“When the leaves show their undersides, be very sure that rain betides.”

Apparently, there is science behind this old adage. It’s something about how the humidity makes the stems of the leaves pliable and more susceptible to the wind. They flip in the gusts. Soon after, the rain comes.

Contrary to nature’s way, our character’s underside is exposed during the storm instead of before those ill winds. When we or those we admire show their less desirable traits, we are disappointed. Disappointed in our vulnerability, disappointed in their realism.  People see parts that are otherwise hidden; behaviours we wish would stay that way.

On the other hand, maybe they’re not truly hidden, but ignored. Like you, I imagine many unflattering responses just itching to be expressed. After all, the underside of the leaves are always there. Depending on where we stand, we can even see them on a calm day. Our bad reactions are constantly trying to get out, just under the surface. If that’s the case, some of us show amazing self-control, containing our outbursts from day to day. We deserve a medal.

I think we need to find ways to safely release these reactions more often.We don’t want anyone harmed. If we hold off and wait for the big storm though, the damage is more severe and harder to repair. Limited exposure to our faulty parts can lower their intensity and in turn repair the damage  to our reputation or self-esteem more quickly.

Perhaps you may see my character”s underside flipped more often, but you’ll be seeing more of who I am.

Under -Over

When faltering under stress, we long to be overlooked. Instead, lesser qualities are under scrutiny. We feel over exposed. Over time, few understand we are under the influence of overwhelming odds. Our underneath is unearthed. We under estimate the public cost of falling. Glossing over our reputations becomes over priced.  We begin over thinking everything; perceiving ourselves under appreciated. We hope to sweep it under and start over.

B. Toner September 30, 2016