Feeling Stupid Is So…Stupid

21 Nov

Before I retired from the Texas State Health Department, I worked at a job that I loved. It was creative, meaningful, and funded by a federal grant. With the shift toward conservative politics, the funds dried, up as did my job. I was moved to another department that had an empty position. After years of a hiring freeze, I don’t think anyone even remembered what tasks were associated with that position. As a result, I was given no assignments. None, zip, zilch. I begged my boss to use my grant writing and organizational skills. In spite of promises to do so, I sat twiddling my thumbs and planning my escape to Mexico.

Our prompt for the week, NOT KNOWING

One day while perusing the department website, I noticed that the program material was outdated, wordy, and poorly organized. I asked and was given permission to take training to work on our section of the larger Health Department website. Web editing and development were far outside of my wheelhouse.

Adding my own graffiti.

The training was challenging and went a long way to stimulate my mind and teach me that I can pretty much do anything. So when this week had me spilling frustrated tears over failure to figure out an Application that is part of my art class, I needed to be reminded of my ability. Like many people, being called or thought of as “stupid”, especially by oneself, is the lowest of the low.

Ms Bossy Pants, Stela supervising in the studio.

The truth I learned is that I have judgement about people who don’t have basic computer skill. One of those people is my brother. He has an old phone, no texting, no exchange of photos, nada. I finally figured out the application, more or less. And just in case you wondered, I am stupid about a lot of things. Aren’t we all?

DOS TORTAS

5 Responses to “Feeling Stupid Is So…Stupid”

  1. ellen's avatar
    ellen November 22, 2020 at 8:19 pm #

    Alex, this post rang true for me. I love hearing from you!

    Liked by 1 person

    • afish25's avatar
      afish25 November 23, 2020 at 6:40 am #

      You are too kind. Hope you are well. How’s the chickens?

      Like

  2. Jack Scott's avatar
    Jack Scott November 23, 2020 at 4:08 am #

    Everyone is good at something. It’s just a case of finding out where the talents lie.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Emilie's avatar
    Emilie November 24, 2020 at 7:55 am #

    I hate feeling stupid. When I do, I try to remind myself that it isn’t stupidity, it is only lack of experience.

    Liked by 1 person

    • afish25's avatar
      afish25 November 29, 2020 at 12:59 pm #

      For me sometimes it really is stupidity. I’ve learned not to be afraid of that word.

      Liked by 1 person

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