HOPE – Revisited
In a world wracked with fear, in a life full of suffering, in a time that knows only war, how can we possibly find hope? Where does it exist? With so many failures and so few supporters, how can we keep that tiny flicker of hope aflame? As I see the responses to this week’s challenge emerge I have come to realize that maybe we need a little more Hope this week, to get us started.
Fear. Everywhere fear. Fear of death. Fear of losing our property. Fear of unemployment. Fear of our secrets emerging. Fear of rejection. My personal favourite. The fear that we are somehow different than everyone else. That we just don’t fit in. That we are alone in a world of madness and chaos. The fear that nobody wants us around. That nobody understands. That nobody cares.
Who does not suffer this fear? The fear of walking up to a stranger and saying to them, “I get a really good energy off of you, would you like to grab a coffee? My treat?” Why is that so terrifying? All we really want is to have more Love in our life. So why can’t we ever seem to muster the courage to go out and find it?
Today I went out for lunch at Moxie’s, a chain restaurant in the area. I was with my grandfather and we had a nice chat and took some time to catch up. While there I couldn’t help but notice that our waitress was very attractive. I also couldn’t help but notice that she was only really talking to me and she was making very good eye contact with lots of smiles. Granted I was with a man 50 years older than her, but she definitely was showing me a lot more attention.
“So, how long have you worked here?”
That’s it. That’s all I had to say. I wanted to. She would have answered me. She would have chatted with me. She might even have agreed to coffee later. But I was with my grandfather. Hardly the time to talk to a stranger…
Why? Why not talk to her? Because of my grandfather? Sure, nice try. Because of fear. Fear that my grandfather would be embarrassed, which is silly. Fear that she would be uninterested, which is sillier. And fear that she might actually say yes… you heard me. Fear that I would have to introduce her to someone I do not always trust. Tristan.
I am so tired of fear. It hurts my soul. It brings me down. It makes my food taste bitter and my mood even worse. I would rather live in Hope. I would rather live in Love.
But how? What to do?
This week, as part of my Challenge to Live in Hope, I will be taking my show on the road. I am going to go back to Moxie’s with a pen and a pad of paper. I am going to ask for a table for one and order some lunch and write a post for my blog. And I am going to initiate a conversation with my waitress and find out her name.
Wish me luck!
Fear. It ruins our day to day life, poisoning the possible futures we never get to experience. It embodies lack of faith and ultimate self-will. Talk to her. Write your post there. It’s just coffee….if she says no, you lose nothing tangible but gain self-esteem, practice for the next time and affect her life in untold ways.
F.E.A.R: F*ck Everything and Run. or Fully Embrace Alternate Realites. Choices rule friend.
Thank you. I think I prefer Fully Embrace Alternate Realities… I might even make it a tagline… lol. You will soon hear of my attempt. As you say, even if she says no, it is still practice for next time.
Great post. Good luck! 🙂
Don’t just ask her name, ask her if she would like to go to dinner (or lunch) with you. Show your fear whose boss 🙂 Good luck! I am sure you will do great.
Thanks for the encouragement! And I will!
how can a four letter word, fear, take over our minds, body, and soul? sounds rediculous, but it can and does. great blog!
It is true. Perhaps a media that pushes nothing but fear has something to do with it…
I admire your decision to face your – silly – fear, which I don’t think is silly at all. Who knows what lies behind the silly? I guess like with most thing in life, it’s all about deciding, changing, trying out new things.
Anyway, I wish you luck and I hope she would be someone good to share a meal or a coffee!
I talk to people all the time. About anything and everything. I compliment people and smile at strangers. Am I crazy no just trying to spread a little love. Sometimes a smile is all you need. If you feel good you behave better towards others and it creates a ripple effect. I try to learn something new everyday. The media encourages us to fear everything. We have become a nation of worriers, stressed out about the things they say are important. Great blog and let’s continue to spread the love
Love your post! Good luck! I encourage you to enjoy the moment, write a fantastic blog and have some great food. Leave the rest up to God! He knows what is best for you!
Go for it! Wonderful blog… Blessings and faith to you.
Great post … the best way to overcome fear is to acknowledge its existence, accept it for what it is, and then move forward as your True Self … that sounds like the exact progression you have described and decision you have made. Good for you! Whatever the result, you will know that it is the result of being who you really are … always a nice confirmation. I look forward to reading your post from Moxie’s (ironic, that name, lol).
That’s what they call Moxy!
that is so funny, I never even thought of that…
Moxy:
“Self possessed confidence. An attitude of fearlessness in everyday circumstances. The capacity to stand alone in favor of an unpopular opinion or course of action with a casual demeanor.”
Great word isn’t it?
I don’t think it’s necessarily that you feared embarrassing your grandfather. I think it’s that you had too much respect for him and the time you 2 were sharing to try to hook up with a girl. Comparitively speaking, your grandfather won’t be around for too much longer. You can meet and flirt with pretty women any time. Great post!
Eeet.. good luck! May The Love be with you! 😀
Good for you – you sussed out the problem, you’ve come up w/ a strategy, you’re going after something you want! Hopeful………….
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