Thoughts at lunchtime

If I were to categorize myself into one of two options, I'd say I belong in the "thinking" group rather than the "action" group. I mull more than I go. I wait and see rather than jumping ahead. This can be a strength, of course, but every one of our strengths can also be a weakness.

For example, my lunch today was sort of bland. It was white rice with a bit of soup on top. It was good, but while I was eating it I thought, "This could use a bit of salt." Did I go find a bit of salt to put on my lunch? No, I didn't. Instead, I stood there, eating my lunch, thinking about how it could use some salt. Thinking thoughts is where I feel safe. Acting on thoughts makes me feel a bit more vulnerable. If I were to find salt and put it on my lunch, I might put too much and ruin the passably good flavour my lunch already has going. Why risk it?

Thoughts are generally safe. Action is more dangerous. It is good to temper action with thought. Thought without action is not much of anything, but action without thought is just stupid. Yet I can't help but think that I could do with more doing. I'd like to hold back less and leap forward more.

Maybe instead of wondering how a passing stranger would take it, I should just smile and tell them they look lovely today. Maybe I should jump right in and offer to help someone clear the snow off their driveway instead of thinking they might take it the wrong way. If it's a risk to be nicer, to be more open, to be more generous with my time, with my joy, that's a risk I want to take. Maybe I need a bit more salt; maybe I need it more than I think.