Layers

Just got back from taking my dog for a walk. It’s so cold outside. She’s by the heater now.

I know, it’s February, it’s supposed to be cold. But it’s my choice to like it or not, and I choose not. Consider this a personal invitation for you to come baaaaaack! Yes, I’m talking to you Summer.

The last muscle of my body to freeze up was my brain, so I used it to take notice of the wind. Today’s a windy day in Nashville. Wind makes colder the already cold air. In my natural desire to survive, I turned my back to the wind so the brunt of the coldness was absorbed or deflected by my jacket and hood and I thought to myself, “This is why I layered up.” The more layers I have between my skin and the undesirable, the better. “I’m a genius,” I thought to myself. The only exposed part of my body was my face, so I did what I could to keep it from direct contact with the wind.

And while my dog nosey’d on through neighboring yards, I began to compare the layers I was wearing to the layers I wear between me and other people. I protect myself against the undesirable. Why don’t I approach that pretty girl? Why don’t I take public speaking opportunities? Why don’t I give my money more freely? I find a reason to instead check my phone for messages.

I say my schedule is already too busy. I think I should save, save, save for when I really need the money.

Those are all excuses and excuses are just layers between me and the potentional for rejection, embarrassment, or need. To strip away these layers? Yes, I may face some undesirable outcomes, but why not assume the best? There is just as much an opportunity for acceptance, success, and freedom. So I guess the challenge is to face the undesirable, hope for the best, and jump in with both feet. Will you accept the challenge? Will I?

How many challenges did He-Man turn down? Zero.