Random Thoughts

So it’s April Fools’ Day, and I happen to be a naysayer for this one. I believe the playing of practical jokes every time April 1st rolls around is absurd.

An interesting thing about April Fools’ Day is that no one is entirely sure how it began. There are those who believe the event dates back to 16th century France when the country switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. This altered the celebration of the new year from springtime to January 1st. Apparently, the news of the calendar change was slow to travel, so those found celebrating the new year in late March to early April rather than the new January 1st were often thought to be foolish, hence All Fools’ Day was born. Keep in mind, this is just one of many theories.

I am personally not a fan. I recognize that some practical jokes are harmless, but some are often just plain mean. And I simply don’t endorse what is more than likely a lack of kindness.

As a teacher at a brick and mortar school for more than 20 years, I often saw teary-eyed students dealing with the aftermath of another student’s “joke”. Ah yes, the classic, “But it was only a joke!” Students use that statement as a blanket excuse for every unfriendly act. Legitimizing harsh actions under the guise of a holiday is simply unacceptable.

That’s just me. How about you? Do you agree that pranksters should have free reign every April 1st? This is an open forum, so share your thoughts. And…

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

So, has anyone ever mentioned to you that as they got on an elevator, the person already riding gave them the heebie-jeebies? But they got on anyway. What?

If your gut tells you something isn’t right, then you need to rethink your circumstances. The whole “hair standing up on the back of your neck” thing exists for a reason. It’s your nervous system saying, “Danger, Will Robinson, danger.” (If you weren’t alive during the mid to late 60s, you may not get this reference.)

So why do we refuse to trust our gut? It’s simple: People are socialized away from doing so. When we mention that something gives us a bad feeling, people often say, “Oh don’t be silly…”

This steering away from our feelings starts when we are young. Children have a keen barometer, but early on they are encouraged to look away from their natural inclinations. Before you know it, they are stepping on that elevator.

So next time you just don’t feel right about something, trust your gut. Even if nothing comes of it, why take the risk?

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)