Lately, it seems the topics of man-hunting and ticking biological clocks have dominated some of the conversations of a few of my gal pals. (Don’t worry; I wouldn’t dream of mentioning any names.) I have had various periods of singlehood in the past, but this time around I am older and wiser; therefore, my outlook is very different.
I’m suddenly feeling sage-like, and I’d like to share a few things I feel I know for certain. Take note!
You can’t hurry love.
Most of us want to find that special companion – the one who makes us laugh, the one we’d call when we’ve had a bad day, the one we miss when he/she’s not around, etc. Why make plans and timelines for things such as this, especially when the timing is kinda out of our control? That person will come along in due time. Let go of the pressure; it’s okay to be alone, and furthermore, it’s okay to enjoy it. Use this time to meet new people. Rekindle old friendships. Try new things. Get comfortable alone in the silence once in a while. Besides, it’s been my experience the best things come along when I’m not necessarily looking for them, which leads to my next little nugget…
Don’t let life pass you by.
Did you ever want something so badly – ever get so obsessed over some goal – that you came down with a bad case of tunnel vision? There’s no telling what you missed while you were fixated on that one thing – no telling what opportunity passed you by because it was inconvenient, unexpected, and/or didn’t fit into your plan. Be open to the really awesome things (and people) that may come along when you least expect them. Life is short, and if you wait for the perfect time to take advantage of a good thing, you’ll wait forever.
Be comfortable in your own skin.
We’re all different. Own what is yours – good and bad. Take me, for example:
- I’m awkward. A lot. I create and thrive on awkward moments.
- Also contributing to #1, I’m a complete klutz – If I can trip over it, break it, knock it over, run into it…I will. I mean it. At no time and in no realistic capacity will you ever hear “Sarah” and “grace” used in the same sentence. You want proof? Monday, I ran into a table. And I don’t mean I grazed it, nor did I bump it. I mean, I nearly knocked it over…with people sitting there. My customers asked if I had too many shift shots on my birthday. Me? BWAhahaha! Shift shots?? Are you kidding??? I’m a walking-disaster sober, so drinking on the job would be just plain dangerous.
- I’m an awful driver.
- I have no sense of direction, which doesn’t help with #3.
- I’m a neat-freak. I can’t relax when things are out of place.
- I snort when I laugh.
- I hate most vegetables.
- My extended family is kinda nuts. Okay, that was a lie. They fall more into the “batsh*t-crazy-nuts” category.
- I’m a nerd. Okay, fair enough. Some might find that attractive.
- I’m honest to a fault. How is that a fault, you ask?
Friend: “Does this make me look fat?”
Me: “No. It makes you look pregnant.”
Apparently, some don’t appreciate brutal honestly.
See, we all have flaws. I prefer to call them “quirks.” I also like to think said “quirks” are offset by my better qualities:
- I’m smart. I have not-so-common sense and am educated. Hey, that’s hard to come by, yes?
- I am an excellent cook. Mmmmmm…chocolate chip cookies…
- I’m not an ogre, right?
- I have compassion for others. I believe in giving what I am able, even if it’s just time.
- I have mastered the artform of kissing.
- I’m passionate about everything that’s important to me – family, friends, education, career, contributing to the world around me…
- I like sports. (I should clarify that statement: I like to watch sports. Do we need to revist the subject of my complete lack of physical coordination?)
- I’m talented and artistic. (You should see my mad design skills, yo.)
- I’m sane. That seems to be very important these days.
- I know who I am and what I want. That’s quite possibly the most important trait one can possess.
In this very superficial world in which we live, I know what really matters, and I know what I have offer. Do you know what you have to offer? If you do, people will take notice, and you will become instantly more attractive to them. If you embrace and love who you are – flaws…er…quirks and all, chances are someone is bound to do the same. Just wait patiently for that to happen, and don’t sell yourself short in the meantime.
PS:
These thoughts seemed to be solidified one Sunday as I sat alone on my couch in only my underwear and Titans jersey for the majority of the day, and I had three revelations:
- The Titans make me very angry.
- I have a slight cursing problem. (See #1.)
- Dang, one day I’m gonna make some lucky guy very happy. =)
(I know, a feel good advice blog? Oh Yes. Really.)