The Rodney I Know:
I’ve known Rodney for 22 years. We met in 1987 when we began working together in Philadelphia – far away from our family and friends. Completely out of our comfort zones – Rodney from Texas, me from CA – suddenly thrust into a whole different world. We forged a common bond, and we began a friendship. We grew a lot during our time there. We faced and overcame adversity. We worked hard, played hard, helped each other through difficult times, and celebrated the good times. One of the things I loved best about Rodney is that he accepted me for the person I was. He didn’t judge me. He didn’t try to change me. He didn’t try to control me. He was always there when I needed him. I trust him and I respect him. 22 years later, I count him as one of my best friends.
I read some of the comments that Rodney shared in his TOD of Thurs. 10/08/09. Rodney quoted several people who had said that they thought he was analyzing them all the time – or that he was telling people what to do: get a therapist, read books, or otherwise change their lives. Well, I see it differently. The way I see it is that Rodney is bearing his soul – telling his story – with the intention of helping others. He is trying to share what he has learned, and what has worked for him. He is trying to help. He is not trying to tell us how to live our lives. He does not claim to be perfect or to have all of the answers. He has actually come right out and said as much in the TODs.
Rodney is human – just like the rest of us. He has, in my opinion, an extraordinary ability to write about and share his experiences with others. I call them his “superpowers”. I think that we all have superpowers. We are all blessed with certain gifts. You may already know what your superpowers are – the things that you’re extraordinarily good at. Rodney recently found one of his – and we are all very blessed to have benefitted from his sharing his experiences and his bearing his soul. I’ve written a few guest TODs – and it’s harder than I thought it would be. I feel very naked and exposed when I write them. Try writing one yourself – and you’ll have a better appreciation of what Rodney does on a daily basis. At the same time, remember that he is human, just like you and me. He is not perfect. None of us are. But for the most part, we all try to do our best. Our intentions are pure and honorable. We want a better life for ourselves, our family and friends, and for the world in general. We all have our opinions – and we believe that our opinions are correct. At the same time, we acknowledge that we are all different. Despite these differences, we respect the opinions of those we care about – and we feel that everyone is entitled to their opinions. You won’t agree with Rodney or with anyone 100% of the time.
I can understand that it might feel intimidating to talk and share with Rodney; given that he is the author of the TODs. I admit that I feel a bit intimidated when talking to people who I know have degrees in psychology – I always wonder if they are trying to analyze me. I also know that as I get to know these people and as I begin to trust them, the intimidation factor goes away. I’ve known Rodney long enough that I see him as a regular and real person – and I trust him. I’m not intimidated. I am in awe that he is able to do the TODs on a daily basis. And I appreciate how much he has helped me – how he has helped me expand the way that I think – and how I look at situations in my life.
No comments:
Post a Comment