Charlie, we need to talk about Lucy and that stupid football.

Adventures in Living a Healthy, Juicy Life

by Cheryl Ragsdale

Salzwedel, Germany: Love-struck pensioner travels 130 miles in wheelchair to propose – but is rescued by police after offer is rejected. www.dailymail.co.uk

Despite the epic trip, it took just two minutes for the woman to tell him he was wasting his time.  Rejected and forlorn, he began the lonely journey home.  Unfortunately, as he passed a cornfield, his wheelchair caught in a rut and he was sent flying.

He managed to contact police using his mobile phone and officers were sent to get him. Guido Koch, a Salzwedel police spokesman, told how the pensioner related his story to officers at the scene. ‘We offered him a lift home, but he refused. He said he wanted to be alone with his thoughts. He must have immense upper body strength,’ he added.”

What would possess someone to undertake such a difficult journey without knowing beforehand that his offer would be received with love?  What a risk! We’ve all been in his situation at one time or another – extending ourselves to another only to be unexpectedly rejected.   “Ugh! What was I thinking?”

What can we learn from this story?

• If you’re going to take a big risk, make sure you have a safety net. (Thank God, our intrepid hero had his cell phone – and everything worked!).
• Test the waters before you take the plunge.
• Ask for help. Don’t do things on your own.
• Accept support.
• Look for signs of encouragement.
• Know when to give up.  Try something else if your efforts aren’t generating results.

I’ve gotten into trouble like this whenever I’ve misread or ignored signals letting me gauge another person’s level of interest.

• NO!  Well, that’s clear enough.
• Yes, can be confusing.  If yes, is followed by action in the promised direction, then we’re moving forward, full steam ahead.
• When yes is followed by lack of action or “creeping delay” promises to take action, be warned!  You’re in the land of “maybe”.  Hang out with “maybe” too long and you might find yourself “ass over teakettle” at the edge of a cornfield.

No one is immune from the fallout of taking risks. You don’t need courage unless you’re afraid. Isn’t that right, Charlie Brown?

We love your comments! Please share your thoughts on taking risks – when it worked and when it didn’t. Make a declaration to cut short the time you spend hanging out with “maybe” waiting for someone else to do something. Take an action to make your declaration real. Write it in the comment box!

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Cheryl Ragsdale enjoys making life fun. Sometimes, mellow pleases her. Usually, grunge works. Mostly, laughing is what’s needed. Whatever your mood, you’ll find something interesting on  www.thatgirlisfunny.com