An Introduction to Opportunity

It all begins with hello.

Have we lost the art of introduction? When did we become so afraid to talk to people we don't yet know? How can we be so willing to bare our hearts on social media, but shrink at the idea of communicating face to face? More and more I have witnessed an indignant (anxiousness) attitude when it comes to young people interacting with each other and their elders. I'd like to take a stab at a solution...

Step one (it's super simple): walk up to the guy or gal you'd like to talk to, reach out your open hand and say, "Hi. My name is ________." Chances are, social etiquette has been around long enough that they'll automatically shake your hand in return and tell you their name. It might feel funny. You might laugh. Go ahead - break the ice! Level the playing field. They're not better than you, you're not better than them. You're both self-conscious humans!

The beauty of introduction reveals your character as someone who takes a chance. You're someone who is less afraid of embarrassing themselves than making an impression - a statement that claims: in the age of increased virtual interaction, you've got the guts to look someone you don't know in the eye and talk to them.

Why you might want to consider the (almost) past-time of REAL interaction:

Again, a relatively uncomplicated notion, although at times difficult to infer...I can tell you with absolute certainty that in this day and age, you will be given more opportunities in the areas of your life that you want to grow in and expand upon by upping your two-way communication game.

Beyond a handshake, this is talking over the phone rather than texting or emailing. Those are one-way communication methods and can be highly destructive to relationships that depend on sharing thoughts, ideas, plans, strategies, goals and emotions in general. Even now, I wish you could hear the sound of my voice. I would love if you could contextualize these statements (that's why some folks podcast as well as blog).

The rewards are instantaneous! How nice it is to understand each other (well, almost ;) )

How I became an "emotional stunt-woman."

Long story short, I grew up without cellphones. Sure, I played video games with my brother, got into the online world with AOL chat groups when I was a teenager...but other than all that, I was raised outdoors. And boy am I glad for it.

Fortunately as well, my family members taught me how to interact with adults. My grandmother took me to volunteer at a local nursing home with her several  times. I ushered countless shows at Miller Auditorium, (handing out booklets and helping people find their seats) and she took me on a two week trip to Boulder, Colorado when I was ten. I read her the road map.

I could delve into many more scenarios of my upbringing to give you an idea of how I became "me," but would surely be enough to write a book, so I'll spare you the details (I feel like I'm getting sidetracked here). 

Continued...

Confrontation is a hard one for me. Fear of embarrassment is another biggie. And yet the only way I can see light at the end of the tunnel is to practice putting myself in uncomfortable situations and figuring out how to with it.

I used to get horrendous stomach aches when I got nervous. I've had to work through stage fright in the hours leading up to shows for years. But - and who really knows exactly why - I haven't let it defeat me. And I didn't become short-sighted, set small goals and stop there. No, I tend to go big. I wanted to play Bells, so I played Bells. I wanted to own a horse, now I own a horse. I knew I deserved more than what I was receiving in my partnership, so I left and I found much, much more.

Because of what I've learned and have been able to accomplish by facing my fears rather than turning away from them, I urge you to take the hard(er) route. Because taking the easy way out not only reveals. but builds your character, and being brave does too. Reach out your hand. Hold your head up high. People notice, and soon, you'll start noticing changes within as well.

I was recently offered a job at a small private barn.

I stated my intentions and solidified my stance. I saw beyond where I was to where I want to eventually be. It was certainly not voila - it takes hard work and a lot of patience to get "there," - but then it happened. One day I was there, and now I am here.

Let that settle in.

If you're still reading this, I hope you thought these few moments of your time considering what I felt urged to say resonate in some way with you.

Love life & be brave! You can have it all!