I found this little critter in the woods on my walk, just hanging out, waiting for someone to come by that had left it behind, offering me a high five in the woods on my way.
I smiled at the kind gesture of someone tucking it away on this branch, keeping it safe, just in case a little cold hand came wandering back.
When was the last time you gave someone a high five?
I was traumatized by high fives when I was in high school. I had this pal who found great enjoyment in convincing me to give him a high five, only to take his hand away at the last minute. I fell for this every.single.time. It never failed. I would hold back, refusing, and he would earnestly argue that this time it would be different. This time he would really give me the high five. Sometimes he would seriously take 15 minutes of his day convincing me of his sincerity this round. So, I would raise my hand.
And, he jerked it away, again.
Needless to say, I stopped enjoying high fives. In fact, I flat out hated them.
Then, I married a high five giver extraordinairre.
Luckily, he's also a therapist.
It took many
many
many
many
high five attempts before I trusted him. (I'm not kidding. . . we are talking YEARS) And then it took many more before I didn't feel scared every time I lifted my hand.
Scars last.
We are rounding the corner on twenty years of marriage. And he has never ever once faked me out of a high five. I don't even hesitate. In fact, he has totally converted me to high fives. I love them. They are fun, playful, and something about that hand smack sounds like a celebration. They are better than a handshake and, to me, happier than a hug. I'm a total high five nerd now.
That's what happens when we give life a chance to let us heal.
That's what love and trust can do.
He's a very good therapist and an even better husband.
So, put your hands in front of you and give them a solid smack in the air.
There, I just gave you a high five. You are doing just fine. Keep up the good work. Things are going to be just fine.