What if

Everyone dreams of living at the beach, or in the mountains. I’m lucky, I’ve lived near both and they are different, but equally awesome. However, people forget that living somewhere and vacationing there are two very different things. When you’re vacationing somewhere it’s relaxation all the time. Although, when you live somewhere you have to do real life things like: go to doctors appointments, work, find a school, join a church. It doesn’t seem hard at first, but these all have one thing in common; you have to put yourself out there, you have to be vulnerable.

We are all vulnerable to some degree everyday. Talking to a cashier, inviting mutual friends to your party and everyone loves the first day of school when the teacher says "lets get to know each other!" *Rolls eyes* the point is that, it isn’t some unknown thing that we’ve never dealt with. However, when you’re in a new place you become painfully aware of it. I have never had to find a dentist, or call a new doctor to schedule an appointment. These both seem very simple, and they are, but talking to a stranger about what dental work you need done can be intimidating. How about walking into a new church, or showing up to college your freshman year, or going to work on your first day. It’s unknown, it’s new and it’s scary.

It’s similar to Marlin in Finding Nemo. After his wife died he was so afraid to be vulnerable. He didn’t even want Nemo going to school. He was trying to protect himself; rightfully so, it’s good to be cautious. However, you can’t pause your life because you’re afraid of living it. Imagine Nemo hadn’t touched the butt, if he hadn’t been vulnerable. We would’ve missed out on two really awesome movies.

No matter who you are, you will struggle with this. I am not shy, by any means, that is unless I have to be vulnerable. I find myself asking the same questions we all do whenever we’re in a new situation, “what if they don’t like me?” Or, “what if I look weird?” Or, “what if they make fun of me?” What if, what if, what if and I’ve asked myself so many times that now I’ve missed the opportunity. Yeah! What IF, they don’t like you? Would you want to be friends with people who don’t like you? What IF, you look weird? You can laugh about it later! What IF, they make fun of you? Well, that says more about them than it does about you.

But, what if… they actually do make fun of you? Then what? You cry. You tell your mom. You take a shower. You kick something. You take a nap. But… what about after that? You get up and you try again.

Really.

It sounds so silly, BECAUSE IT IS. We spend so much of our time worrying about how we’ll get hurt that we end up wondering IF we maybe, just maybe, missed something that might’ve actually been good.

Today, while at the pool there were these two girls swimming. A tad desperate for friends I was excited when they looked nice and they seemed to be my age. The entire time, while I should’ve been enjoying the weather, I was asking myself these questions. I was about to leave and decided to just say something. It might be awkward at first.. But, what if?

It wasn’t awkward at all, and we ended up having a really great conversation. That is a new connection made. One, that just because I decided to say something, may flourish into a beautiful friendship. And, it may not, but now I’ll never have to wonder. I think we forget that it’s only the first jump that’s scary. After that, what IF… doesn’t seem to be so intimidating anymore.

IF. We give that word so much power. We give it the power to frighten us and keep us from following our heart. But, what IF we let used that for good instead of evil, let it motivate us and drive us. Rather than asking yourself those questions, I mentioned earlier, ask yourself, “what if I just met my best friend?” Or, “what if I get more money than I thought I would?” Or, “What if this is the love of my life?” What IF?! There are so many possibilities, if only we gave them a chance.

So, date the guy, talk to that girl, tryout for the team, apply for that job. Because, if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that I’d much rather be the star in two awesome movies, than continue to ask myself what IF?

Some snapshots from the pool today! I’m really starting to enjoy life here in the sunshine state! I’m so thankful for everyone who takes the time to read what I’ve learned on this crazy journey from point A to point B.