I know it’s strange, yet mostly true, that we often learn better from, shall we say, negative experiences than positive ones. I guess it’s because the emotional aspects of these types of events tend to “stick” more. The fact is that when they happen, we usually surprise ourselves by just how fast we really can learn (usually in the hope that we won’t have to go through it again!)

As you know, I like to tell stories here at the Middle Zone, particularly those that illustrate lessons learned from life. But at the same time, I prefer to keep things, well, light as well; or at the very least uplifting. The last thing I want to do is come across as some heavy-handed professor-type, force-feeding you with things you will learn or else!

So what do I do with a story I’d like to share, but doesn’t “fit” on this blog? Well, in this case I have another outlet – 100 Bloggers.

The story concerns a lesson I learned while spending one day in Rome, back in 1970. I was just a high-school kid at the time. Nevertheless, that day has remained crystal clear in my mind ever since, and if you read it, you’ll see why. Here’s an excerpt from the post entitled, “Mirror, Mirror“:

Events around the world have caused me to ponder a bit on the general subjects of tragedy, anger, and yes, even hatred. Not pleasant subjects to spend much time with, I admit. But sometimes it’s worthwhile to ponder unpleasant things in order to understand the lessons they teach us. Sometimes it’s worth the time to look in the mirror and find out what’s really being reflected there.

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If you’re not familiar with the 100 Bloggers site, may I recommend you drop by for a visit? The goal, as it says on the label, is for 100 bloggers to share their thoughts on various topics chosen monthly. The site was created by my buddy Troy Worman, who has since passed the baton to my other buddy Phil Gerbyshak (anybody remember Larry, Darryl and Darryl?)

We don’t quite have 100 bloggers yet (last count: 48), so if you’re interested in contributing on a regular (heck, even a semi-regular) basis, drop a line here: 100bloggers@gmail.com.

In case you wondered where I was yesterday (you DID miss me, didn’t you?), I’ve been invited to join the 100 Bloggers network, and I had to spend a few days gathering my thoughts (it’s sorta like herding cats, only harder and less rewarding). Finally, after three solid days of intense cogitation, a stray neuron fired, and I was off!

So for your edification, here’s an excerpt from my contribution on this month’s topic, commitment:

“What is it, I ask you, about commitment that strikes fear into the hearts of the most courageous people? And why does making a commitment seem to have the power to make otherwise sane and reasonable people run screaming into the night, gibbering wildly about overwhelming doubts, worries and fears?

Why does commitment get such a bad rap, anyway?”

Please click on this link, That Wonderful, Terrible Word, (it’s like.. follow the hand) to read the whole article… and thanks!