Own it or lose it!

Recently I was watching “Shrek the Third” with my two girls when I was unexpectedly provoked by one particular scene.  After a speech given by Arthur (Justin Timberlake), all of the “Villainous Fairy Tale Characters” drop their weapons and, one by one, each divulge a characteristic of themselves that no one else knows.  The headless Horseman has always wanted to play the flute, the Evil Queen wants to open a spa in the South of France and Captain Hook grows daffodils, “…and they’re beautiful.”  My question is, why did they wait until that very moment to reveal what their interests and passions were?  

Did Captain Hook think he would be ridiculed by Peter Pan (even though Peter was the one wearing tights)?  Did the family of the Headless Horseman not support his dream of playing the flute because he had no lips?  Did the Evil Queen lack the confidence to open up her own spa because she knew “Snow White’s Beauty Emporium and Hot Apple Cider” was the most popular shop in all the land?  I am absolutely certain it wasn’t because Justin Timberlake is just that great of a speaker (although my wife would argue this point until the end of days).  Whether it is due to embarrassment, a lack of confidence or the lack of support, there should be no reason to be ashamed of acting, feeling, thinking or believing a certain way. 

On the opposite end, why do I feel the need to provide a George Carlin Esque. commentary when I see someone do something that seems out of my comfort range.  Why must I poke fun at a buddy when he tells me he is the president of the local chapter of the Barry Manilow Fan Club?  (Good for you Manilow-maniac!)  When someone tells me they lay awake at night dreaming of becoming a Broadway singer, why must I laugh and knock them down a peg?  (Go for it Colm Wilkinson!)  If you saw your husband or wife eating a can of sardines straight out of the can, would you simply ignore it or would you feel compelled to say, “Oh my God, how can you eat that?  That is so nasty!  I’m not going to kiss you fish breath!”  (Not that it has happened to me!)  Why can’t we just accept people for who they are and feel comfortable owning who we are?

So here’s the deal friends; I have decided to do the unthinkable.  I will now reveal a list of semi-embarrassing things about myself that I have never told some of my best friends, let alone post on an unsecured public forum.  I will now unbury my face from the sand…liberation in 5,4,3,2,1…

1.      I know every word to “Air Supply’s Greatest Hits” (BOOM!)

2.       I tear up during the reveal of “Extreme Makeover Home Addition” (TAKE IT!)

3.       I have seen the movie “The Last Dragon” more than 50 times (OK, THAT'S JUST WEIRD)

4.       My dream job is to be a FOOD CRITIC! (EAT IT)

5.       I took tap and ballet and a kid.  (THE ONLY DUDE IN MY CLASS!)

6.       I can sing every song to every Disney Princess movie ever made. (MY KIDS LOVE IT!)

AND…

7.       I am a NATURAL redhead!

CONSIDER IT OWNED!

If you feel like liberating yourself, post something in the comments section about yourself that not everyone may know.  OWN IT!