Hop On Board
Dear Rexile On Main Street,
I participate in a niche sport. My passion is competitive hopscotch.
I’m in an extreme hopscotch league and honestly, it’s the best thing in my life.
The game combines gymnastics, dance and strategy; there’s nothing else like it.
I’m hoping to compete next year in Glasgow at the world championships.
Everyone tells me this is a ridiculous thing for a woman in her mid-thirties to do. My family, my friends. They say I am “over-doing it.”
It hurts that no one understands why this is important to me or what makes it special.
But I guarantee I’ll be there in Glasgow.
Signed,
Jaded Underdog Making Plans In New Game
Dear JUMPING,
Sharing our feelings — our enthusiasm — is more difficult than it ought to be.
Conveying our truth is a frustrating effort that can seem futile.
The famed psychologist Carl Jung said this: “Loneliness does not come from having no people around you, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you.”
These people with their opinions, they have your best interest at heart, I’m sure.
They mean well. But that’s not what you want.
You want support!
I predict that their support will come. Maybe not everyone can get what you’re doing, but some will. Be patient? Give them time to comprehend this new part of your life.
Your bright passion will soon conquer their dimming doubts. Stay luminous!
And be sure to grab some langoustines if you see a seafood shack. They’re my top gastronomical priority every time we visit Scotland.
Counterpoint commentary by …
Frieda Looke, the Tattooed Lady
You walk the path of the non-conformist.
It can be a lonely trail.
People generally don’t like things that are different. Oh, when they’re at the circus, that’s fine. Then it’s fun, seeing us all collected together, far from normal life.
In the circus, I’m a star. But that’s only a couple hours a night.
Out in the “real” world, things are much different.
I hear what they say about me:
“She’s so pretty, why did she do that to herself?”
“I guarantee she can’t get a real job.”
“Freak show must be in town.”
You could easily become quite bitter.
Makes me think that being understood is vastly overrated.
Boring people understand boring things.
They talk about their gas mileage, and their lawns; they critique fast food, or compare car insurance rates.
It’s like they speak another language.
I generally eschew the company of reasonable voices.
Those who sing their dreams loudly or shout nonsense from the rooftops are much more likely to hold sway in my ear.
