Just to set the record straight, I have insecurities and things that I must overcome just like the rest of the world. Yes, there are times when I am going full speed ahead but there are also those times when I find myself wondering why I am hesitating or have cleaned out a thousand closets rather than tackle some problem that has been eating away at me.
Easter weekend in St Augustine
As always, click each photo for a better view
I have laid this ground-work because over the Easter weekend Alex and I spent a good amount of time in St Augustine, Florida. I really like St Augustine but as the summer approaches the place becomes overwhelmed with tourists driving huge cars that are in no way suited for the narrow streets, with little patience as they endlessly search for that nonexistent parking space.
As always, click each photo for a better viewCarriage drivers with attitude
Personally we park away from downtown and ride our bikes into the area as the only way to really get around and were in the process of doing that when we stopped near “The Fort”. I wanted a picture of all the horse drawn carriages lined up along the major street leading into the city and was standing there mentally sorting out how I wanted to frame the shot.
You can imagine my surprise as I watched one of the carriage drivers with a smooth air of confidence step out into the busy street, hold up his hand and commanded the cars on either side to simply stop and allow him to casually walk across four lanes of traffic.
I was so shocked by his easy confidence that when he reached my side I jokingly teased him by asking “And what do you plan to do next Joe Cool after that great performance?” He turned to me and said “Those cars will run you over if you don’t take control of the situation; it’s a combination of “no sense” and being bold.” I will interprete: No sense is Southern for being a little crazy or just not getting so much into your head and thinking a thing to death.
Heroes and the expectation of success
I don’t think he had any idea the effect that moment had on me. Sort of out of the blue it came to me that that is what leaps of faith are all about. You can plan only to a point and then you simply have to DO IT! Not just make the effort but strike out with a combination of “no sense” and being bold. And, the exchange of energy you impart is the expectation of success!
And in the few days since the trip, when I feel myself getting ready to clear out a closet rather than face a problem I think of Joe Cool and his horse General Lee and find myself forging ahead with a combination of “no sense” and boldness. It has worked wonders because I am making bold moves all over the place.
So meet my heroes: Joe Cool and General Lee
Being bold is the ticket but the no sense part is just as great. Joe cool sounds like a real southern philosopher.
I feel we all have to step outside that box and try things otherwise we will never know… Good post.