SYNCHRONICITY: Shortly after I published this, I came across this quote:
Sure sign of spiritual growth: When you start to feel out of place, you reconnect to your inner world. Oh, yeah.
I had a realization the other night in the shower (apparently a very commonplace location for epiphanies, solutions, and life changers). It was over something rather simple–I was going to a wine tasting and planning on contributing a sparkling wine to what was sure to be a strong lineup of malbecs. And I was doubting my choice: no one’s ever brought sparkling wine to one of these; it wasn’t all the prescribed grapes; maybe I should get a torrontes instead.
And I realized that this was all fear talking–fear of what people would say, what they’d think of me for bending the rules (it’s a meetup group, for chrissake! but it’s amazing how indoctrinated we are to others’ opinions of us)–how it was something I wanted to try (I love sparkling wine) but didn’t know if others would like it. Basically, it was me venturing outside of my comfort zone of doing the tried and true. (Like I said, it wasn’t an earth-shaking decision facing me.)
So in this little moment, I pinpointed for myself that when I’m feeling that squirmy, don’t know if I should, self-doubt feeling, that means I’m (1) worried more about other people’s reactions than my opinions and (2) going outside of my comfort zone. And that it’s good. And it’s OK to feel that, because it signals to me that I’m going to take a risk of one size or another.
And so I took my choice. And the bottle was greeted with open arms (well, with someone opening the bottle immediately), presented as a great way to start the afternoon’s tasting, and was praised highly. People who don’t like sparkling wines liked this one. It had a rich, dry taste–and good bubbles! The bottle was emptied quickly–the first one of the evening to be finished off.
And I liked it so much I bought another bottle to keep on hand.
[So what was the bottle? An Argentinean: Trapiche Extra Brut--a blend of chardonnay, semillon, and malbec (yes malbec--that's what prompted me to try it, the red grapes in a sparkling white wine--and my bet is that's what gives the wine its full flavor). I paid $14.99, yes $14.99, for the bottle.]
Great post! Oh so true!!! I like the way you used that “squirmy” feeling to let you know you’re moving outside your comfort zone. That’s one I can use myself! Thanks for sharing this.
And aren’t Argentine wines wonderful? Back 20+ years ago when I was there, they drank pretty much everything they produced. Nice to see so many of them available here now.
Hugs!
Hugs to you too! Yes, squirmy is the best way to describe that pulling myself kicking and screaming into what I will be well-served to do! Just don’t let Galahad sense it lol!
The selection of wines was variable; I’m not big on tannic reds, so I didn’t like the malbecs; someone brought a “mystery” bottle that turned out to be from California and cost I think $6–it was my favorite red. The white torrontes were very fruity but dry; one chardonnay was fabulous–from Luca. More expensive, but a really wonderful flavor. Maybe you can find it on sale somewhere!
I think it’s fascinating that you are becoming quite the wine expert. Our father would be pleased. And I’m glad to know that I can ask you about wines since I know so little and there are so many possibilities here in Oregon. All I know for sure is that my tastes are quite plebian – I like white zinfandel, but many restaurants don’t include something so…common…on their lists!
I don’t know that expert is the word I’d use, but I’m certainly getting more knowledgeable about what I like–and also about how everyone’s taste is different, though there often is one bottle at a gathering that everyone likes. And that it’s not always the expensive one! if you like sparkling, I’m telling you, look for the Trapiche! Is the white zinfandel sweetish? If so, I can give you a couple of alternatives to try, though I’m not big on sweet wines. Basically, if you enjoy it, go for it!
Buy, bring, open, share, drink, taste, enjoy. All great words. Fear is not. Leave it out of the equation. Just pulled out of my Netflix list and watched a very entertaining French film on the theme of “what other people think”: Ridicule. Please check it out
I can leave fear out of the equation, but first I have to recognize that that is what’s going on. I’m less and less concerned about what other people think, and in the end care only about what a select few think. And even with those few, I’m going to listen but still follow my heart, my gut, and my mind.