Trade-offs and Triumphs 11

Issue 11: Fleetwood Mac's "Little Lies", "On the Waterfront" and "Why America Falls for Grifters," and Releasing Deep Dark Secrets, and Releasing Yours

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Welcome to issue 11!

This issue has been inspired by lies and secrets - and the poisonous power they have over us if we don’t correct the records. Because whatever temporary triumphs they produce, at the end of the day, they won’t be worth it.

And the truth will ultimately reveal itself - one way or another.

As you peruse this edition, scroll down to listen to Fleetwood Mac’s “Little Lies” and take a moment to read an excerpt of the lyrics:

If I could turn the page
In time then I'd rearrange
Just a day or two
Close my, close my, close my eyes

But I couldn't find a way
So I'll settle for one day
To believe in you
Tell me, tell me , tell me lies

Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
(Tell me lies, tell me, tell me lies)
Oh, no, no you can't disguise
(You can't disguise, no you can't disguise)
Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies

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"On the Waterfront" and "Why America Falls for Grifters"

For those who lost their dreams because of life circumstances, I often think of Terry Malloy from “On the Waterfront” - he lost his potential and future as a boxer, because he agreed to “fix” a boxing match for his brother, a mobster:

You don't understand! I could'a had class. I could'a been a contender. I could've been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it.

And, I often compare Terry Malloy to the the young men I knew of growing up in an apartment in Queens, NY. They often were in trouble with the law, regularly visited Rikers Island, but seemed well-meaning and often helped my mother carry the groceries when the elevator was broken. Like Terry, I feel certain that they often wondered how they ended up where they were - with fading dreams and even fewer opportunities to be a contender.

In his films, Elia Kazan used average people and conversations to expose the lies that were holding together the story that everyone wanted to see - what Jake Tapper describes as “what feels true.” Through one of Kazan’s other movies, A Face in the Crowd, Jake explains “Why Americans Fall for Grifters.” We believe with our emotions, not with facts - “what feels true.”

Unless we take time to examine our beliefs, hold them up against the sunlight, and brace ourselves to face the inconsistencies.

And the lies.

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Releasing Deep Dark Secrets, and Releasing Yourself

It is never easy to confess anything, most of all to yourself, to your loved ones, and then also to seek forgiveness and acceptance.

And not to be worried about losing their love - because at the end of the day, that’s why you are so reluctant to admit deep and dark secrets that have hurt you and others around you.

In “A Deep, Dark Secret,” Charlie Bleecker describes the roller coaster of emotions as she confesses her addiction to her husband and to her best friend.

Read it once, then set it aside.

Read it again, and let it seep into your heart.

And ask yourself, what lies have you been telling yourself?

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Have any questions or comments? Let’s chat!

Want to exchange some thoughts over Twitter? You can find me @jennykim

Check out my website for more: puttingittogether.blog

See you next week!

No lie as a trade-off is ever worth the temporary illusion of triumph.

And remember to find that trade-off that will lead to that triumph this week, no matter how small, and celebrate it.