Inanely Irreverent ...I Just Can't Help Myself

I have a streak of irreverence. I’ve had it all my life. In the sixth grade one of my classmates was hurt when a piano fell on him. It was a serious injury and our teacher, who was also the principal, had to accompany him to the hospital. It was “record day” when we brought in our 45s to play music for the first half hour of class. Left to our own devices, with only the custodian occasionally glancing our way, I led the charge to push the desks back and have an all out dance party. I mean of all days for the piano to fall on Larry…it had to be record day! Yeah I know, it’s kind of sick, but I really didn’t mean any disrespect, I was just more focused on the opportunity at hand and the absurdity of the circumstances.

It was this same personality trait that got me in trouble with teachers as well as religious and community leaders in my small Midwestern town. I joined Jobe’s Daughters primarily to attend the VFW Dance afterwards next door. My toe tapping to the rock music pulsing through the walls was frowned upon during vespers.  As was my bursting out laughing in serious instances such as being reprimanded in the principal’s office, during graduation and at my sorority initiation. Some people cry, I seem to laugh by finding something oddly funny with the situation, and then I can’t help myself.

This type of cheekiness not only makes me laugh at inappropriate times, but makes me say inane comments when I should be serious and draws me to quirky, offbeat things. We have a collection of fez bedecked monkeys residing next to a diarama of Day of the Dead Elvis in our home. Not your average "Better Homes and Garden" style of decorating.

Fortunately I married a man who shares my bizarre take on art, décor and general inappropriateness.  Our selections in movies or plays runs far afield from musicals and lighthearted rom coms to the edgier side of the theatre. That propensity for dark humor found the ultimate in an art film we saw this weekend called “Killer Joe.”  According to the billing it is a “totally twisted, deep-fried, Texas redneck, Billy Friedkin-directed, NC-17 rated, trailer park murder story masterpiece. Starring Matthew Mcconaughey, it just might be the best performance he has ever given and certainly a change from some of his past roles such as “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” or “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.”

Coming out of the theatre we were both stunned by the emotional roller coaster we had just experienced with the violence and plot twists, yet were laughing hysterically due to the dark humor. Thankful to have each other to share both the event and the discussion afterwards, we realized this wasn’t a film for everyone. Our list of people we thought would appreciate and share our perverse taste in the premise and comedy was very short.

As I mentioned, this impertinence has always been with me. But at least being irreverent isn’t illegal. Although it isn’t something I readily communicate to others. I like to let people get to know me first before I unveil my darker, more derisive side. Do you have a secret quirk or trait you don’t share with everyone on your friend list? If so…perhaps we should be friends! I may lose a few after they read this blog post and understand the “real me.”

Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key. Visit her web site at www.channelforchange.com .