I was book shopping after my anatomy practical exam when I got a whatsapp message inviting me to attend one of my friend’s Bridal Shower on Saturday, 22nd of June. I was quite excited at the excuse to dress up and have some girly fun, but little did I know about bridal showers; this was my first one.
So yesterday was the much awaited day, I got my friend a gift set from Victoria’s Secret, got my hair done, wore a short black dress as that was the “dress code” and drove to my friend’s house. I arrived a bit late but not late enough to get the looks I got from all the girls the moment I entered, it was like a mass staredown, but I guess that’s common among females. I found my friend and congratulated her, she sat beside me as she tried pointing out who was who, when I suddenly heard a bunch of screams from the back and I turned around to see what was happening. I saw a huge chart stuck on the wall with a drawing of a guy in boxers and I was introduced to what a “Kissing Poster” is. All the girls seemed to have no problem participating and some even took pictures of their result and I just sat there gawking and wondering why I was so embarrassed when it seemed so natural to all the other girls, one of them tried forcing me to take a shot but as she saw my face redden I think she got the message. Moving along there were many fun games and I ended up winning one. I found myself having a great time in between snacks and pink sparkling drinks.
When things toned down and we all settled and started talking, the bride-to-be introduced me to her friends and I came to this realization; I find this absurd comfort in talking to strangers about my life, I found myself talking to this girl about career choices and I was taken aback by her response, her take on society and ambition. She is what I tend to call one of the “fabulous people” who are all about following dreams and doing what it takes to be happy, they don’t believe that money should be anyone’s priority or that high status jobs prove anything. Until now I’d never met anyone who’d told me to go ahead; be selfish, make mistakes, learn and experience. I started telling her all about my dreams and what I wish I could do. I was mesmerized by her courage, her stories, her confidence, what she had seen and done and even where she stood in her life right now. There were no judgmental comments from her and I was caught on her every word about her journey from the moment she graduated high school until this very day. I came back home not only very pleased to have met her but also with deep reflective thoughts on where I should go on with my life. I love listening to people’s perspectives and stories but rarely am I moved and inspired to change because of a person I met once.
I walked in that bridal shower expecting loud, girly fun and came out thinking about decisions regarding my career choice. It’s pleasant how life holds small surprises for you and things don’t go the way you expect them to.
The Moving Circus 