"So I christen you 'Titanic'..."

"Underestimate & swim!" - Superchic[k], "One Girl Revolution"

I caught this lyric yesterday while on my noon walk. Superchic[k] is one of my favorite bands because not only do they rock out & Melissa is my sweetie (I still fondly recall the huge hug I got from her a few years back), but some of their songs really hit on some positive messages that appeal to me. "Get Up" is still my life anthem, no matter how many times I may fall I WILL get back up again...

The whole song deals with being who you are and although much of it is chick-based, it's still a concept that everyone can grasp. Many of us are afraid of being who we are because who we are may not fit the mainstream. We would rather put on a front to 'fit in' and suffer in silence than to walk free and be who we are. And that's a sad comment. Each one of us was created differently and uniquely, each created for a specific purpose and with specific gifts. We were meant to compliment eachother, bless eachother, help eachother with our uniqueness. How boring would it be if we were all the same? What would be the point?

The above lyric is a response to someone that only sees the outside of people, basically underestimating her by not getting to know her. The old fighting adage goes, "NEVER underestimate your opponent", the singer is equating herself to the iceberg that the Titanic hit because of the person's underestimation of her and her potential. By basing your opinions on superficial things, you could be missing out on something great.

I've often underestimated people or made superficial judgements. In some ways I did it to not hurt any feelings, other ways I did not believe in the person fully that they could achieve what I needed them to achieve. I've been underestimated throughout my life. Being overweight tends to attract that, people making judgements about me personally by the way I look. I have been bothered by this, but now I am beginning to realize that it truly is THEIR LOSS and not mine. I know parents and friends over the years have tried to comfort or soften blows to my self-esteem by parroting those words, but now that I have time to step back and think - there is truth in those words. Takes a little of the sting out of being rejected, not all of the sting but a little.

I've even been guilty of underestimating myself. I began a new workout routine where I alternate days of strength-training/yoga with cardio/circuit-training, along with an altered running schedule. I didn't think that I could handle almost an hour of intense exercise after running, so many times I have wanted to cut back. Getting into the shower each morning after peeling off my sweat-soaked clothing, I realize that I'm more capable that what I thought. I'll continue to be conscious of that and keep pushing the envelope.

The point of this note? "Don't judge a book by it's cover, you may be missing out on something great!"

MattyV
www.iweighedmorethanjared.com