I have a good-hearted friend, the sort of guy who will spend 30 minutes in your kitchen at the end of your dinner party washing your guests’ dishes just to make things easier on you the next day. He posted this on his Facebook page and I thought reading it might be a lovely way to start the weekend:
Today in the gym locker room at work, someone made what I interpreted to be a homophobic comment. It wasn’t the first time, and it wasn’t even from the dude that likes to constantly call people ‘sissy.’ The locker room was full. It was awkward. I thought about saying something, but didn’t. As I felt the embarrassment and anger stew within me, I considered wearing my socks into the shower stall so as not to expose my freshly-painted rainbow toenails. I quickly talked myself out of it. Fuck it, I thought to myself. Off I waltzed barefoot into the stall, determined to enjoy my hot post-workout shower and sing my little lungs out as I do every morning. If the fellas weren’t familiar with the Frozen soundtrack from their daughters, they certainly are after this week. Also, I use the term ‘sing’ loosely.
I stepped out of my shower, still a little disheartened, and was immediately told by one of the guys, “Jake just left but he said he wished everybody around here was as happy as you are.” I stopped and smiled, surprised. I always figured the guys were rolling their eyes at the weirdo belting out girly songs in the shower. Then the guy who made the disparaging comment earlier walked past me and I saw his eyes dart down to my feet. “Well now…” Here we go, I thought, ready to jump on the defensive. I’ve seen a lot of things in my days,” he chuckled, “but never rainbow toes.” I laughed and we proceeded to have a lovely conversation about his daughter, the joy of pedicures, and the value of not taking yourself too seriously. We won’t be going to get sushi and mani/pedis any day soon, but I did make a new gym buddy.
Sometimes the smallest and most seemingly insignificant of events can teach us some of the most valuable lessons. Today I was humbly reminded:
• People can only be as big, or as small, as I allow them the space to be.
• Every moment is a choice. I choose to make each moment an opportunity to learn and to grow.
• Be me. 100%. All the time. No apologies, no excuses, no exceptions.
• Living openly, honestly and unapologetically is the most powerful form of activism and the easiest way to change hearts and minds.
• With discomfort comes challenge, and with challenge comes growth.
• Nobody can accept me unless and until I accept myself – flaws, quirks, shortcomings and all. I am perfectly imperfect.
• I will always be my own worst enemy. It is just as important – if not more – to be kind to myself as it is to be kind to others.
• There is no reality. Only perception thereof. I choose to create an empowering interpretation.
• Rainbow toenails don’t just make me smile.
Happy Friday!