Parable of the Manicure
Recently, I got a manicure and pedicure. I wasn’t born with the gift of nice nails. Mine are thin and break easily so, I usually get a set of acrylic (ie: fake) nails.
The process entails prepping the real nail, glueing on tips to extend the length, and then adding acrylic resin to shape and thicken the nail. Finally, you add a coat of whatever color polish your little heart desires.
But this time was different. When the time came to add color, I looked at my nails and liked how natural they looked. I said, “Actually, can you just add a clear coat to the top of the acrylic. I like how this looks.”
Lynn, my nail tech, bless her ever lovin’ heart, looked at me like I was crazy and said, “Are you sure?”. And for a split second my brain said, “Yeah, are you sure? This isn’t normal so maybe you shouldn’t do it.” But I shook it off and said, “Yup, I’m sure.”
Lynn did what I asked and as she added the clear coat, she commented, “This is looking very pretty.”
Thanks Lynn!;)
Now if you know anything about nail salons, you know that all the customers and nail techs in the room are basically having one big conversation.
So, when everyone overheard that I was doing something different to my nails, they came to look. One woman said, “Ooooh, that looks so classy.” Another woman said, “My nails have to be bright colors or else I feel sad.” Another lady looked at my nails and told her nail tech that she wanted her’s just like mine.
Thus is life. We all have unique ideas, opinions, tastes and gifts to share but our brain often gets in the way. It says, “Don’t do that because it’s not normal. People will think you’re weird. Your ideas never pan out anyway. You’ll regret it later.”
Unfortunately, we often listen to our brain and back out, play small, or not have a voice. And that’s a shame because not only does this cultivate self doubt, but you never see what you’re capable of and the real sphere of your influence.
Just like with my nails, when you put yourself out there…
Some people will take some time to come around to your way of thinking but warm up to you as they sit with you.
Some will immediately think you’re classy.
Others will think you’re not bright enough.
And some will want to emulate you. Then, their friends will emulate them and before you know it, your sphere of influence becomes immeasurable.
Try to notice when your brain attempts to squash your ideas, tells you to hide, or says you’re not normal. Then, tell your brain to back off because you’ve got something the world needs.
The world needs you my friend. Really and truly.
Xo, Jody