More on The Great Perhaps

I have been talking to a lot of people about The Great Perhaps. Talking with friends, having an e-mailed conversation with my cousin, talking some more with friends...

It is an interesting thing, and I have still been thinking of it. I've been thinking about how a big part of The Great Perhaps for me is taking part in the world and engaging with people. And I was kind of getting down on myself because I didn't think I was engaging in life enough.

But then I realized that I do rather like the way I am. I like that I'm an observer. I like that I'm interested in listening to people more than I like hearing myself talk. I don't think I'm really failing at engaging with human consciousness after all. I just do it in my own sort of way.

I have a lot of close connections with a lot of people. I like being one on one with people. That's just who I am. Who cares if I don't feel comfortable at concerts? So what if I don't speak up in a big group of people (like Book Club)? I still like people, and I'm not really afraid of them (not that much anyway).

Once again, I am doing more than I am giving myself credit for. Yes, I do still need to find my voice and stop being afraid to use it, and I would like to make eye contact more and connect even MORE with people, but it is all a balance, and that is all part of my journey, figuring this stuff out.

Here is what author John Green (the guy who wrote the book that featured the "Great Perhaps" quote) had to say when a reader asked him about his Great Perhaps:

Q: When and how did you realize you found your Great Perhaps?

A: Oh, I think the pleasure is in the seeking. That’s what I eventually realized.

Well said, John Green. Well said. (This is why I love him so.)