This is the first line of the Mary Oliver poem, Wild Geese.
You do not have to be good. In fact, you can totally suck. Or you can be freaking awesome.
Either way you’re doing something.
Every now and then I like to do something that I totally suck at. Skating. Aerobics. Painting.
Reading a map or following directions. This gives me a healthy respect for struggle and deep breathing. It usually involves a touch of frustration and a good bit of swearing, but it gives me the opportunity to fall down, be totally uncoordinated, create kindling, get lost….ultimately to fail (if only in a small way) – and know that my world won’t fall apart.More often, I like to go and do something I do well. Pushing my body. Running. Writing. Math problems (yes, I’m that geek). It makes me feel good to go hard, push through and write, run, create, or solve a problem. I get a rush from giving my best effort, and knowing I’ve done something well. Each experience – both sucking, and being great – gives me something. They feel different in my body, and teach me different lessons.
What if you didn’t settle for good?
Go. Do something you totally suck at. Suck it up. Be horrible. And laugh. Let it go. Be free.
Also, go out and do something you totally rock at. Create something. Paint. Write. Run. Bike. Push your body or your mind to the limit. Soak up both experiences. Each gives you something unique.
What will you do?
You do not have be good.
