When you were little, you followed your feelings. You fell in love with the frog you caught. Not the promise of the prince. You didn’t know that story yet. You fell in love with the frog. He was shiny green and had big beautiful eyes. You took him to your adult and told that adult how much you loved your new frog, kissing him on the head.
“Eeewww! We don’t kiss frogs. They are dirty and have germs. We don’t love frogs. We love other people. You can only kiss a frog if he will turn into a prince. Put the frog down, go wash your hands and I’ll tell you the story.”
OR
“LOL. You love that frog, huh? Are you hoping he will turn into a prince? Unlikely! Hey, look at this kid with her frog. Fine couple they are. LOL”
Much laughter ensued. Not to humiliate even though you felt the blush of shame. Well-meaning adults who, once upon a time loved their own frog, had learned to shove their feelings deep down.
What if we pulled those feelings back to the surface? What if we loved our shiny green frogs without shame? What if we were brave enough? How would that change the world we live in?
It takes courage. But then most things worthwhile take courage.