership gives you a way to support our existence and be a part of a growing group of women who really appreciate each other. And the Trii-Annual Gatherings are unlike any other “networking” event! We know women don’t network like men. We want to build relationships, we want deeper, more meaningful connections. That is exactly what GGN provides.
Our membership fee of $50 per year gives you access to our Track Meetings and also contributions to our Newsletter. The fee helps sustain our website, but it also ensures that when you participate in a Track meeting, you will honor the sacredness of the conversations because you are a member.
We created a digital card that helps people understand what they can get from joining GGN so click here to see the card.
Your membership helps give us that foundation, the strength to grow and have an impact on the lives of so many more women.
