Reckless Abandon

I’ve only seen Gone With The Wind one time and to be honest once was enough. I know my grandmother would probably freak out if she were still here with us because as any southern woman- SHE LOVED THAT MOVIE. However, my attention span is only about as long as it takes to watch Finding Nemo or the amount of episodes of Friends it takes me to fall asleep. So, a four hour movie really isn’t quite realistic for me. AND THE MOVIE IS SAD. I don’t like being sad!

I don’t remember much from the movie except Scarlett’s curtain dress and how mean she was to Rhett Butler. But for whatever reason, I have always (as most people) remembered his famous line: “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn”.

Unless I stub my toe, I try my best not to curse. But, I’ve always loved that line and there have been MANY a times in my life I’ve wanted to say, “the heck with it, I’m gonna do what I want”. However, for whatever reason, I have such a hard time doing that. I’m a people pleaser and I care A LOT about what people think of me.

I think there has to be a healthy balance between not obsessing over people’s perception of us and caring about our reputation. There is nothing wrong with caring about your reputation because at the end of the day, that’s all you’ve got. I want people to know I am trustworthy, thoughtful, and hard-working because I work very hard to be those things.

However, I also easily obsess over people’s view of me. I care what people think and that concern turns to insecurities and constant comparison between myself and others. Life is exhausting when you are continually trying to measure up to people who are not you or have different skills/personalities/gifts/desires than you do.

I work as a Realtor for RE/MAX of Orange Beach. I’m extremely blessed to have a mentor, Miss Donna. Miss Donna is the greatest and she has been huge in helping me grow as an agent and person. A few weeks ago I came to her with a question, and she told me that I just have to go after things with “reckless abandon”. I LOVE that.

It’s been on my mind now for several weeks and I think it totally flows with Rhett’s “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.” In the past, I’ve always been afraid to go after certain things because of fearing failure or fearing what people will think. But when we go after our goals with reckless abandon- we’ve put aside people’s opinions and instead, put ourselves first.

I’m challenging myself to go after things with reckless abandon and I want to challenge you to do the same. Stop caring about what people are going to think or what they will say, and just do what you have to do to make things happen. Worried about cold-calling someone and asking them for business? Call them anyway. Scared to ask that girl out on a date you’ve been seeing at the gym? Ask her anyway- even if she says no or is already dating someone- she’ll be flattered anyway. Afraid to jump out on your own and start a new business or career? If not now, WHEN?

Obviously, seek wise council and use normal precautions. As my father would say, “Don’t do anything stupid.” But, you can start living life without fear and embrace opportunities with open arms.

Live life with reckless abandon.