Jehovah's Witness meets "Zebra" Coach.
Yo Homies! Sup? Lol. Okay, so I’m not a real gangster but one can dream. Anyways, I’m happy to be inside a nice, cool coffee shop. After my 16-mile bike ride in the summer heat, I was ready for a break.
Yesterday I had a very interesting interaction with some Jehovah's Witnesses who came by my house probably hoping to bring me hope. But they didn’t know that I’m not hopeless, and I don’t think they were prepared for a conversation with a “Zebra” coach.
It started with them showing me a tract with a picture of someone looking miserable and the question “Do you think the suffering will ever end?” She asked me the question as she showed me the picture. I wasn’t sure I even wanted to be talking to these people at all. I didn’t know if I would get triggered and retraumatized talking about religion. I was afraid that I would revert to my old ways and just politely listen instead of speaking my truth. So I stalled for time to listen to my body and just answered, “Oh honey it’s hot out here and you don’t have time for me to answer that question.” The ladies gave a small laugh and then the one closest to me started in on her sales pitch. She was probably in her 60s and she had dyed black hair. Her vibe felt a bit intrusive but I also felt bad for her. I know she’s only doing what she’s been taught to do. I doubt any of them really want to go door to door if they could be honest. The woman slightly behind her had grey hair tucked up in a bun and she seemed to be a bit older, maybe even late 70’s. She had a kind, unassuming smile. I liked her.
Anyways, I decided to listen and let them say their peace and then I would be brave enough to respond in a way that was honoring to me. It was quickly apparent that this lady wanted me to agree that this world is horrible and hopeless and feel desperate for something to save me from all the suffering.
After she read me a bible verse explaining that in heaven there will be no more suffering she looked at me and said “Don’t you agree that this world is just getting worse? Aren’t you tired of suffering?”
I paused a moment, and then responded with a big smile, “Actually, I have a whole different perspective. I love my life! I don’t believe in living life miserable. I don’t know what the point would be of life if it was just to suffer here on earth.”
I wish I could have taken a picture of the look on the lady’s face in front of me. Her mouth dropped open and she stuttered for a moment then replied, “Well yes, I agree! But do you watch TV?”
“Nope, and for a good reason,” I responded.
“Well I try to watch it some”, she continued, “so that I can keep up with what’s going on in the world, but it’s so horrible. So many awful stories that are never-ending! Wouldn’t it be nice to know that we can have a place to go to where there is no more suffering and pain?”
By now I was beginning to feel confident and I recognized that this was an opportunity to share my passion. “Well, I think it depends on how you look at it. It’s like putting on a different pair of glasses. I see it differently. To live is to know pain. Suffering is part of the human experience. I think of it like ‘night and day’. If we didn’t have the night, we wouldn’t appreciate the day. We need both. It’s all a part of this beautiful gift of life. This breath in our lungs, the birds, the horses, they are all ours to enjoy. I have worked really hard to create a life I love. I want to make the most of every moment I have on this earth.”
I was excited and animated as I spoke. I could feel passion and joy surging through me. The surprised and perplexed look on the woman's face was almost comical. I guess they don’t run into very many people who love their life. What was even more interesting was the look on the older woman’s face. With every word I said, her smile grew bigger and bigger. Her eyes lit up as I talked about what a gift life is. She was enthusiastically nodding in agreement. If she could jump for joy, I think she might have. I felt her energy wholeheartedly align with mine and I’m pretty sure she liked what I was saying much more than what religion had ever said. She couldn’t seem to get enough of it.
“Wow. You have a great attitude!” the younger woman said. “What’s your name?”
We exchanged names and she ended with one last attempt.
“I love your outlook, but don’t you think the world is getting worse?”
“Actually, I have learned that there are good and beautiful people out there and it’s all how we choose to see it.” I countered with a huge smile.
“Oh, well I’m not saying it’s all bad, but there is so much darkness.” she quickly replied.
“I believe we all have choices. We can choose to live miserably, or we can choose to create a life we love. And I love this beautiful life and refuse to waste one minute of it being miserable.” As I spoke these words, I could feel confidence, hope, and joy exuding from my body. The older lady behind, had the biggest smile spread across her face. I swear she was saying through her smile, “You tell her lady!”
This concluded our conversation as the woman trying to save my soul struggled to find her last words to respond with.
“Wow! You’re right. I love your attitude. Okay. I guess we will go now.”
As the ladies climbed back into their vehicle, I waved and wished them a great rest of their day. One of them was perplexed, the other overjoyed.
I walked back to the house feeling a huge sense of empowerment. I was so fucking proud of myself. I didn’t have to threaten them and force them off my property. I didn’t shrink in fear and trauma and hand over my power. I didn’t even have to shame them for their beliefs. I simply listened and then used the opportunity to speak my truth in a way that felt good to me. I’d call that success. A beautiful sign that I am slowly healing and claiming my power.
I hope I gave those ladies something to think about. I’m sure they had some interesting conversations in the car after that. What started out feeling like a scary situation, turned into a beautiful opportunity to share my passion; a chance to spread my gift out into the world. It felt good. Really good.
There is hope my friends. Hope for healing. Hope for a better life. And we don’t have to wait for heaven. Hell no. We can have it right now. It starts with those small, everyday choices as we learn to listen to our bodies and work towards a life that we really want. I will never stop reminding you that you deserve it. Right now. Choose you. Today.
I love you. You got this.
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