Going Off the Deep End
One thing is for certain when you go off the deep end…you’re going to get wet!
I was at the market the other day near the produce when I ran into an acquaintance of mine. She excitedly stopped me to chat about my band she had just seen for the first time, and I was flattered that she would take the time to share how much she enjoyed our performance. As we continued in conversation she also expressed her feelings, with the best of intentions, that while different types of interests are nice distractions, a woman needs to be careful. Too much of it and she will just go off the deep end!
(Let’s pause now for that awkward moment when you’re not quite sure what to say next).
“Well, it’s a good thing I know how to swim,” is what I didn’t say out loud. I simply smiled, thanked her, then asked how her family was doing.
Hmmm…yeah…so…
According to collinsdictionary.com, “If you say someone has gone off the deep end, you mean that their mind has stopped working in a normal way and their behaviour has become very strange as a result.”
I suppose my friend was right! How happy I am to have a mind that has stopped working normally and has caused me to behave in such a strange manner! Apparently, playing rock music with women where you’re actually heard and seen is bizarre!! How lucky I feel to be swimming in this so called “deep end” that enhances and enriches life experiences for me and the band and our families!
I shared the experience with my bandmates and we had a good laugh, but it also prompted discussion on the different types of boxes we place others in, or the stereotypes we throw at each other, and how we react when we see people breaking out of them. And in truth, that’s one of my favorite things about being a part of this band! Creating a different set of experiences for ourselves that we LOVE, and sharing them with other people. For some, it feels uncomfortable to see women living their lives “out of the box,” and for others, it inspires them to go out and pursue whatever it is that brings them joy.
The deep end is thrilling, but it’s true, you need to learn how to swim or you just sink to the bottom. I’ve received many compliments and many criticisms for doing what I do, and what I’ve learned is while some of that feels fabulous and some of it feels downright terrible, neither of them can be the why for making decisions. Keeping myself focused on what is right for me and my family, and not so much for other people, is what keeps me afloat and gives me the ability to navigate the endless sea of choice, opinion, and following my heart.
So jump in! Take the plunge! Go swimming! What awaits is always a surprise, but it’s worth it to get wet!