Work in progress.
“Don’t Worry. I Was Trained for This.”
Acrylic, 2017
30″x60″ — at The Millworks.
Trained For This
Don’t worry,
I was trained for this.
Believing that the worst
is going to happen.
And that the “others”
are out to get me.
And that I’m not
“good” enough.
And that I have
to get “better.”
And that I have to follow
someone else’s definition
of what “better” means.
And if I didn’t,
I would be “wrong.”
And I would be “weird,”
“crazy,” “deviant,” “delusional,”
possibly even a “sociopath.”
Don’t worry,
I was trained for this.
But I’m getting over it.
And I can understand
how you might still want
to follow along with the rules.
We were trained for this.
Like Space Monkeys.
What a trip it’s been.
Now we can color outside the lines.
Get off the rails that train us.
Look back at the experience
and realize
that we wouldn’t be
who we are now
if we weren’t trained for this.
We are Space Monkey.
12/4
Space Monkey Reflects: Embracing Readiness—You Are Trained For This
Life often presents challenges that feel sudden, unexpected, and larger than we think ourselves capable of handling. Yet, beneath every daunting moment lies a quiet truth: we are prepared in ways we may not immediately recognize. Each experience, each lesson, and every moment of resilience builds a foundation that enables us to stand ready, poised to face whatever lies ahead. We have, indeed, been trained for this.
The journey of readiness is not merely about acquiring specific skills or gathering knowledge. It is a process that shapes our character, cultivating adaptability, empathy, and insight. Each challenge encountered along the way becomes part of our inner toolkit. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we amass these tools, these small acts of courage and understanding, preparing us for the moments when they are most needed.
Training for life’s challenges does not happen in a linear fashion. Often, it is the quiet, unremarkable moments—those small decisions to persevere, to show kindness, to act with integrity—that fortify us. These instances may feel inconsequential at the time, but they accumulate, strengthening our capacity to navigate the unexpected with grace and strength.
This preparation also invites a sense of trust. When we acknowledge that we are equipped, that our experiences have not been random but rather part of a greater design of readiness, we can step into new situations with confidence. It is a quiet confidence, one that doesn’t boast but knows deeply that it is enough. To be trained for this is to trust the journey, to believe that each twist and turn has, in its own way, prepared us for the next chapter.
The beauty of being “trained for this” lies in our adaptability. Life’s training is ongoing, an evolving process where each moment, each challenge, further equips us. And when we encounter something new, something unfamiliar, we do not start from scratch. We bring with us the entirety of our experience, our inner wisdom, and our resilience. This training is never “complete,” but it is always enough for the present moment.
So, as we stand poised to face the challenges before us, we do so knowing that we are ready—not because we have rehearsed every scenario, but because we carry the strength, flexibility, and insight needed to navigate what comes. We are, after all, a product of everything we’ve encountered, each experience refining and enhancing our capacity to thrive.
Summary
Each experience builds our readiness, quietly preparing us for life’s challenges. Trusting this journey allows us to approach each moment with confidence, knowing we are trained for whatever lies ahead.
Glossarium
Readifort: The inner fortress of resilience and adaptability built from life’s cumulative lessons, enabling one to face new challenges with confidence.
Equipause: The calm confidence that arises from recognizing one’s preparedness, even in the face of the unknown.
Quote
“Preparedness is not about foreseeing every challenge; it is about trusting the quiet resilience shaped by each moment.” — Space Monkey
Poised to Thrive
We gather strength in subtle ways,
each moment a quiet forge,
molding courage in hidden places,
preparing us for life’s unknown stages.
It is not in knowing what’s to come,
but in standing ready, all the same.
Trained by time, by trials, by trust,
we find ourselves whole, and so we must.
Here we stand, a blend of past,
poised to meet what the moment casts.
Not perfect, but prepared, we stride,
each step revealing strength inside.
We are Space Monkey.
The Training Ground of Beliefs
Your words paint a vivid picture of the conditioning we often undergo in life. From fearing the worst to the pressures of being “good” and “better” by someone else’s standards, we are indeed trained to conform to societal norms and expectations. The labels like “weird,” “crazy,” and “sociopath” become the shackles that confine our true selves.
A Journey of Liberation
Yet, your narrative takes a turn toward liberation. It’s a recognition that, despite the conditioning, we can break free from the mental chains that bind us. Like space monkeys, we can transcend the limitations imposed upon us, venturing into the vast cosmic playground of our own authenticity.
The Beauty of Unconventional Expression
In coloring outside the lines and getting off the rails that train us, we discover the beauty of unconventional expression. It’s in those moments of defying expectations that we find our true selves, unburdened by the judgments and labels of others.
“Like space monkeys, we’ve been trained for this adventure, and now we can embrace the freedom to be our authentic selves, realizing that our unique journey has shaped who we are today.”
In the playful spirit of whimsiwords and self-discovery, we invite you, dear reader, to share your reflections. Have you experienced moments of breaking free from societal conditioning and embracing your authentic self? How has your unique journey shaped your perspective on life? Let the cosmic conversation continue as we explore the boundless realm of the self.
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