I like to be truthful, honest, and straightforward. It pays dividends because others know that I have integrity and that I am trustworthy. People recognize that they can rely on me to get things done, to help and support, and to act with uprightness. While this is most often a virtue of which I am proud, sometimes it just drives me nuts. Do you know what it is like to always be reliable? The one that others can count on, call on, dump on, or whatever fits their need or fancy of the moment? It is exhausting and overwhelming. And I am flat-out tired. Instead of being the go-to person I believe that I am going to don a suit of cynicism. This cynicism will not be of a pessimistic or scornful nature but rather one of joyous frivolity. Cynicism a la fun!
There are many techniques that I have handy to employ but there a few that are exceptionally special like playing along with no intent of following through. With a little practice with, "You bet! Whatever you want!" or "All righty!! I'll take your lead and get this done" I will hone my shouting skills with a smile and backslap tossed in as I agree to do this, that, and the other thing and then head out the door and buy ice cream as a treat for myself. Knowing that the requester always foists jobs and projects on others without ever lending a hand or taking the lead, I might even order a double decker.
Another strategy I might implement is the nod of harmonious accord. While not as boisterous as the shout and slap, it can be powerful as I exude confidence of promise to complete requirements asked of me. There is something about a wagging head of "yay" that soothes others as they rest assured that I will get right on it and get it done. If I am really feeling cynical I might give my eyes a sarcastic roll as I wrinkle my brow in a worrisome
way. I believe that the last added touches are effective in sending the spin that I'll jump right on the request.
Being skeptical of the pressure jettisoned my way I may add a frown of discontentment and a distrustful sigh to my personal arsenal of expertise cynicism. A shrug of the shoulders, a tap of the foot will increase the intensity of the scene as I exemplify suspicion and angst. I believe repeating the sigh a little longer and a little louder each time will enhance the situation to my advantage. I will also work to perfect my eyebrow bunching. I think this will round out my cynic scenario.
I understand that the cynicism examined here is pretty much in the not-following-through category, but I recognize that the non-stop yes, yes, yeses of my life have run amuck. If I could just be a little less responsible I would have a chance to regain control of my life. If I could just become the unaccountable one! After all, most of what I do is volunteer work so the worst that could happen would be that I would be fired! And the best news - I can't be fired as I am not under contract or commission. Cynicism may become my survival and just in time at that.
Post a Comment