I don’t know if it’s because of a fear of rejection (yes) or a fear of rejection (again, yes), but I am not an initiator. As in, I don’t invite people to do things: to go to the awesome gallery show that’s coming up or to breakfast at that place that has the organic, sustainably farmed and raised, delicious food, or walk to that newly opened coffee shop with the looseleaf tea and hazelnut & chocolate danishes. But I want to do those things. With people that I like. But I fear rejection, that people will think it’s so cliche and that no one will want to participate. So usually Bry and I just do whatever activity together as I wistfully imagine that there are hoards of people who are out there having way more fun than we are.
Because you know they totally are.
Not really. I know that. But Bry and I were talking and he brought up the concept of being the Ambassador of Fun. Bryan is fortunately more balanced than I am, and also always up for anything (That’s also one of the reasons that I like-like him– he goes on adventures with me). His theory is that most people don’t want to be initiators and therefore most of the time everyone is just sitting around, waiting for someone to come up with something fun to do. When someone initiates, or is the Ambassador of Fun, most people are game. If someone suggested going kayaking or having a picnic with a charcuterie board or just doing something awesome, I know I would be totally down.
So, I think it all boils down to a couple of things: 1. Be an Ambassador of Fun and also 2. Be the type of person that you want to meet.
I found #2 over on Pinterest and I printed it out and stuck it on my real-life inspiration board above my computer. I look at it every day.
Because I don’t want to be the type of person that I think people want me to be. It’s an aimless quest that leaves you unhappy (or at least leaves me unhappy) because honestly, I really think that it’s all in your head. Most people are really mostly concerned about the impression they’re leaving. So you might as well just say screw it and do things that you think are cool, and invite others to share in them.
Who cares if people reject you anyway? I bet there are way more people out there like us than we think. But if we don’t initiate and just wait around, then we might never have the chance to know them.
So I hope this weekend you will go out and initiate some fun. I know I will. See you Monday and can’t wait to hear all about it.
Image via Pinterest, original source unknown