What would you do today if you were brave?

[I Have A Dream]

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=0Nx4JkCALec

Serious question: What would you do if you only had the courage to do it?

[Sanity Claws]

1. Say fuck you to a lot of people and burn bridges (figuratively)

BTW, the link took me to a black page with nothing on it. Maybe it's because I have a Mac. Maybe the link just doesn't work properly. :shrug:

[I Have A Dream]

2. I would take at least a year away from work and travel througout Europe.

(Just like in "Eat, Pray, Love", which incidentally comes out this weekend.)

I've been extremely responsible my entire life (Capricorn here!), and I'd like to just follow wherever the road would lead me. (I wouldn't be roughing it though... :D)

[FirstLight]

3. Go live on a beach in Fiji...selling seashell necklaces for a living

either that or sell everything and backpack thru europe, stay in hostels, end up in tibet or someplace spiritually awesome...

:) ya, that capricorn wanderlust can be fun to imagine...

then it's "back to work" our little voice of conscience says... with a crack of the whip.

:rofl:

I really would like to give myself the freedom to travel and play withour fear someday, though ;)

[Celebration]

4. If I were brave

I'd get Linux.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=245x121703

:rofl:

Seriously.

[I Have A Dream]

5. Me too!

You first!

:rofl:

[mysticalchick]

7. LOL

Loved that one, Celebration! :)

[OneGrassRoot]

9. LOLOL!!! *clapping* n/t

[bigmonkey]

12. I can help.

Just saying. I could help a little.

[crikkett]

16. Very Very Very Good Answer!

:)

Very good. OBTW, same here.

:thumbsup:

[get the red out]

6. Ditch work

And my dental appointment and tell hubby now is the time to go house hunting and find one with a nice yard for puppy!

[bigmonkey]

38. I misinterpreted your headline, reading too fast.

I thought you were proclaiming that you'd go and do ditch work. Like in trenches, with a shovel. :-)

[mysticalchick]

8. Leave my job ...

... and dive headfirst into my intuitive practice, trusting the Universe to assist me in all the ways that support my soul's work.

It's a good question. Reminds me of the new show in Showtime: The Big C where she finds out she has a year to live, doesn't tell anyone and just does whatever she wants. Interesting premise.

[BanzaiBonnie]

10. No question about what I'd do

Hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Maybe when I'm 65.

[BlueIris]

11. Go collect a big pile of...stuff

I have coming to me. But I can't. It's too big. I don't want it.

[JanusAscending]

30. You can have my "stuff" !!!

It isn't what it's cracked up to be. It's the "sentimental stuff" that's the hardest to let go of though.(for me anyway)

[Kind of Blue]

13. If I were brave, I'd learn how to

swim and ride a bike today!

[I Have A Dream]

14. Awwww... I wish that I could help you to do that, Blue.

I hope that you're able to overcome whatever is holding you back from doing these things.

:hug:

[Kind of Blue]

18. Oh, just embarrassment.

:D I missed the opportunities as a kid :nopity: and gets harder growing older. But one of these days... :hug:

[I Have A Dream]

22. Uh, yeah... believe me, I completely "get" the embarrassment thing.

:eyes:

However, if you look as though you're having fun while learning to do it, rather than others making fun of you, you're more likely to make them smile and get excited for you. :)

Imagine that you have finally mastered both of these things. How would you feel about yourself? If it would allow you to see yourself as more competent, would it be worth the potential embarrassment? Of course, nobody should ever feel less than for not being able to do anything. However, most of us are aware of how the subconscious mind works. It's always there finding ways to tell us that we're "less than". If mastering these things would allow you to shut that hidden inner voice up, would it be worth doing it?

I'm so happy to hear that you don't have any phobias keeping you from doing them. Given that, you have a very real chance that you'll be able to pull together the courage required to do these things.

I'm seeing you happily swimming and riding your bike...

:D

:loveya:

[Kind of Blue]

33. I think you've hit the nail on the head.

You know, I never see or imagine learning how as fun.

I just came back from the supermarket and heard all the kids splashing and squealing away in the pool. I got out to watch them and they carried on even more rambunctiously. I asked how's the water and, of course, "This is fun; great; I love it!" Happy, happy, wet and shiny little people. I said, I wish I knew how. And they said, "We'll teach you!" One of the parents chimed in, "Really, they won't kill you like they try to kill each other." :rofl:

Is that the cutest thing ever??? Changing perception and all that. I must have looked like the creepy lady watching them before this :D

Lots of good insights, IHAD. Thanks very much. This is the last thing I ever thought I'd be thinking about!!! :hug: :hug: :hug:

[I Have A Dream]

34. Oh, wow...

:cry:

:D

Awww... and they're going to so enjoy helping you. Savor the time, Blue. Stay in the now. :loveya:

[Kind of Blue]

37. I will! I have two opportunities tomorrow.

I think I'll go with the kids - they're definitely nicer than I thought :loveya:! Here goes nothing - don't want to leave this life with woulda, coulda, shouldas.

[I Have A Dream]

50. Hey, Blue, maybe those same kids could then teach you how to ride a bike!

:think:

[Kind of Blue]

51. I DID IT!!!! Though all the forces were trying to

stop me - including me :rofl: - I Did It!

None of my friends were at the pool today. I checked periodically while working and no children. That bummed me out. :(
Then I tore a closet up trying to find a suit - no suit but a real mess. :(
Constant computer problem meaning I'd be finishing work late :(
It was of overcast today and I knew the water would be cold :( and no one was out there :(

So with you guys excellent advice, I was determined to just go in shorts and short sleeve shirt with a black camisole underneath - lovely. Might as well have put on one those dresses and pants from the 19th century.


Just before I walk out, here comes my husband from a day at the beach and his jaw drops and speechless when I told him where I was off to. And yes, he insisted on trying to teach me - it ended up being a big argument the last time. Oh, Joy :( Oh, boy. :scared:

So get to the pool and one of our neighbors is on her afternoon walk, figures out quickly what we're up, and she decides to be my coach - totally pissing my husband off :rofl: but he kept it hidden. And she is a really good teacher! But boy, can she talk about swimming, remembering her dad insisting on it over 60 years ago because they canoed and kayaked where she grew up in Colorado.

Every time, Mr. Blue tried to interject an instruction, she had a better way of doing it :rofl: Well, now, she says, if I come out every day around noon, she'll dig out her bathing suit and meet me so we can do some aerobics too. She used to swim at the Y but she's really home-bound taking care of an adult disabled son who fought and survived brain cancer but is now fighting skin cancers erupting a few times a year.

This is such a wonderful win-win. I baked her a cake this past April when she told Mr. Blue in passing that it was her birthday. She actually cried when he delivered it. I'm so pleased to get to know her better. It's so hard to get around people's barriers sometimes and I feel so blessed to get know this lady - an old school Democrat it turns out in our Red town!!!

:cry: of JOY :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

[I Have A Dream]

52. Sounds like such a lovely time!

...and boy do I understand the "husband trying to teach you" thing. :eyes: (My husband posts here, so if he's reading this, he's probably rolling his eyes also! :D) I love my husband to pieces, but if we ever get divorced, it will be over something like that. :rofl:

It sounds as though the experience was a gift for your new friend as well. :D

Kudos to you, Blue, for being...

BRAVE!

:bounce:

[Kind of Blue]

53. No, IHAD - Thank YOU!!!

Like I said before this is the LAST thing I'd be even thinking about.

Still sitting here basking in my wet clothes :hug: :loveya:

Meeting Ms. Colorado tomorrow for another lesson :)

[bigmonkey]

36. When I went back to school in my early forties, some advice from Ann Landers helped me.

Generic me - But, when I graduate, I'll be 45!
Ann Landers - You'll be 45 whether you graduate or not.

I agree with IHAD, when you've learned those things, you'll be able to do them! That'll be great.

[Kind of Blue]

41. I remember that column! And used that advice

in many areas of life. Good old Ann!

Swimming and riding a bike seem so trivial in the larger scheme of things, but the first things to pop into my mind when the question was posed. Really, I've been most adventurous, daring and brave in my youth - to the point of stupidity - but these two little things would be the most incredible feats of all.

Thanks for the excellent reminder! :hug:

[JanusAscending]

31. But once you learn sweetie....

it's something you never forget how to do! I'd say GO FOR IT!!! ASAP !!!

[Kind of Blue]

35. Thanks, JA!

I almost feel like I know how. A lot of people have flying dreams. I always have swimming dreams and wake up feeling like I already know how. As I'm writing, I'm rummaging thru my mind where I packed away my bathing suit. I'm hoping I didn't give it away. My husband, a serious merman/surfer, is out to find/catch "some waves." I'll be joining him tomorrow, suit or no suit - I mean I'll wear shorts - don't want to be arrested and all that, although we do have a nude beach nearby :D

[murielm99]

17. I understand about the swimming.

Maybe I will do that.

If I do, will you?

[Kind of Blue]

19. Why not?! I did make it down to the

pool this week, thanks to the advice of a beloved ASAHer, to get more sun. The summer isn't over yet. I'm sure I can manage 3feet with all the kids :D

[OneGrassRoot]

49. I was always TERRIFIED of water...

of water over my head, that is.

When my daughter was taking lessons -- in a MAGICKAL backyard pool of a friend of a friend -- I got brave.

I was 38.

Girl, it was one of THE most liberating things I've ever done!!!

Granted, as soon as I realized I couldn't sink if I tried (boobage kept me afloat), it made me feel much safer. :rofl:

That is the one huge luxury I now long for: a pool.

I get the embarrassment, the fear, the whole thing. I was so blessed to have that sanctuary to give me the courage.

I can see you swimming, you mermaid, you.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[I Have A Dream]

32. ...

:applause:

:thumbsup:

[nadinbrzezinski]

15. Funny, I've been both brave or stupid

I like average days these days.

[woo me with science]

20. This is a great post.

I have a whole list.

Maybe I will take one, single day this month and decide it will be my "brave" day.

The only problem I foresee is that some of the items on my "brave" list are likely to start a chain reaction that would require me to be brave for more than one day.

One day would be manageable. I will have to think about this.

Thank you.

[I Have A Dream]

21. A "brave" day.

I like that. I might try that myself.

:thumbsup:

[Ricochet21]

23. I would go on national TV and translate the astrological charts of

Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck. No holds bar.

Ain't that awful?

:hi:

[I Have A Dream]

24. The truth hurts!

I can definitely see you doing this. :rofl:

Now all we have to do is find you the right show... }(

[Ricochet21]

25. No, they'd sue me or shoot me.

They're so naked, actually


:hi:

[bigmonkey]

39. Make a YouTube video?

You might get a big audience!

[I Have A Dream]

40. Oh, that's a GREAT idea!

:thumbsup:

He could always wear a mask... ;)

[bigmonkey]

42. Or it could just be a voiceover.

No face involved.

[I Have A Dream]

43. Yeah, I was joking.

:D

[Kind of Blue]

45. I truly second/third this. With the sincerity and

intensity of your voice, you Will have a bigger following because of your accuracy :hug: It would be too cool to have one just for Fox News. I can only imagine the reaction of placing them in the grand scheme of things. YouTube, Yeah and Yay!

[Fire Walk With Me]

26. Fix all of my troubled relationships.

Not that I have the power to do so. It's not in my hands.

[I Have A Dream]

27. Here's a quotation that I think is relevant to this discussion.

"I never looked at the consequences of missing a big shot... when you think about the consequences you always think of a negative result." - Michael Jordan

I certainly don't think that we should never look at consequences. However, I think that we allow even remotely possible consequences to completely control our lives, and that keeps us small.

[MorningGlow]

28. You know, I've thought about this for some time

and I'm still not sure what my answer would be. The easy thing to say would be "chuck it all and move to London", but is that really acting bravely? Or is it just running away? Perhaps the bravest thing is to carry on...? :shrug:

[JanusAscending]

29. Give away all of my earthly possesions....

to those who need it more than I do. My formally "precious things" are just that to me now. THINGS! They no longer make me happy...just clutter and cumbersome to my soul and spirit. They tie me down when I feel like what I need most is freedom, and taking off to see the rest of the world while I'm still in it! I'd sell my house and buy a motorhome and see America at least....before I leave this earthly plane. It's what my hubby and I had planned on doing in retirement! I would need the courage to do it alone.

[Kind of Blue]

44. Ah, possessions.

As a kid, my family moved around a lot and I got used to loosing things and leaving stuff behind, especially friends. So after stabilizing, we accumulated A LOT and then lost them in two fires. The last one was it for me. No.More.Clutter. But then married the most sentimental spirit I've ever known and stuff/clutter is now the bane of my existence :crazy:

But that doesn't mean you can't see America, starting with your own state, JA. I'm serious, most of my traveling and contacts for more traveling were linked to a trip I was already on - even when on a subway!

I'm just saying possessions need not hinder indulging in a little adventure in your own area to start! I'm thinking of the history in your area - the Yankees and Indians, antiquing (just to look, I know you want no more stuff :)), must be some nice trails there for walking.

With all the news in neighboring Arizona and election in Nevada, I'm feeling the itch to visit in-laws this year. Any excuse will do to step out the front door in see the magnificence already around you. :hug: Ready. Set. Go!

[Mist]

46. Hmm, skydive. Maybe. nt

[kentauros]

47. If I was really and truly brave

then I'd go through all of the first page posts in the "Religion/Theology" forum on DU to determine the ratio of atheist-attack threads to "Religion/Theology" discussion threads and then let them all know just how little actual discussion is taking place there :P

[MorningGlow]

48. A-men, brutha. n/t

[OneGrassRoot]

54. I'm still thinking about this....

What's sad is that I just don't know. :eyes:

I'm gonna keep thinking about it though, 'cause there are absolutely things I'm not brave enough to do. I must have shoved them down...deep inside. ;)

:hug:

[OneGrassRoot]

56. Stop all contact with "should" relationships

I'd remove all contact (and guilt about same) with 99% of my "family" if I were brave.

[I Have A Dream]

57. Much love to you, my friend. I wish you peace.

http://www.facebook.com/notes/dr-clarissa-pinkola-estes/the-knife-of-grief-one-of-its-uses/123762951005526

[OneGrassRoot]

64. Wow, what a perfect piece...

Thank you for sharing...and caring.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

:loveya:

[Dulcinea]

55. Excellent question.

I'd stop deliberating about this course I'm thinking about taking!

I'm an ESL volunteer & one of the "long-term unemployed." I'm on Tier 4 unemployment, facing the end unless Congress passes Tier 5. I would like to take a Global TESOL course to get certified to teach, but I can't afford the tuition at this point, plus I'm afraid the course won't help me get a job, what with all the unemployed teachers in GA. I can't face another failure. :banghead:

[Proud_Lefty]

58. I'd take on all the conservative friends on Facebook

who are spreading the hate in one post and spreading the word of Jesus in the next. There's a big part of me that wants to go to battle, and another that wants to run away. :puke:

[I Have A Dream]

59. I was just telling my mother the same thing.

I know that there will ultimately be a showdown. I won't do it publicly though. (At least, I hope not.) I can't believe the vile things that are being spewed. For me, it's just one person, luckily.

:(

[Proud_Lefty]

60. For me, it's many old high school friends

who live in an ultra conservative area. They all seem to spew Fox talking points (pure bullshit). They believe this country was built on Christianity, that all Muslims are responsible for 9-11, that Glen Beck is normal, that Sarah Palin is going to be our next president, and that Mexicans are responsible for our economic crisis. I'm ready to give Facebook a break for a while; then maybe come back and put a bunch of them on "ignore" or unfriend them. It's so sad that so many people can be so ignorant and so loud about it. ;(

[I Have A Dream]

61. Yeah, it really is sad.

:(

:loveya:

[Proud_Lefty]

Hugs back to you!

At least you're always a breath of fresh air! Thanks for that, my friend. :hug:

[I Have A Dream]

62. Oh, and my current FB status is...

"You can safely assume that you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do." ~ Anne Lamott

I've had it up for several days now.

[Proud_Lefty]

63. Yeah I saw that and loved it

Isn't that the truth about all these religious hatemongers! I want that in a bumper sticker. :hi: