Yes, I know, I’ve told you many tales of my life as a hermit. I’ve revealed my social awkwardness, my reluctance to venture into public places, my preference for a virtual life. Just two posts ago, I expressed the belief I’m not confident enough for Twitter. Well, that was just … um … an act. I will accept the Oscar, thank you.
Okay, so it wasn’t an act. But I realized that not only could I not pro
mote my writing in this hermit state, it wasn’t actually true of me anymore. So … tada … I’m coming out of my shell. I’m taking the plunge. I’m stepping out on faith. If you follow Judy Clement Wall’s blog, you know that 2009 was her year to challenge herself this way. And she has now become the flat-out rocking “Incredible J” of 2010 … and beyond. I don’t hope to equal her success, but who knows?
I’ve undertaken my first challenge and I’m so excited about it, I moved this post, intended for Wednesday, up a day. Over a year ago, soon after starting this blog, I came across Mari Mayborn’s. She’s an inspirational writer and speaker. Her beautifully written blog posts were some of the first I dared to comment on. She reciprocated here and, eventually, even dared ask me to give her feedback on articles she was preparing for submission. Then, she let me know she’d be in California this month and asked if we could get together.
Normally, my response would have been to say, “I’m sorry. That would be nice, but _____ (fill-in the blank).” I am now, very glad I didn’t do that. She drove two hours (one way!) to meet with me at a Starbucks yesterday. I will not lie, I had a mild anxiety attack as I was about to leave my house. But I persevered. Mari was as lovely a person as I knew she would be and we talked for nearly three and a half hours! (And I’m pretty sure I didn’t babble the whole time.) It was great. I loved it. I’m ready for more.
So, I’m through with the hermit “I can’t” thinking. There are, of course, still things I won’t do, but only because they’re dangerous, wrong, or just plain stupid. To the other things, I’ll say, why not?
What’s the best that could happen?
Photo credit: Dawn M Schiller – Odd Fae and Autumn Things
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Linda Cassidy Lewis 
Hi Linda! ‘So fun to read this post. What a great time at Starbucks, indeed! My little hometown newspaper had a column that reported on family get-togethers and such. Each entry ended with: and a good time was had by all. I think that sums up our chatty afternoon pretty well!
I am so glad that you didn’t give in to the temptation to concoct a wild excuse to get out of visiting with me! It’s important to know the difference between a sweet opportunity and a writing prompt.
Here’s to 2010…the year of the sunshine vibe! Sign me up, I think I’ll have one of those, too.
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It truly was a pleasure meeting you face to face, Mari. And this year really does seem like a positive one. And a sunshine vibe is what I get every time I see your avatar! 🙂
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