Week 17 – Gal In the Glass Puzzle

The Gal in the Glass troubles me. I know the essence — in the end, it comes down to can you look yourself in the eye and know you did the right things. No short cuts. No deceiving the world, but more importantly, no deceiving yourself. Sure. It’s easy to be swayed by the people supposedly closest to you — parents, spouses, significant others, but how do you feel about yourself? Are you satisfied. Did you do what was right for you?

I know I need to use the Law of Dual Thought on this one, but I haven’t found the best way to do it. I have not been able to read this poem without coming to the end and thinking “Joe Paterno.” I am not pleased by this thought. I read “You may be like Jack Horner and ‘chisel’ a plum, And think you’re a wonderful gal.” and wind up wondering why it’s accusing me of wrongdoing.

I can look the gal in the glass straight in the eye. I have no problem doing this. I have no problem saying, “I love you, Jean Schara.” Yeah, it sort of feels weird, but I can say it, and I can look myself in the eye when I do it. Yes, there are areas of continuous improvement where I believe I’m not up to snuff  (make healthy choices 24-7, anyone?), but are those the reasons why these thoughts come across my mind as I read this poem, or it is something else?

What is wrong with me that this poem annoys me? Why have I not been able to find a mechanism to come to whatever terms are necessary for it not to annoy me?  I find it more and more annoying to have to read it every night. Is it just me? As I mentioned in a comment on another post, I know I’m unique, but I’m not that unique.

Everything about this course has worked very well. After my initial resistance, when I had it, I got into the flow. I liked the idea of this poem when it was introduced, but it has become a burden, and I’m not understanding why. Does anyone have any insight to share?