I
recently was reminded when things get tough the tough get going and to add to
that, I found writing inspiration from Thelma and Louise. They are the characters from the 1991 movie
of the same namesake. Actresses Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis played
two women leaving their “somewhat” normal lives behind to hit the road for
adventure.
Things
go all Badass when their journey
turns into trouble, which is punctuated by their unexpected criminal activity.
Things literally go south as they find themselves running for the Mexican
border while outrunning the police.
When
this movie first came out every married, single, hard-working, fed-up, and
victimized woman cheered for its badass attitude. But, it was the ending that
made EVERYONE say, “That’s BADASS!”
So,
what does it mean to be a badass?
 |
The dictionary definition says it’s being tough or powerful. Intimidating; mean-tempered; causing trouble. Having formidable strength or skill.
When
I was in 7th grade, I remember thinking the kids that hung out at “the tree” were badass. The tree was
just off school property where kids smoked and occasionally there’d be fights gathered
there after school. I didn’t consider myself badass, so I never hung out at the
tree. I found having a friendly sense of humor with these badass kids was more
up my lane.
In
8th grade, I went skiing for the first time and, logically thinking, I started
on the bunny hill. Did I rip through some badass powder to show off my skiing
skills?
Well,
if that means skiing right between someone’s legs and spraining my
ankle...then, yeah, that was pretty badass!
When
I was 19, I hopped on the back of a motorcycle with a guy friend and we took to
the open road. We didn’t wear tough guy leather jackets or rally with biker gangs, but ended up at the State
Fair eating ice cream with sprinkles and corn dogs. He was a perfect gentleman
that day; however, I ended up declining future dates.
I don’t know why!
Maybe
he wasn’t badass or, most likely, I didn’t think I was.
In
my twenties I went parasailing. In my thirties I went hot air ballooning. In my
forties I performed improv for the first time.
All
pretty cool, but not really bad or badass.
Or,
was it?
Chasing
the open road for new wild adventures, having scandalous love connections, making
risky choices, living on the edge of criminal activity is the Thelma and Louise
style we picture when we define badass.
But, is it really about being bad?
Having the fortitude to chase your dreams or facing hardships in a marriage or relationship can be very powerful. The difficulties we have every day in our jobs, school, parenthood, serving or caring for others, and other life’s hurdles can bring strength we didn’t know we had. If you're battling health issues or caring for someone with these battles it's undeniably resilient and tough. Showing vulnerability in your most fearful moments is absolutely courageous.
So, if you didn't know it, I'm certain you've been a Badass!
Recently, my daughter celebrated her college graduation and if ever there was a time I felt a bit intimidated and age challenged was when she invited me to go celebrate with her and her college friends.
As soon as we stepped into the first college town bar, is when I felt my badass days were behind me. Distant memories of riding on that motorcycle and parasailing over the Pacific came crashing into my thoughts.
I
scanned the crowded bar filled shoulder to shoulder with college students and
this is when reality crept up my granny panties.
The
young man checking ID’s at the door asked for my daughter's ID. Then he looked
at me and waved me by with a nod like an old dish rag past its scrub-worthy
prime.
Quickly, I found myself feeling like an imposter and thought probably the same thing he was
thinking, “Do you know where you are lady?”
This is right about the time when my inner “Badass Thelma” kicked in. I looked at him and said……
“Listen up young punk;
I’ve birthed babies that stretched places bigger than the gaping holes in your
jeans. I’ve cleaned more poopy asses, mine included, than you’ve washed that T-shirt and I’m pretty damn sure I’ve made more meatloaf than
you’ve hoped for girlfriends!
So, you’d be very wise
to pretend that my 22 year-old daughter is my sister and just ask for my damn
ID with a starry-eyed smile and respect the knowledge sprouting from these gray
hairs!”
And guess what?
I
didn’t say any of those things!
But,
I thought it!!
Does that count?
Does that count?
By
the way, I had a great time with my daughter. Her college friends were a
delight and the most respectful! Not to mention, I'm truly grateful that she actually wanted me to hang out with her and her college buddies.
That made me feel pretty BADASS!
What makes you feel Badass?
******************************************************************************
One More Thing Before You Go!
No comments:
Post a Comment