I’m not too fond of practical jokes because one was played on me. I remember it was around when I was becoming interested in the opposite sex, and the fact that someone had taken an interest, as childish as it may have been, was a big deal for me. At the end of the first day, when I thought things were looking up, I was told it “was all a big joke!” In front of my entire group of friends, her statement was followed by a burst of laughter. They were in on it too. That was twenty-something years ago now, and I am at the point that I want to acknowledge it so I can be done holding onto it. It’s not a dark story. It was a moment in childhood where feelings were not taken into consideration.

It was part of the journey, and a seed of curiosity was planted, wondering why someone would be motivated to do something like this to someone else. Why embarrass me in front of a group for liking you?

Since I started to spend time intentionally addressing topics, I’ve been crisscrossing the psychological spectrum of human behavior to now better understand my own. Reading books like Mindset, Influence, The Laws of Human Nature, The Four Agreements, Man’s Search for Meaning, and Awaken the Giant Within the last three years, I try to see myself in the descriptions and stories I read, looking for what I can apply. The more I learn, the more I enjoy the process of understanding my lifelong curiosity.

Twenty years later, a lot has changed.

If you’ve enjoyed reading this blog post or find a useful idea, please share it with your friends and family. Your referral is greatly appreciated. I look forward to discovering where the change happens with you.