The Hokey Pokey

It really is what it's all about, you know? When you die and meet God, He's going to ask you, "Did you put your right foot in?"

Did you live you life, really LIVE it, or did you sit on the sidelines and watch it slip by?

The Hokey Pokey is a one of the great metaphors of our time, an instruction manual on living. Start with just a little bit, put your right foot in, test the waters. What do you think? Does it interest you? Maybe put your left foot in. Still good?

At some point, you put your whole self in. Or not. Maybe it's not the right thing for you, the right career, the right relationship, the right life. But how will you know if you never put your whole self in?

Life is risk. We engage in constant and sometimes subconscious risk/benefit ratio calculations and we strive to minimize those risks. It's why cars have seat belts, why there's an FDIC, why we buy sunscreen.

But risk is unavoidable. You can hide inside your bedroom in the darkness and try to escape it. But when the plane crashes into your house, you're going to wish you went out and enjoyed yourself instead.

The Hokey Pokey tells us to take it slow, a little bit at a time, just give it a try. When you find the thing you like, then, by all means, take the risk and committ. You'll find the reward was worth the gamble.

And, you'll have a great way to answer God when you get to heaven. Yes, Lord, I did put my whole self in.

Huh...

Well, it's been awhile, hasn't it?

I have jury duty today. I have to say, I'm already tired of this damn courthouse. I was just here for the first of what looks like many court appearances regarding the dissolution of my marriage.

I just want to be done with it all.

I've never been called for jury duty before and the walk from the juror parking lot to the building seemed impossibly long. And there were stairs, of course. My knees have been better since I've lost some weight but stress and no sleep are taking it's toll today. It looks like rain too, which is never good for knee pain. The bottom line: ouch.

They are checking us in now. I don't know exactly how I feel about this. On the one hand, it would be very interesting to sit on a jury. On the other hand, I have so many things I could and should be doing. Work included.

I did bring some work and I am sure I'll actually get around to doing some of it eventually.

Maybe.

Right now I'm reading "Hate Mail from Cheerleaders" by Rick Reilly. Great book. Funny and poignant and thoughtful. Reminds you what's good in your life.

And I'm thinking. I have more to say. Stay tuned.