Looking Out My Back Window #33

Originally posted on Facebook HERE

My weekly “looking out my back window” post is going to press later than usual today. A lot on my mind this morning I guess. Reading Brene Brown’s book “Daring Greatly”, which is about vulnerability, and realizing just how much I already know about the subject, as does almost any artist, musician, writer, speaker… aw, heck – we ALL know about vulnerability. Every week I post these I wonder “will anyone like this?”… some weeks go better than others, too – and it’s not always the week’s where I get done and think “this is awesome!” that get the most response. It hurts when a post doesn’t go over or get as many “likes” as I usually get. I think that’s human nature. And, if I didn’t post at all I wouldn’t even have to think about it. I wouldn’t be vulnerable. So, we often set ourselves up to lead lives without vulnerability. Good musicians never get out of the basement for fear of negative feedback. Good artists never show their work. Writers never publish. Vulnerability is scary. Our egos can be so fragile, and despite our exteriors inside we’re all a bit insecure. Why? Why is it when we have a day where ten things go right, but you say one stupid thing to one person that isn’t even that big of a deal, the one dumb thing is what we obsess over? How did that become our default setting? It takes courage to put yourself out there when so many are so quick to criticize. The old joke about musicians goes something like this: Q: “How many musicians does it take to screw in a light bulb?” – A: “Eleven. One to do it, and ten to say they could have done it better.” It’s super scary to say “I wrote this song, will you have a listen?”… “take a look at this painting I did”… “I wrote this article/blog/book – will you read it and tell me what you think?”… or, how about saying “I love you” for the first time? Some of the best thing in life are on the other side of our vulnerabilities. It takes courage to press on despite the fear of putting ourselves on the line. Falling in love, starting a business, creating a work of art… we will get shot down at times. Don’t let your fear stop you from taking chances. What would your heart do if your head didn’t get in the way? It scared the crap out of me to do that series of speeches I recently concluded. I held that idea for years before I decided to go for it. And I did it. I got nothing but positive feedback from it. I learned a lot. It totally scared the crap out of me, but now that it’s over – wow. I did it! Freedom is often on the other side of fear. Face your vulnerabilities with courage, “dare greatly”, and let your passion be your guide.