So many people are so concerned with their public perception and how their tribe views them that they are afraid to speak what they think is true. Because they'll lose the support of their tribe.
I've been thinking a lot about that, because I have some pretty significant life decisions to make. And that's the good thing about being 55, is you're just looking at things a little differently. And so I've really decided, you know, I don't want to be the guy who's on his deathbed and said shit, I should have done this, shit, I should have done that. I've been offered some really interesting opportunities that I think I'm going to go for. And the shit that I'm going to catch for this is going to be epic.
But the good thing is, as long as you have a True North—and I guess I'm saying this for young people—as long as you engage something thoughtfully, and you're okay with people not supporting you and what you do, (of course, not everybody because that would make life very difficult), but at least maybe losing the support of some allies... Don't be that person who's 20 years down the line saying "Oh, shit, you know, I should have done this. That would have been a really interesting experience. I should have seen something for myself," because you fear that you'll lose the approbation of your tribe.
It's also interesting while I'm walking here, I'm looking at the ground. It's a lovely trail. And I'm trying not to step on the slugs, or I don't know what these other things are, these creatures, but it really prevents me from looking at the forest around me. I don't know if there's something deeper in that or not. But I'm doing it, I guess, because I weigh not stepping on them more than I weigh whatever enjoyment I would get from looking up at the trees. Though, occasionally—I just looked up, right there.
Thoughts from a walk with Savanna