The wind storm stirred unraked fallen leaves with a shallow layer of snow. On the west edge of the property lay a large, shattered old elm limb. The cold wind was still in the 25 to 35 miles an hour range, so it was too early to do anything about the cluttered yard. Usually, such a sight stirs up the strong desire to tidy the yard. However, this time, I had a blasé feeling about the situation.
The blasé feelings were not sadness, nor boredom, they were closer to not having any interest one way or another. The feelings were not those of futility, but maybe futility was the trigger for such a blasé attitude about the yard.
Naturally, I wanted to analyze this instance of feeling blasé. My overall mood was upbeat but not joyful. No major problems loomed heavy in my life. Perhaps the lack of interest and ho-hum feeling about the yard came about because of the frequency of wind clutter in the yard throughout the many years of residing in this house.
I have a blasé attitude about brushing my teeth because teeth brushing is something I do more than thrice per day. So, maybe the neutral feeling about the yard is similar to my attitude about dental hygiene.
I harbor no indifference towards current events, although some of my acquaintances say I should. A blasé attitude about the state of the world is antithetical to my curious, activist nature. Our world and its well-being are endlessly fascinating. I cannot envision ever feeling blasé about the world.
To genuinely feel blasé is different than when I was sixteen and had adopted the façade of sophistication and an attitude of “faux-blasé” in order to fit in with my sullen peer group. Adolescent forms of feeling blasé are more aggressive than necessary.
The analysis of my blasé attitude was interrupted by the sound of the mail carrier’s little truck. I put on a coat and a cap, then walked out to the curbside mailbox to gather the mail. After coming back inside the house, I noticed a few leaves and some snow that I had tracked in.
A prompt sweep up with the lobby broom and dustpan took care of the little mess in an instant. With that simple act, I noticed that I no longer felt blasé.
Ciao
The Blue Jay of Happiness quotes actress Elizabeth Mitchell. “I know it’s so in to be blasé, but that’s not going to get you anywhere. People feel good about doing things with you if you’re enthusiastic. You’ve gotta go for it, and go for it with gusto.”
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