Stumbling,

I fall, and haven hit the ground, my initial reaction is to self-consciously wince, and take a quick glance at my surrounding, so as to see if anyone has taken notice of my less than perfect maneuver.

Why is that? I wonder. Why do I care what other might think of me? And most of all, what does this say about my confidence?

Suppose, I catch someone staring at me, in this somewhat demeaning position, or even worst, it is actually a group of people, finely dressed, displaying elegance, a tinge of affluence, what is it that happens in my subconscious mind, at that moment? What thoughts course through me, so fast I fail to discern their superficiality?

Are we what others make of us? Are we what others decide we are? Surely, if this is the case, ours is a terrible burden to carry along, as we go through life, worried and fearful, perpetually engaged in being careful not to make a mistake, not to offend, not to make too much noise, not to step out of line, not to take risks, and on, and on...

So, I say, let us be ourselves, with as much honesty, zeal and fearlessness, as we can muster, and let whomever wants to point that judging finger enjoy the show. Life is now. It is as beautiful, and as glorious as what we do of it.

Be well, and do from the heart.