Simply too complex

Our world is very complex; too complex some days. There are so many things that connect with each other that it seems daunting to try and do anything when you consider all of the potential impacts and downstream effects. As a student, you know how complex your homework can be, with one lesson building on the next. If you’re in the working world, you are probably all too aware that the economics of our world make the office a more complex place than ever before. It’s downright amazing how things we do in our local area can have nearly immediate impacts in other parts of the world; a direct reality of a global marketplace I guess.

Of all the complexities of life, the human-based ones continue to be the most thought-provoking. Relationships have always been intricately woven fabrics that time-and-time again deny explanation. Whether it be a close-knit connection between two people who appear to be polar opposites of one another, or the clash between individuals or groups that claim to be aligned in their beliefs, yet can’t seem to get along.

The complexity of it all can be paralyzing some days and for me and today is one of those days. Nearly everything I come in contact with seems bigger than I can handle; too unwieldy, too confusing, or is so interconnected to other people and processes that I’m not sure what I should do!

I’m learning that acknowledging what I’m dealing with is a good start. Taking a pause to step back and assess the situation helps. It gives me some distance to evaluate the situation from a new vantage point, which brings to mind the wise advice of my father in-law.

Whenever I would ask Charlie for guidance, he would always preface his response in the same way. First, he’d hold up his hands, fingers spread and palms facing me, as if to say; “Stop, I’ve heard enough.” Not in a forceful way, making me feel shutdown or put off, but in a gentle way , followed by the phrase “It’s very simple. What you want to do is…” and then he would go on to explain how to take his short-cut, fix the washing machine, patch the dry wall, or confront the person who was my current antagonist. To be truthful, his “very simple” advice did not always pan out to be right, or even simple for that matter (of course that could be more about how I implemented it). Moreover, what I took away from his advice giving over the years was his standard approach and opening line. “It’s very simple” he would say, and that gave me comfort; it gave insight into his very healthy perspective. Start with the attitude that’s it’s simple, and you’ve got a better shot of it actually turning out that way.

Charlie was right, too. Most things are simple, especially the people ones. Want to be treated nice, be nice. Want to be loved, love, and on and on.

It’s very simple…