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?
Sometimes I see “The Gal in the Glass” as the 2 little cartoon figures of the angel and the little devil perched right beyond each ear. With each one pulling you toward positive or negative, I think the words of the poem are just guiding you to make a stand and choose your path. It reminds me of a quote from John Wooden, “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” I believe you are consistently passing your own tests and are eager to keep moving forward. I see it in the words you write. You, Jean, are on the right path.
So maybe you don’t need to read it every night. I’m not sure. Only you can truly answer that. I think that it is just another way of developing good habits. However, like the colors & shapes, etc., we should now be at a point where we continuously perform good habits, make good choices, show love & kindness, and focus without material objects. That does not mean, though, that we have learned all there is. Remember, Wooden also said this, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”
Believe! I do!
That’s helpful. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
You are most welcome! So glad that I could be of service!