“Are you dumb, Sister?” This is what I heard as I boarded the city bus.
“Uhh…I guess so.” I answered lamely and trudged toward a seat in the back. I knew I was shy and kind of awkward sometimes, but was I dumb too?
As the bus took off towards the next stop and I replayed the last few minutes in my mind. Did I do something stupid as I was getting on the bus?
Did I somehow stupidly get on the bus? Could someone get on the bus stupidly? Was that even a thing?
Glancing towards the front of the bus, I saw the blonde driver. What did she have against me?
I looked down at my lap, hoping no one else noticed my apparent lack of intelligence, and picked at a spot of ketchup that I had spilled on my shorts during lunch.
Was this why she thought I was dumb? Other people spilled on themselves, and I never considered them dumb.
Maybe I fidgeted at the bus stop somehow and that made her think I was weird. Did anyone else notice? I looked around at the rest of the people on the bus and wondered if they thought I was strange too.
Maybe it wasn’t about me. Maybe she just thought all fifteen-year-olds were dumb. We might not know as much as sixteen or seventeen-year-olds, but we were surely smarter than twelve-year-olds, so we weren’t completely stupid, right?
As the houses in my neighborhood whizzed by, I tried to decide if I was in fact dumb. Or if she was in fact just mean.
Looking toward the front of the bus again, I studied her some more. She didn’t look mean. I was pretty sure she was even friends with my older brother, Donnie. He always acted like he knew her and that she was nice. Corliss, I think I had heard him call her.
As the bus came to a stop at the downtown terminal, I made my way back down the aisle.
“So how is he?” She asked as I approached the front of the bus.
I looked at her, trying my best not to appear dumb. “Who?” I asked.
“Don. I haven’t seen him around in a while” She looked at me expectantly “…You are Don’s sister, right?”
Ohhh… I’m Don’s sister, not ‘dumb’ sister, I realized, feeling a wave of relief.
Even though I have grown and matured from that 15-year-old girl… I won’t say exactly how grown and matured, we will just go ahead and keep the math to ourselves here…
But at my core, this is still very much who I am. Now I’m not saying that I’m still walking around thinking everyone thinks I’m an idiot, but we all have our vulnerable moments, right?
Embracing Vulnerability: It’s Okay to Feel Dumb Sometimes
Vulnerability is a natural part of being human, regardless of age or maturity. It’s a reminder that growth and maturity don’t eliminate vulnerability entirely; they simply give us tools to navigate it more effectively. It’s okay to have moments where you feel vulnerable or unsure, as they provide opportunities for reflection, learning, and ultimately, further growth. Embracing vulnerability can also foster deeper connections with others. It allows for genuine authenticity and empathy. So, continue to honor your vulnerability while recognizing the strength it takes to acknowledge and work through it.
There’s a journey we all embark on, sometimes quietly, often internally tumultuous—the journey of overcoming self-doubt and insecurity. It’s a battle fought not on external battlegrounds, but within the recesses of our own minds. From the lens of self-perception to the grip of social anxiety, and the crucial role communication plays in dispelling misunderstandings, every step forward is a triumph, a testament to resilience and self-discovery. It’s like signing up for a theme park adventure, only to find out the scariest ride is the one inside our own heads!
Stupified by Self-Perception
Our perception of ourselves can often be skewed by the lens of self-doubt. We see flaws magnified, strengths diminished, and the spotlight on every misstep. Yet, in reality, we’re a masterpiece in progress, each facet adding depth to our being, defects and all. Overcoming self-doubt starts with embracing the entirety of who we are—the flaws, the quirks, the imperfections, and the brilliance.
Breaking Free from the Dumb Shackles of Social Anxiety
Ahh…The silent thief of joy. Social anxiety has a way of making even the simplest interactions feel like navigating a minefield, turning casual chitchat into a high-stakes game of “don’t mess up.” It whispers doubts, amplifies fears, and constructs walls between us and the world. But in the face of social anxiety, there’s power in realizing that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s courage. Opening up, sharing our struggles, and seeking support can be the first steps towards dismantling those walls brick by brick.
Dumbfounded by the Importance of Communication
Misunderstandings thrive in the absence of communication. However, they don’t just thrive; they fester in silence, like little gremlins feeding off assumptions and unspoken words. Yet, communication—authentic, compassionate, and open—is the antidote that puts Pandora back into her freaky little box. It bridges gaps, fosters understanding, and cultivates connections that withstand the tests of insecurity and doubt. By communicating our fears, our insecurities, and our vulnerabilities, we invite others into our world, allowing them to see us not as we perceive ourselves, but as we truly are—resilient, complex, and beautifully human.
So remember, all you brave souls facing your inner struggles, you are not alone. Loads of people are on their own journeys of self-discovery, just like you. Embrace those vulnerabilities—they’re what make you strong, and don’t forget to celebrate every tiny victory like it’s New Year’s Eve in Times Square. By sharing your struggles, you’re giving others the green light to do the same. Every little step forward counts as a victory lap, showing off the resilient spirit we all have inside.
Thank you for taking the time to invest in yourself and read this article. Your commitment to self-improvement is admirable, and I hope that the insights and knowledge shared here will serve as valuable tools on your journey. Remember, personal growth is a continuous process, and every small step you take today can lead to significant positive changes in your life tomorrow. Keep striving, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of investing in yourself.
Until next time, stay brash, stay mindful and stay true to you. Because you matter!
Ps. Brash Body and Soul is now on Etsy!
