We’re at that point in January where it feels like it’s been going on for three months, which has me thinking about the funny nature of time. It has a way of squeezing more of itself into the most uncomfortable moments.
A few years ago, I witnessed the dropping of about 20 boots. It was part of a performance of “Oklahoma!”, not some footwear production mishap, and I’m not sure about the number, but the point is that there were a lot of shoes, and they were dropped.
This mass shoe drop was preceded by the dropping of a single boot, followed by an eternity waiting for its mate’s appearance. It was a startling relief when the stage was pelted with about 19 more boots than I’d been expecting.
Perhaps it’s that same anxious anticipation that makes it feel like we’re now entering the third age of January. We’re collectively waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Figurative and literal footwear aside, maybe we are the ones responsible for the eternal nature of January. By bracing ourselves for the year’s unknowns we not only increase our worries but also the time till the hypothetical impact. Which is frankly, a waste of time and energy.
In life, much like in a theatrical setting, if the shoes are going to fall, they’re going to fall. All we can do is deal with it when it does. Sometimes that means dealing with the fallout. Other times it means moving the shoe out of the way so no one else will trip over it, and the person it belongs to can find it.
Be Kind. Be Brave. Stay Awkward.
Onward & Awkward 