Bravery for the right reasons

There’s a song that’s always makes me laugh, not because of the song itself, though. When it came out, it was celebrated as an anthem for all of us.

But the truth is, especially in politics or religion, people don’t want to see you be brave unless it’s for “for the right cause.” Half the country doesn’t care that you’re standing up for what you believe in, which is often brave. But if you’re doing it for their side, then (and only then) is it brave.

Admiration for your bravery is conditional.

As inspirational as the song lyrics intend to be, I can’t ever take the song seriously, at least not in 2023. It’s unfortunate because the sentiment is great. It’s just not realistic in 2023. People only want you to be brave if what you’re being brave for lines up with what they believe to be true. It’s not bravery for bravery’s sake.

-Out of the Wilderness

A must-see tour featuring two great bands

Last year I went on a camping trip from Florida out to Texas and Oklahoma (check recaps here). Part of my adventures included catching a band in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was a great show by Judah and the Lion and later this year they’re touring again, this time with one of my all-time favorite bands, Needtobreathe.

I don’t have a ticket yet but I can definitely foresee a camping trip in whatever city is close by and the dates work out. Judah and the Lion was a great show in Oklahoma, I was thoroughly entertained. I’ve seen Needtobreathe before in a very stripped down performance many moons ago when they were promoting a new album or something. But to see them perform a full concert would just be amazing. They have so many songs I like!

Have you seen either of these bands yet? If so, comment below with your experience. I’ll update if or when I get a ticket!

-Out of the Wilderness

Another sprint triathlon, am I crazy?

After a disastrous swim during my first ever sprint triathlon, I thought I’d never embarrass myself that way again. Y’all, my swimming was so bad I can’t even accurately describe it with words. Here’s how I thought I’d do and how I really did…

There were bystanders (friends, family of athletes) watching from the lakeshore and I can’t shake the thought that they must’ve been laughing their heads off at the guy swimming in all the directions. I was fine with the biking and the running. Even if I wasn’t fast, at least I was going in the right direction! Plus, my bike has a bell so I mean, yeah, that’s awesome.

Unfortunately, my competitive side has struck again. There’s another sprint triathlon coming up in about a month and my brother-in-law and I decided to sign up. He also did the last one with me, but he didn’t draw attention to himself the way I did with the embarrassing swimming. Did I mention I’m a bad swimmer yet?

So here we go again! Will I have another bad swim or have things changed? Can I improve my speed on my awesome 1970s bicycle? Can I run a little faster this time? So many questions and I’ll have answers 4 weeks from now. Wish me luck and if you happen to be watching or participating in a sprint triathlon anytime soon and you see a guy swimming haphazardly, won’t you be a kind person and point me in the right direction?

-Out of the Wilderness

Summer Birds and Nature Pictures

Summer is in full swing and it’s never more apparent than when I spend time on the near water. Whether it’s oceans, lakes, or rivers, aquatic life and birds are out and about in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from wet areas in the southeast…

-Out of the Wilderness

Am I an extroverted introvert or an introverted extrovert?

This is the kind of question that might simply not have an answer. But if I had to make an educated guess, I’d conclude from the 44 years I’ve been on this earth that I’m an extroverted introvert. There are always moments I need to get away and be alone. Call it recharging, decompressing, centering, whatever it’s called I need it. That’s probably why I enjoy having my little space, aka my camper. It’s just me and the pups and in this camper I can write, nap, watch a movie, wash dishes, make meals, read. Of course, there are times I need to be around people. We probably all have those moments where being amongst family and/or friends is just as fulfilling as being alone.

I can’t envision myself as an extrovert, though. Public speaking, for instance, is not something I’m good at. Persuasion, also not something I excel in. Having people’s attention gives me anxiety 7 times out of 10. As an example, I barely even can make it through a prayer without fumbling my words when I pray in front of people. When it comes to persuasion, I once was a private video editing instructor just for a brief time and the whole process gave me such anxiety. I couldn’t even sleep at night because of the discomfort. It was bad. Once that particular job ended, I had such sweet relief.

How about you? Would you consider yourself an extroverted introvert or the other way around? Share any examples in the comments!

-Out of the Wilderness