Anastrophe

The other day I puckishly jumped into a discussion going on right beside me between two women and a guy regarding places to eat. After stating my opinion and engaging them in a quick conversation about various subjects, the fourth member of their party made an appearance and they prepared to leave. As they were heading out the door the oldest woman stops in front of me and says boisterously, “I wish you were a little older!” I pause, bemusedly, “Yes?” She nods, “Yes, my son needs an older woman!” My eyes widen, “Okaayyy….?” She then said something I cannot remember (due to my rattled state) before flinging out, “What are you, 12 or 13?” I decide to milk this for all it’s worth and smile demurely at the ground then look up through my eyelashes, “I am 21.” She pauses, gaping, clearly taken aback by this revelation, “…..” I hold out my hand, “Well, it was nice meeting you!” She dazedly grasps my palm before wandering after her companions. I then proceed to alternate between amusement, embarrassment, and general ticked off-ness… then decide that perhaps I’ve discovered my own secret weapon. Maybe. The whole thing was ridiculous.

Bold pen expressing

The words of a pounding heart

You must understand

•

Gathering courage

This moment will forever

Be stained with ink

•

Blackness captures time

This second voice now pleading

When I can no longer

•

A warm spark within

Will surely expose my soul

To no one but you

•

•

© Julia Glenn

To read/finish:

Sometimes…. while I am watching the leaves fall (it’s Florida, so they continue to do so through winter)…. I am decidedly glad that my existence is not that of a leaf. Not to say that I don’t appreciate leaves…. if fact, without them, I wouldn’t have tea (different leaves…. I know). Regardless, I retain control (however limited or illusional) over my life. A leaf does not.

I can do great things with my life. A leaf’s possible accomplishments are rather sparse (comparatively speaking). And it cannot feel the satisfaction of a job completed (well or not).

By the same token (on the other side of said token) I find that you would be hard-pressed to find someone who feels strongly that a leaf has failed in its job. You wouldn’t fire a leaf (except by burning). But myself…. I can be judged with reckless abandon.

So… the point…. (besides the therapeutic qualities of rambling)…. I suppose that it might be simply that those who have potential should not treat it lightly. Ability can be counted among the resources that have been afforded to each person at birth. Some are less fortunate than others. Just because you are delivered into a world of affluence… or find yourself apprenticing under a master… or have opportunities flinging themselves at you… success is not guaranteed. I feel my greatest fault is my lack of self-discipline. Discipline shows gratefulness (which is one of the most life-altering perspectives).

the end.

Lots of people both extroverts and introverts dislike public speaking because the entire audience is focused on you and seemingly critical of any flaw or mistake you make when most of the time the audience just wants you to finish so they can get on with their life.

Personal tips weblog Dumb Little Man offers insight into this issue:

“Someone I respect a great deal once told me that ‘shyness is pride.’ What he meant was that shy people spend too much time worrying about themselves and how they look in the eyes of other people, when they should be focusing on what’s outside, trying to do a good job, trying to add value to the situation. This is brilliant advice – start thinking about others and less about yourself. In fact, everyone else is actually thinking about themselves, too. Nobody really cares about you. So stop being so self absorbed.”

I know the times I’ve been stuck hearing presenters at awards shows and conferences I politely listen, but don’t really care if they’re a perfect speaker or just a good one. Stop worrying so much about what your audience is thinking and finish the presentation already.

(Source: Lifehacker)