Cubicle Revealed

In my readings, I am learning about becoming a better writer. One of the suggested activities was to take a look around my house or office space, describe what I saw, and then write what these things say about the type of person I am. I chose my cubicle. My room was too messy to describe...

Here is a list of personal items in my cubicle: two small plants, a Northwest Nazarene University mug, a Magic 8 Ball, family pictures, the Olympic motto, and a pen drawing of my hand. The rest is all work related items. My cubicle is a pretty good size, and yes, I do have a lot of empty space in it. So, what does all this say about me?

Here is my answer (an maybe you have a few insights you would like to add). My plants give me a small reminder of the beauty that lies outside of work. I loved being a delivery driver just for the fact of all the wonderful natural things I saw. Besides, these plants are ALIVE! For some reason, that brings me peace.

I am proud of my education that only took me 33 years to complete. I think it has also instilled in me a desire to continue learning. I feel dead when I'm not learning something new. To go along with that, my Magic 8 Ball shows a desire for answers. I want to know, and sometimes I have to remind myself that I need to ask for help when I don't know the answer. I think the Olympic Motto also fits into this group. The motto stands for always striving to be the best you can.

My family is a VERY important aspect of my life. They bring such joy and happiness to me. More importantly, they love me no matter what I do. I have countless memories of family reunions, camping trips, game nights, dinners, and just being a family. WONDERFUL MEMORIES!!! How did I get so lucky??? I love them SO much!

The pen drawing demonstrates the beauty that can be found within me. I cannot own this talent, because I feel it comes from God. Through art I feel a little divinity working its way through me and gives me a sense of something greater. For this reason, I love to draw.

Finally, I will focus on the empty space in my cubicle. What does that say about me? I don't like clutter? I have emptiness inside me? I'm a blank page? Or, am I afraid to display what is truly there? I would have to answer yes to all these questions. I like to keep things as simple as possible. Complications have a tendency to bring chaos. I flounder in chaos.

As for the emptiness, don't we all have a little dead space inside us? Mine comes from past mistakes, lost opportunities, and events that were beyond my control. I keep it around for a reason. Emptiness can be a very good teacher. Yes, it does make me sad, however, it has also helped me to become more understanding and a little more patient.

Fear has always held me back from my true desires. When I was little, I wanted to be an astronaut or an oceanographer. Then I was introduced to Calculus and Physics. SCARY! My fear of failing those two subjects kept me from my dreams of walking in space or diving in the deep blue sea. My fears can be so paralyzing.

As true as these answers may be to the question of empty space, I would rather see that empty space as future potential. I am taking baby steps to overcome my fears. I am working to fill that emptiness with understanding and love. I am working to bring out what lies cowering in the shadows of my soul.

The one thing I have learned through all my triumphs and failures is to KEEP ON STRIVING. I love the motto from the movie Galaxy Quest - "Never give up! Never surrender!" That is my motto. I may fall down. I may take a few steps backward. BUT, I will keep on trying.