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
[tweetmeme source=”cassidylewis” only_single=false]
Linda Cassidy Lewis 
I can so sympathize with the anxiety it takes to stop writing about the world and actually having to go out into it!
Good for you in facing this for 2010! I am with you the whole way!
LikeLike
Thank you, Joan. I’m sure I’ll need a push now and then … make that a shove … but I’m going to keep challenging myself.
LikeLike
I love this post, Linda!! Good for you for challenging yourself to come out of your shell, and for going to meet Mari! I’m inspired by your ambition and by the sunshine vibe of this energetic post. 🙂
LikeLike
Sunshine vibe? Oooo, I feel like a hippie. 🙂 Okay, now I know I’m going to have a great year! 🙂
LikeLike
I felt like a hippie when I wrote it, haha; don’t think I’ve ever used sunshine vibe before, but, well, I felt sunny so that’s what came out, I guess.
And now I’m laughing at my hippie self. 🙂
Yes. It WILL be a good year!
LikeLike
WOW!!! I’m so excited for you. I think you and Tricia and I should plan something this year. A lunch. I’ll drive for you two. And I’m such a complete dork in person, I will put you both at ease. (Or we’ll all be insanely nervous but that could be entertaining too.)
Thank you for your super wonderful words about me here. I recently told someone that I don’t ever want to go back into that cave. As hard as it is to be out in the world (and it is sometimes hard and scary), connection is good.
Soon, I’ll be posting about boundaries (something we hermits don’t have much practice at setting). Stay tuned.
LikeLike
Or we could meet somewhere in the middle. I know Tricia would be braver if she came with me.
I’m looking forward to your boundaries post. It might keep me from going too far in the opposite direction! 🙂
LikeLike
I’m READY! (sorry, Spongebob’d out on ya) I first need to lose ten pounds and have my braces off. How does my hair look? I’m not nervous. I can do this. I can do this. I can …
LikeLike
Every time I meet a writer I’m inspired — be it in person or online. My brother (a generous soul) has offered to fly me from Chicago to visit him in SF. I’d love to meet up with you then (still in the planning stages, but I’m thinking March).
Of course, if you’re ever in or around the Windy City, please let me know!
LikeLike
Keep me posted on your travel plans. I confess that I’ve never been to Chicago. Yes, I spent two-thirds of my life only three hours away, but I fell prey to my family’s provincial mindset.
LikeLike