First Burning Man Moment, or, The Art of Looking Ridiculous. Long Beach, CA.
The screen door snaps against my arm, I stumble on the welcome mat, and the fresh coffee I carry splatters...all over my T-shirt, jeans, fur(fake!)-lined slippers, the deck, even the plants. All of it.
That’s how my day starts.
I’m PISSED!
I decide I need some makeup to handle the day better. Into the bathroom, grab the berry stain for cheeks and lips and voila — the open bottle leaps out of my hand and splashes onto the white porcelain sink. It’s a bloody-berry crime scene.
I’m FURIOUS!
Maybe just get out of the house. Work at a cafe. I must be stircrazy. Gather up all my things and shut the door.
Sunlight streams onto the deck, a mild breeze blows up over the canyon. Everything’s green beyond. Another beautiful day in Topanga!
Where. Are. My. Keys.
Inside. They’re in the basket by the door, fool.
Now, I’m HOMICIDAL!
I know how to break in to my house. No. I’m not going to tell you how — except to say it requires a lot of strenuous climbing, shimmying and slithering. Not ideal for tight jeans, which is what I happen to be wearing.
So I shuck them. Right there, on the deck. In broad daylight. It’s not even 10 a.m. and I’m standing in my underwear, ass cheeks naked to the SoCal sun and any neighbors who might happen to be lounging on their decks. Just like in an embarrassing dream. You know the ones where you walk into the fancy party to meet your date and…uh oh…you forgot to put your pants on!
THIS is when I bust up laughing. Shake my head at the ridiculousness of it all.
Start your day over. I learned this in twelve-step programs. I used to laugh at these slogans. Scoff at their simplicity. But you know what? They work. And they remind you not to take yourself too seriously.
That day, I had clients to serve. Calls to make. Things to write. I couldn’t sink into a self-flagellating mood, give myself a hard time for being clumsy, or spaced out — couldn’t stay in a fury of frustration. I was human. Maybe the universe was saying, Lighten up.
That’s one reason I’m going to Burning Man from August 26th through September 2nd. You get the opportunity to cut loose from routines. Wear purple wigs, silky slips, motorcycle goggles and Mad Max boots. Surprise yourself. Surprise others. Maybe even start your life over. I can’t wait to see what burns, and how it affects my business.
Yes, we all have talents. Desire to share with others. Services to offer. And, without a sense of humor, without understanding we are all fumbling — some of us with more clutziness than others! — we lose our sense of humanity. Our ability to connect. Which is what sales is all about, baby. Today, more than ever.
Later that crazy day, I spoke with two new prospects. I wasn’t as tough on myself. The conversation flowed more easily, with more laughs. I also didn’t take on their anxiety or doubt. And I signed two new clients.
So if your day goes off the pretty deck rails, start it over. As many times as you need.
Tell us your thoughts. Was this post entertaining or provocative? Have you recently had a hellacious day? Are you willing to start your day over and laugh at yourself? Let’s get the conversation going and hear some tales. Let it rip!
Yrs in truth,
Rachel
P.S. If you’re interested in booking a complimentary 20-minute Message Makeover, get ’em while they last! We’ve had outrageous response and have been full up for the past month plus. Now we have some openings and are taking people first come first served who also fill out an application form. Shoot us an e-mail at info@writersonfire.com with Message Makeover in the header if you’re interested.
Definitely entertaining! Definitely makes me feel normal (my poor children!). I too have learned to laugh – it’s a rarity to be truly embarrassed by myself anymore. I think I’m used to it:)
Love your title Sista! Looking forward to reading more:)
Thanks so much for reading, Kerry! I’m so glad you found it entertaining. Yes, children for sure can help us see the humor in all things. So cool. Glad you dug the title too. There will be more!
You’ll fit right in at Burning Man. Very entertaining post, Rachel. You know what’s more aggravating than locking yourself out? A sticky “e” key. Never realized exactly how many “e”s there are in any given sentence more than now(and how exactly does one write “e” plural???).
Ha, Deb, now that is aggravating!!! Totally true. I lose my mind with that type stuff. Aren’t our keyboards virtual extensions of our minds and mouths? Not sure if I’ll fit in at Burning Man. We. Shall. See. There shall be adventures, and tales, of that I’m sure. Thanks for joining the Writers On Fire party!
Love this post … the honesty of it. I could feel myself right there with you and just about died when you stripped to your undies… Hilarious and so perfect for what we as entrepreneurs go through. What a perfect example of how to just accept what’s happening, go with the flow, and choose a positive perspective!
Jennifer, what a delight to have you visit here! Thanks for taking the time to read, and for your generous post. I’m so gratified you enjoyed the honesty and hilarity! It so did feel like what we entrepreneurs go through — and that positive perspective, the flow is critical — and way more fun. Thanks!
Always a party going on wherever Rachel is! I love how even the most annoying trials in your life are cause for a life-lesson and room to grow.
It’s an inspiring way to go through life, and one of the many reasons I adore you and your writing.
Why fight, when you can have fun!
Thanks!
Ha! It’s an art, isn’t it? Having fun.I swear, the long years of writing — that discipline — has helped hone my outside-looking-in bemusement. That, plus the natural Theater of the Absurd sensibility.
So glad you find it inspiring! All about embracing those glaring flaws. Celebrating them. Thanks for your support and warm words, Wendi!
OMFG I almost totally peed my pants reading this post!!!!! The visual was HYSTERICAL!!! I LOVE that you shared this hilariously vulnerable moment with us. Made my day!! And totally showed me the value of showing up incredibly authentically. Thank you!
Hey Rachel, Starting a day over is a grand idea. I’m a pro at starting months over, actually. 🙂 I find it hilarious that it took stripping your pants to get to the laughter. Perhaps we all need to shuck the layers that bind us! I know I could.