be who you are
Being away for a month and just being myself, with my family, with no obligations was very, very freeing. Being in the Asheville, NC area took that to the next level because freedom of self expression and individuality rules the roost there. I have not been to Austin or Portland yet, but by far this is one of the most creative and unique cities I have ever been exposed to. Tattoos, art galleries, chef owned restaurants, street performers and festivals are of abundance in this quaint mountain city.
One night we went out to the up and coming West Asheville area for dinner at a place called Universal Joint. 
We noticed some drummers setting up outside the restaurant. After a very lengthy view at their huge microbrew menu, (Liquids) I succumbed to a local stout. Then I glanced at the food menu, described as “SOLIDS”, I saw 2 words. Fish Tacos. And they were DELISH fish tacos. As we waited for our ‘liquids‘ and ‘solids‘ the drummers began to play, our boys began run and play in small green space 
with other kiddos. These guys were tight. Inviting people to come up and dance, Mylissa joined in and her old African Dance Class moves kicked in. Talking to them afterwards, one of them was from Guinea and we may have convinced them to come to LUVMUD this year. (note: follow up on that!)
Everyone (ok…I’m sure not everyone) but everyone…seems to be who they are here. Nothing to hide. People there talk to one another without knowing who the other person is. People there tend to be transparent and willing openly share feelings. Over our month there, I began to get comfortable in my skin again, something that has become stifled over the years. I know I created my own world in which I feel stifled, but its been fun to tear down some of those walls. I even went out dancing with Mylissa and some old friends one night and completely loved it. (note: watch Hitch again)
A great author once said “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind won’t matter and those who matter won’t mind.” -Theodore Geisel aka Dr. Seuss.
Wouldn’t that be an emotionally freeing world!
I am looking forward to this year, as God peels back the shell in which I hold myself back. I am looking forward to sharing life more intimately and vulnerably with those close around me. I am looking forward to dancing with my bride. I am looking forward to doing things differently, taking some leaps of faith, and understanding more of who God created me to be. God created each of uniquely for His purposes. I wonder if we all stretched ourselves, be who we really are… what might happen.
Do something different.
