I eschew clubs. Even book clubs annoy me. (I can always predict who will love a book and who will hate a book.)
I don’t think it’s a Groucho Marx quip (“I don’t care to belong to any club that will have me as a member.”)
I just dislike exclusivity and sameness is a snore.
But, when I was told about a local website for women whose sole purpose was to share beneficial information, I thought “why not?” I had no idea there was a vetting process. I thought I had to fill out a form, send it in and voila! I’d have access to this “beneficial information.”
Alas, I didn’t pass muster.
The reason: I don’t have the right zip code. (ZIP…CODE!)
This is a subject near and dear to my heart as I am a great champion of having a big bandwidth, both professionally and socially. The most connected and fascinating people I know can talk to anyone about anything. They know how to get in touch with anyone. They’re the people you call when you or someone you know needs help, advice, wise counsel, and perhaps an introduction to someone who can provide a job lead or a fabulous math tutor.
The illustrious group that denied my application worship at the shrine of tiny bandwidths. They do not wish to spend time with people who are not like them. I’m guessing they do not welcome being challenged by contrary opinions.
Paradoxically, the website was created for women to help one another. Their intentions were noble but by denying people entry, they’ve kept their network small and minimized the number of people who could benefit.
Is a puzzlement. (“The King and I”)
Silly girls! Your wrong zip code is their greatest loss. xx
Dear Andrea: Do you remember when Elaine on “Seinfeld” changed phone numbers and got an area code that wasn’t snazzy enough? It’s crazy how we define ourselves. They teach us everything in school except character. Most appreciatively, E.
Who needs ‘em?
Dear Editrix: I took their rejection well. I’ve been rejected before — it’s good for the ego strength and that’s not available at the gym. Yours 4-ever, E.
Share the link, I want to check this out!
Dear Melodious: Even the link is “undercover.” I’ll try to get it for you so you can bombard them with requests for membership. This should be verrrrrrrry interesting as your zip code is terribly posh. Your pal, E.
I love the metaphor; the use of technological terms really does fit here. Like technology, which proceeds at breakneck speed, there are those who are lagging behind — some call them dinosaurs, others call them the blissfully ignorant. Sometimes I think the universe provides these people/situations to make sure we are serious about our own evolution — why do I say that? Because I am an astute observer of how things happen, how they actually unfold. All of these experiences, things, people, places need to be released as quickly as possible — it really is about bandwidth, range, and making room for one’s noble place in the cosmos. My own personal struggle has more to do with cleaving to my deepest instincts, trusting myself, taking risks, stepping out, and most importantly, taking my ego out of the equation. There are people in the world stuck in their own limitations & negativity — they will try to drag you down or reject you for erroneous reasons. Ever hear of Rob Breszny? I imagine you have — his attitude is: The world is conspiring to shower you with blessings — he calls it pronoia – the antidote to paranoia. I keep the word transmutation on my cell phone to remind me that I must transmute everything into something finer.
Dear Jennifer: It’s sad that people need to stay “in their circle” when there are so many marvelous people who are original and phenomenal. Staying open is what makes someone fabulous. I’m glad you are struggling with this as it’s worth the struggle. Affectionately, E.