This Is Who I Am

It occurred to me that we spend a lot of time making judgements about politicians and questioning their decisions and how worthy they are. Of course they assume responsibility for our lives and so we are heavily invested in their behaviour and the things they say. Equally we make judgements about the people we know all the time. Even if we very rarely do say it to them. So I decided I would take a long look at myself and make some honest judgements. 

As a child I recall being extremely shy and having quite a combustible temper. The first time my grandmother took me to visit one of my uncles I was so shy that I refused to enter the house. When asked why, all I could say was that the door was too small. This from a kid who was barely 4 feet tall. I used to get so angry that I would burst into tears right in the middle of raging. Needless to say I wasn't a particularly fearful dude. I do remember getting so angry once that I tore up all my primary school report cards. I had been allowed to keep them in my room for coming first every term. If ever there was a personification of cutting off your nose to spite your face; it was called Charles all through that long holiday. 

I'm not a perfect person (that much I know). In fact, I'm not even sure I'm a good person. But I can lay claim to being a nice person, sometimes. I do the best I can and I try and do it for the right reasons. I don't always get things right or do the right things. However I have managed to touch a few lives and I hope enriched them in my own way. 

A cousin of mine calls me a socialist in thrall to all things Labour. I prefer to see myself as an economic welfarist. I believe in the necessity of production of surplus but don't agree with the capitalist distribution doctrine. 

I am a non-denominational Christian. I don't believe in sectarian worship or churches. This makes my concept of Christian worship quite complicated. I don't prioritise going to heaven as the purpose of a life. I believe that heaven should be the outcome of having lived a good life. I believe that is the true essence of Christianity. Loving thy fellow person as much as thyself. The scriptures and commandments should be guides directing us to make a difference in the lives of others. Knowing them shouldn't be a competition in sanctimoniousness. 

I like to look back on the things I do and reflect on what it all says about me. So far it's saying I've come a long way with plenty of improvement still to come.