You know those people who live in your periphery? The friend of a friend, the bartender at your favorite nightclub, or the spouse of one of your coworkers. You know them, you’ve seen them at functions, and you have probably had quite a few conversations, but you dismissed them because you knew their one-dimensional selves, and you thought that was all there was to them. It’s almost like being a teacher and seeing a student at the grocery store, how their eyes get bigger because they believe you are a magic genie who’s tied to the school building just like it’s a lamp.
Tonight was one of those magic moments, even though it seemed simple enough at the time. I went to a poetry reading open mic night at the library (where my wife works), and one of her coworkers was sponsoring it so he was there and caught my performance. After the reading, he took me aside and told me how amazing my poetry and delivery were, and he looked honestly shocked. I asked him about it, and he said very simply that while he knew me, he guessed he never KNEW me. And it hit me then that people do put you into a box, and they see you in the context of that box and nothing more, unless they’re given reason to envision you outside of it.
Step outside of your box today. Show people who you really are. You might be surprised.
Sam
Sam's Online Journal 