“I wouldn’t recommend that.”

Chris paused. Looking at the rope, he reexamined his grip and then looked back at me. “Why not?”

I chuckled as I shrugged. “You do what you want, but I had a buddy who did it that way one time and ended up walking funny for a week.”

“I’m good.” Undeterred, Chris believed his plan was flawless and confidently leaped from the muddy creek bank. “Geronimo!”

WHAAAP!

Sure enough, the old, worn knot on the ragged rope swing nailed Chris right where boys guard themselves most, just before he plunged into the freezing cold, rushing creek water.

All the guys, me included, died out laughing. As Chris coughed, choked, and stammered back up the creek bank, with most of the fellas still hunched over trying to catch our breath, he asked, “How'd you know that would happen?”

Before I could get a word out, one of our friends said, “Scott’s got a story that goes with everything!”

~~~~~~~~~~

That was the sentence that did it for me. “Scott’s got a story that goes with everything!”

I have allowed that harmless comment to creep into my head on many occasions over the years. It has routinely prevented me from sharing and caused me to feel guilty when I do share.

Do you believe you’ll be labeled a “know-it-all if you give your 2 cents?”

Are you afraid of looking stupid?

Is the fear of being exposed as incompetent or incapable stopping you from sharing the life lessons, knowledge, skills, and experiences you’ve accumulated?