Do you stand up for what you love?

I like rain.

There, I said it. Sometimes it’s as if I have to apologize for it or back it up with a clarification (“Only because there’s a drought.”). But I can no longer deny it: I like the rain.

The rain is:

1. Cozy. It still means that it’s OK to curl up with hot chocolate and a good book.
2. Special. I grew up where it was always sunny. It never rained. When it did, it was a time of celebration.
3. Safe. I used to think that the robbers weren’t out when it rained. I wonder what the statistics are for car break-in when it’s raining–or crime in general.
4. Quiet. Many people don’t like the rain and stay home (see #1). Have a walk about and notice how quiet things are–other than the drops falling.
5. Clean. It comes down and purifies the world.
6. Dirty. My dog gets muddy and there’s just something pure and earth-bound with such a mess.

But my main question is this:

Do you dare stand up for what you believe in?

I like the rain and most people don’t. It’s not a controversial subject (well, it is to some!) and I can usually get away with admitting it and maybe just getting a look of disbelief or maybe just a sideways glance of, “He hasn’t experienced the real thing yet.”

But I just feel it so I know it’s true to me.

When we say and pretend to believe what we don’t really believe it’s a bit like lying. Lying always takes more energy because you have to remember what you lied about to keep your story straight.

It’s the same thing with staying true to who you are.

In my writing, it’s a simple path I’m following: just write. I don’t have an agenda and I’m not slanting my views to please an audience. In fact, I don’t have an audience. My audience isn’t even myself. My audience is my future self.

I write what I believe today. It’s the simplest thing to do. I don’t cut corners and I’m not looking towards the end or the goal. I just do because it’s just who I am.

Dear reader, if you’re reading this and scratching your head thinking, “What in the world is he going on about?” then I have to ask: who is your audience? Who are you trying to please?

There is actually only one answer: ourselves. We’re back to the oxygen masks in the airplane: make sure you’re safe before you help others. Make sure you are on your path before you lead others. Are you squarely heading in the direction that you know is true to who you are? If so, keep going. If not, alter your path slightly until you know it’s right.

I like the rain and I’m sticking to it.