Don't Wait for Others To Reach Out

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"I'm convinced that one mustn't wait for people to reach out
~ we must reach in."
Jan Karon, author of the Mitford series


"You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you.
You have to go to them sometimes."
A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Sometimes we wait for someone else to invite us out for coffee, to notice we're having a down day, or to remember it's our birthday. At a party or small gathering, we stand around hoping someone will come over and say hi because we feel too shy.

I used to do that, and I realized that, ofttimes, my supposed 'shyness' had a lot to do with my fear of rejection. I used to worry about being snubbed, so I was reluctant to risk going over and introducing myself.

As I say, that's how I used to be, until I started paying attention to those wise ancient words that perfect love casts out fear. I overcame my fear when I chose to forget about my own self for a while, and start focusing on someone else.

I like what Jan Karon said -- we shouldn't wait for someone else to reach out to us. If we want to be a part of the group, then why not look for someone else who looks even more nervous than ourselves. Focus on making her feel more comfortable, and you'll be delighted to find you're forgetting about your own discomfort.

We'll never be on the outside looking in when we are the ones opening the circle to welcome someone new into our lives. A circle that does not exclude, but is ever widening to enfold a new acquaintance, neighbour, co-worker, or fellow conference attender.

All those years ago, when I started taking the initiative to reach out, I was amazed at how easy it got to walk into a room without fear. I love it. Talk about it changing my life for the better....and the more beautiful. The best part, really, is the joy that comes when making someone else feel more at ease and comfortable. 

So... here's to ever widening circles of friends ... loving gestures ... and kind hearts!

Wishing you glimpses*´¨)
> ¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
> (¸.·´ (¸.·´ * of heaven in unexpected places! *

Brenda
xox

PS. This post was originally published at PerfectlyPink, 2009. I thought these beautiful thoughts shared by Jan and Winnie warranted another go 'round.