There is a white cat in the next yard succeeding in causing my dog to bark. She's the protector, and you can see her go through this struggle where she knows her duty, but is nevertheless afraid. It's very stressful for her. I can identify. How many times do we make that leap on behalf of our children, our spouses, our friends, even ourselves. Recently, at a party of colleagues of my husband's, I had to force myself not to run back to the car and drive off. Nobody was speaking to us, I'd had other dismal experiences with scientists, and I was mortified. I stayed for my husband, and of course eventually someone did speak to me and everything turned out okay. I wasn't glad I had come, but was relieved I hadn't skipped like a chicken livered coward. How many times did I attempt something physical to encourage my child? Or speak up about a book list with a teacher? For me making phone calls is agony, but for my work, my students, my clients I advocated, because to no do so was a dereliction of duty. You don't have to be brave inside, you only have to act as if.
So I know she's scared of that cat, but she puts up good bark. That's usually all it takes.
No comments:
Post a Comment