You know that feeling when you get home after being out for a while... everything was great, nothing went wrong... the conversations were fine, maybe even really good. You’re glad you went.

And yet, the first thing you find yourself craving is a little space. A little quiet. Just a moment where no one needs anything from you. I’ve had that feeling more times than I can count, especially after being in a large group of people. When I get home, there’s this clear sense that my energy has been used up. Not just my physical energy, but emotional and mental energy, too.

For a long time, I think I quietly assumed that this was something I should probably work through. 

A few months ago, I heard something that stuck with me.

I was watching a guy on YouTube who goes around doing things for people—acts of service, completely free, no strings attached. And when people try to pay him or give something back, he usually says, “Just pay it forward.” But a couple of times, he paused and said something different...

I’ve had a few situations lately where I really wanted to defend myself… like, not just calmly explain, but jump up and say, “That’s not even close to true.” And, since I’m always honest with you, part of me doesn’t just want to set the record straight… I want people to realize how ridiculous it all is. I want instant redemption.

But I've started thinking… if someone came at me like that... all loud and emotional, telling me I’m wrong... would that actually change my mind? Probably not. I’d shut down. Or get defensive. Or just think, “Wow… ooookaaaay.” (This has happened before and it didn’t exactly make me see their side.)

That mini epiphany has me rethinking something else...

There was a time when I felt like I should have an opinion about just about everything. If something was being debated, I figured I probably ought to know where I stood on it.

Somewhere along the way, that expectation quietly faded. Now when I see a headline, a debate, or a heated conversation online, I don’t automatically feel the urge to weigh in anymore...

Starting first. Figuring it out later.

When Jennifer and I decided to start a podcast about local history, it meant trying something completely new at this stage of life — something neither of us had ever done before. Like, EVER...