I often find myself referring to things that people do as 'human nature'. For example, I think it's in most human's nature to be argumentative or combative about politics and religion. I've always heard that there are two things you shouldn't debate with your co-workers or your loved ones: politics and religion. I never quite understood that until I grew up (I'm not really a grown up, I just pose as one sometimes). I now realize that human's are hard wired to become defensive about certain things and while I believe that this is human nature, I do not think that 'human nature' is an excuse for bad behavior.
Several months ago I was having a conversation with an older (and what I at that point perceived wiser) woman about religion. I was under the impression that I was in a safe place, a place that I could freely speak my mind and offer my opinions without being judged, and without being persecuted. I soon found out that I was wrong. I've been taught several lessons by this particular woman, most of them about what not to do and how not to handle certain situations. There comes a time when, no matter who the person is to you or what your relation might be, you realize that you are always better off not talking to them about anything remotely important or relevant to your own life. It's at these times that I have to ignore my first reaction, my human nature, which as you can imagine is not a positive one. I've learned that some people, no matter what, are always right in their own minds and will never admit to being wrong. Being wrong isn't wrong...how you handle the wrong-doing is what builds your character and makes you a stronger person. Anyway, back to the human nature issue. I majored in psychology in college and have always been interested in watching people and seeing why they do the things they do. I think that for many of us, it's hard to be who we really are, and maybe because we don't know ourselves. I know my set of core values and beliefs, but personally hope that I never truly know myself. I hope that I keep evolving as time goes by and that I keep learning about me, about who I am and why I react the way I do. I hope to always learn new things about the world, develop new talents and learn to love myself more. I admire my boyfriend so much, because he's always learning so many new things. He has so many interests, and it's hard for me to see how he makes time for everything! He is an incredible world-traveling businessman, a great father, incredible boyfriend, and he still finds (and makes, that's super important) time for his hobbies. He's a hunter, he plays the guitar and drums very well, and he loves riding motorcycles and dirt bikes (I know, it makes me nervous too). He's taught me so much about how to be brave and strong when it feels like so many things aren't going perfect. He consistently goes against what human nature would like him to do. He doesn't lose his patience when there are stressful things going on, he doesn't raise his voice at his children when they don't understand things after the 5th time he's explained it; he sits down with them and does it again. He doesn't lose his mind when business doesn't run as smoothly as it could, he handles it. He works amazing under pressure. His defiance of human nature leaves me in awe. I do succumb to following human nature sometimes, probably more than I even realize. And I know I have a lot to learn, and I'm thankful for all the teachers-good and bad-that I've had to help me along the way. I feel like their teachings are making me a better person, a better lady, a better girlfriend, a better step-mom-ish. So to all the great and selfless teachers I've had, thank you. I've learned so much. And thanks to all the crappy ones too...you've taught me even more.