Contradictions

Today, I'm realizing how contradictions seem to permeate our sense of the world. I'm reminded of the quote "Do what you will. This world's a fiction and is made up of contradiction" from William Blake. So many times, it seems that just when we think that we have adequately defined the "problem," other factors slink into our awareness. Thus, the process of searching for clarity continues: endless, maddening, and invigorating.

Family therapy is a field of study that is quite influenced by postmodern thought. How do we define reality? Is it really that surprising that each of us can only truly experience the world as we, as an individual, know it? We can never truly know what it means to see the world through another's eyes because perhaps there is no singular objective Truth known to all. I only know what I myself know. There is only the truth that we ourselves choose. We choose the meanings that we give to other people, life circumstances, and ourselves.  

Contradictions. They're everywhere. Though we profess that we are "one nation under God," much of our country rejoices today over the death of a feared terrorist. Though we have mocked other countries who have done the same, we justify our actions in the name of justice. We claim that children are our future, yet we do little to actively secure a future of hope for them. Though we are exhausted by the many demands placed on our time and our resources, we keep working harder and adding to our "to do" lists. Though I'm probably more liberal than many of my friends, I love country music down to the roots of my soul, and I don't think that will ever change.

I'm not saying that all contradictions are bad. There are wonderful contradictions, too. For example, people say all the time, "I'm just going to take care of myself from now on. I'm not going to worry about anyone else." That rarely lasts for an extended period of time. There is so much good in the world, and there's an infinite amount of beauty ready to be painted into each other's lives. Get out your paintbrush, and start making this world a more beautiful place. Be love to those around you, even when it seems like a contradiction.