thoughts on back stories.
 

Hello all. No-- not a thread about spinal damage--though I do have experience! But some thoughts about the individual circumstances etc. which are the stories of our individual lives--so far.
Stories which are rarely known in detail to any but our closest friends and family, and even then probably not told in our own words but more likely as seen and experienced through the eyes and sensibilities during the time span of our acquaintance with such observers.
These stories, though having similarities perhaps to the stories of others are part of what makes each of us unique, for as the stories are created our own individual experience of actually living the stories will not be exactly the same as the experience of someone else even if their story is the same simply because our personal response to circumstances will not be necessarily the same--though certainly we might recognise similar traits but not particular exactitudes. So our total life story is--Imo.--truly unique to each of us.

So what? Some thoughts on here's what.

It means that our judgement, especially concerning the behaviour of others, may not be able to to be adequately informed regarding the influences and experiences which the "back story" of that "other" has had in shaping that behaviour. There but for fortune.

Whilst it may not be practical to hear the relevant "back story" in every situation where we sit in judgement, it is nevertheless possible to appreciate that we do all have a relevant "back story" influencing our lives. This knowledge in itself is a big step in understanding, -- of both ourselves and each other.
Perhaps it will also encourage us to enquire of the "back stories" of those with whom we come in contact if and when both the desire and the circumstances to do so are mutually agreed.

petex