Being brave is one of the scarier things in life. (I know, this bitch is talking about first world problems again, amirite?) It really is though. Instinctively, people are hard-wired to exhibit courage when it comes to your fight or flight response. However, since I do not reside in a third world country and am currently not running for my life from a lioness in the bush, courage and bravery (and yes, some instinct) is what I will be discussing today.
It's difficult for me to be honest with people. As brash and bold as I may appear on the outside, when it comes to being honest with myself and necessity to convey that to others, I fail. Example: Last Christmas, or thereabouts, I was semi-seeing the worst man in existence, and he happened to comfortably drop a racial slur (several times) in my presence. My inner hackles raised, I proceeded to do...absolutely nothing. Of COURSE I was offended and felt extremely uncomfortable. So- why nothing?
It's simply difficult. It's almost impossible to gather the inner stones to tell someone they're being a complete ass. It's not easy to let someone know you aren't interested in pursuing a future with them. The thing about relationships is, one side is always going to be wrong and a little off...until you meet someone who, well, isn't. Some can complement you completely. And someone ending up heartbroken in the process of two beings colliding into each other for a moment on this Earth, well... that's life, isn't it?
That being said, I still search for ways to be brave- to DELIBERATELY make myself uncomfortable so that my voice, myself, my very being is noticed and taken account of. I can be assertive without being a bitch. And, as the lovely Anna and GTITW have consistently instructed me to "Say what you wanna say and let the words fall out. I wanna see you be brave. And if someone gets offended by your honesty, well, that's their problem. Not yours." And they're absolutely correct.
No, I'm not the total hell on wheels with no soul that people often perceive me to be (I believe "intimidating" was used once to describe me, and that was back at university.) I am an inner softy with a wicked bark (rest assured, the bite has and will come out if necessary.) But I'm just learning now, after 34 years on this gorgeous home planet of ours, that the truth shall set you free; and anyone who doesn't stick around for this magnificent tilt-a-whirl that is 'my life' because they can't handle me or my truth can FUCK OFF. In a nice way, of course.
But no, really do fuck off.
So think about what you honestly have to say to the world, others, and yourself. The right people will stick around if you're the best version of "you" you can be. Be honest, have integrity, but above all be cordial- because let's face it- if you aren't, Karma will come around and ass-fuck you with a cactus.
Images via Tumblr
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