I favor people of the unpredictable variety.
Not outrageously unpredictable--just unpredictable enough to keep things interesting.
I especially enjoy people who surprise me with their ability to take on different roles, and transition as life transitions.
One of my tasks as a physician is to help people see patterns that keep them doing things they'd rather not.
Plenty of people see their patterns, and decide that they are not dissatisfied enough to make changes.
A small minority either don't see their patterns, or deny that they are present.
It is the people who see their patterns, and decide to become unpredictable, that bring me greatest joy.
I witness them lamenting, complaining and ultimately muddling through the issues that threaten to keep them chained to their old existence.
I see them refuse to be pigeonholed or otherwise categorized in any predictable way.
Then I meet them as they emerge on the other side of their pattern-break.
It is a wonder to behold.
And highly entertaining.
I've been a doctor long enough so that I am rarely befuddled by the change process.
I don't tend to take things personally. If people choose not to change, it is not my loss. If they choose to change, it is not my victory.
But I have the benefit of the surprise. I get to enjoy the unpredictability of the situation.
And I also get to see the unpredictable eventually become predictable in a better way, as new patterns are set in place.
I favor people of the unpredictable variety.
So go ahead.
Surprise me.
January morn
2012
~~~~~
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