Sweet Soliloquies

Jamie asks us today:

What do you wish to dare?

A girlfriend and I discovered an amazing line of jewelry in a gift shop during our annual spring flower shopping trip this year. I wish I could remember the name of the artist, but I’ll show you a (very poor quality) photo of the necklace I purchased from that collection:

I loved the message “Make Waves” and the photo of a girl who resembles me at that age playing a piano. I also loved the message on the other side:

I said to myself, “How perfect! I must have this to remind myself to dare to be me.“ Instead of pulling myself in, remaining quiet and hiding, I wish to go ahead and be myself, claim my space, be goofy, and take risks. I often admire people who march to the beat of a different drummer (or should I say, to the beat of their own drum?). What if we all did that? Would there be less snickering when someone walks by wearing a wild outfit and “Flock of Seagulls” hair? Would we join that woman dancing all alone on the dance floor, carried away by the music of her heart, instead of leaning over to our friend, pointing, and making a joke?

What if I want a purple streak in my hair at my age (45)? Should my age matter? No, I don’t want to look like someone who’s trying too hard to be 25, but if that purple streak gives me some pep in my step, who does it hurt?

If I were to stop fretting about that story idea in my head and just start writing it, even if it’s horrendous, at least I’d have something written to work with. If I don’t take that risk, I’ll have nothing. If I don’t finish the story and send it to that someone I long to impress, how will I ever grow as a writer?

Take a chance. Breathe.

In the words of The Replacements, “I will dare.“ Will you?

To make your daring wish and read what others are wishing, visit Jamie at Jamie Ridler Studios.