The Fine Art of the Flip-Flop

Yesterday I talked to an old friend about a part-time job at her library.  I had worked in the same position before we moved, so I felt comfortable speaking to her about the opening.  During our conversation, something seemed amiss.  At one point, she stated that she wanted to be sure the potential new-hire was going to stay for the long term.  Then she added, "To be truthful, I am just sick of all this flip-flopping and dealing with people who come and go at the drop of a hat.  I am ready to hire someone who is going to be here for awhile ~ at least until I retire."

SNAP.  I am THE PERSON who has perfected the fine art of flip-flopping.  I am the master of the u-turn.  When it comes to the back-flip, I am the pro. I realized immediately that she identified me as one of the flip-floppers, since I had worked at her library for only one year.  I felt a sharp sting, as though someone had popped me with a rubber band.  Of course, I tried to reassure her of my reliability and my plans to stay the course; however, I couldn't convince myself with my own words. Even the fill-in-the-blank application required an available start date and an answer as to how long I planned to work if hired.  Of course, I wrote Indefinite.  I am reliable ~ as reliable as ebb and flow, rise and fall, hem and haw.

Flip-floppers are not so different from other people.  At age twenty, I thought for sure that I knew what my life would look like at age fifty.  Like most people, I planned for a thirty-year mortgage and retirement.  I anticipated a straight path; I never bargained for flip-flops, or u-turns, or back-flips.  I simply expected to live in the same house, work the same job, and be married to the same person my whole life.  Most of my peers have been able to live out those expectations, according to their own definitions of Plan A; however, flip-floppers are more defined by Plans B through Z.

According to Wikipedia, many words have been used to describe the fine art of the flip-flop, especially when it comes to politics and politicians.  Elected officials as well as candidates have often been accused of flip-flopping when they have a sudden change of policy, position, or opinion.  In his "On Language" column for The New York Times, William Safire wrote that "flip-flop has a long history as a synonym for somersault."  He pointed out that "the doubling of a sound is also a feature in other two-word phrases used to disparage the actions or words of others, including mumbo-jumbo, wishy-washy, and higgledy-piggledy ~ that the double sound is an indication of ridicule."

He left out topsy-turvy!  I imagined the cutest little children's book with those two-word phrase combinations, and I may follow-up with a new TODAY'S BIG STORY in time for Easter, featuring the Flip-Flop Bunnies.  However, at the moment, I still felt that SNAP again ~ the pop of the rubber band!  Words like ridicule and disparage seem to swell the sting all the more. I continued my flip-flop research and read that the "U-turn" phrase was made popular by former prime minister of the United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher, who was quoted as saying, "You turn (U-turn) if you want to.  The lady's not turning."

Towards the end of the Wikipedia article, I read about the non-political use of the word flip-flop which is not quite as derogatory or contrary.  In science, a flip-flop is generally positive as it indicates new learnings and breakthroughs.  Lewis Eigen writes, "To the scientist, failure to flip-flop in the face of contradictory evidence is irrational and dangerous behavior.  And scientists will often flip-flop at almost light speed.  Often it takes only a single observation to flip-flop thousands of scientifically learned people."

Years ago I sent an email to another employee of the same library system.  I wrote a sentence to her that is highlighted at the top of my blog.  We always have to be open to every new adventure, even if it is disguised as choice, hardship, opportunity, or ultimatum. I joked that the statement was the Dianne McLaurin quote for the day; however, that one sentence has defined my life.  Sometimes people flip-flop because, in the face of contradictory evidence, failure to do so might be considered irrational or dangerous.  Maybe the flip-flop is a personal choice, but it might also be a personal hardship.  Perhaps the flip-flop is an overwhelming opportunity, but it could also be an overwhelming ultimatum.

I was a cheerleader throughout high school, and I know the tumbling skills required for the impressive back-handspring, which is actually called a flip-flop.  The motion requires body control, flexibility, and body awareness. Developing the fine art of the flip-flop takes time and practice for beginners. You must be able to support your own body weight with your hands when your body is inverted or turned upside down.  You have to learn to trust your own strength.  Most importantly, you must be committed to the tumble ~ to the backward, upside-down motion ~ and follow through to the end. Once the thrust and release occurs, the body naturally responds with a skilled movement that looks effortless.

Somewhere along life's journey, I mastered the flip-flop. I learned to have faith and confidence in my ability to support myself, even when my life was upside-down.  I learned to trust my own strength and flexibility, and despite evidence that may point to the contrary, I maintained awareness and control throughout life's tumbles.  I soon became able to spring forward and surrender in one synchronous motion.  At times, I have managed to flip-flop at almost light speed by a single observation.

Many people may never be required to include the flip-flop as part of their life's routine; but, I am sure that those people who have perfected the fine art of the flip-flop land on their feet every time.

Dianne ; )