Comic Relief

Hello and welcome to humbly courageous! I’m glad you are here.

Most of my readers wouldn’t know this about me, but those who have spent any amount of time with me know I am known to do some really awkward things. Awkward and hilarious, after it’s all said and done. 

Seriously, I could write a handbook on how to be awkward. My first memory of a horribly awkward moment was when I was in the 3rd grade. I had been chosen as line leader for the day. After a class bathroom break, I proudly made my way to the front of the line to lead my peers. I heard giggles behind me, which usually meant someone was making fun of my walk, but that day it wasn’t about that at all. I had tucked my dress into the back of my shorts (thank goodness my mom made me wear shorts under my dresses, thanks mom!). Today, I can laugh as I remember that scene.

It shouldn’t have come as a surprise to me that yesterday was yet another awkward moment for the books. Honestly, it was very timely comedic relief. I was feeling overwhelmed. I had a lot of errands to do and things to check off my never ending to do list. I get overwhelmed when I have to go out and about because it’s such a physical and mental feat to do things like that on my own. A lot of mental planning goes into running errands for me, plus it’s just exhausting. However, I crave the independence, so I do it.

Ok, I’m stalling. When I told my husband this story he said, “oh, that’s too good not to share”. I’m not sure about that, but much of the time my writing feels heavy. So, at the risk of ruining my credibility, here’s my attempt to lighten things up a bit.

One of my errands was the post office. I pulled into the parking lot, surprised that there were no other cars there. That never happens. I wondered if they were closed. I got out of my car and was able to get in the door. Strange, I thought, as I’ve never seen the parking lot empty. Normally, there is a line of people at any given time of the day.

As soon as I entered, I noticed loud music playing. I thought to myself, I don’t recall the post office ever playing music. This was all so strange. No one there, loud music, it felt like the twilight zone. Plus, it doesn’t help that we’ve been watching Severence, which is just a bizarre show, and really makes you think about weird things.

As I walked towards the area where I needed to ask for what I was there for, I noticed a man stocking shelves. Good I thought, they are actually open. The music though, seriously seemed obnoxiously loud. Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” song was playing. Strange choice of music for the post office, I thought. 

The gentleman stocking the shelves turned to greet me as I walked in. “Well good morning young lady!” he bellowed. He seemed overjoyed, which living in Indiana, a sunny warmish day in March, I understood his enthusiasm. I said “hello!” and continued to the counter where another gentleman was waiting to help me. Mind you, I don’t get anywhere fast. Laboriously walking with my cane, I finally made it to the counter. It’s not like I was quickly breezing in and out. It’s an ordeal. I have to concentrate so hard on my walking, that it’s hard to fully give my attention to anything else, other than staying on my feet.

That darn song playing though. It was just awkward, as it was SO loud. “I CAN’T MAKE YOU LOVE ME, IF YOU DON’T”.

I mustered up the strength to loudly say what I was there for. He couldn’t hear me the first time, so I had to repeat myself, louder. I thought, maybe if you would crank the volume down, I wouldn’t have to shout! He was looking at me so strangely, perplexed. I couldn’t wait to get out of there and away from this annoying music. I’ve never liked that song to begin with.

In the meantime, there was another gentleman who came in and was in line behind me. I got the form I needed and stepped to the side to fill it out. It was then that I glanced at the phone in my hand and things clicked. The music was coming from my phone!!! I was so focused on walking I hadn’t even realized my phone was in my hand. I know, that makes me seem crazy. I felt crazy.

Oh my gosh, I was trying with everything I had to not lose it right then and there. I was far too embarrassed to say anything as my fingers fumbled to turn it off. I felt completely nuts! I was carrying my phone in my hand and must have somehow played that song. I was not listening to that in the car, so I am still not sure how any of that happened. 

I turned the form in and quickly made my exit. As soon as I got in the car I was hysterical! Crying, laughing all of the above. Too funny, and AWKWARD. I’m learning to embrace my awkwardness. I guess it is just who I am. 

I hope those two gentleman got a good laugh out of that. I feel like we could all use a little more laughter in these days that can feel so heavy. I know I welcome it. I love to laugh, it is what gets me through. I love to be funny and be around others who are funny too. 

As my husband walked in the door last evening from work, he was playing that song and we laughed for hours about it. He loves to tease me about all of my awkward moments. My son just put his head in his hands and said, “mom that’s not good”, when I told him. Hilarious.

Keep smiling 

It takes humble courage to embrace our quirks, but I bet we all have our share of awkward stories. Some of us may have a few more than others! Learning to laugh at myself and not take things so seriously, is something I would like to be better about. I hope this made some of you laugh or at least smile today. 💚