Tag Archives: coming out of the closet

Honestly

Posted on April 30, 2020 by swabby429

I’ll try my best not to be preachy about a topic that tempts me to stand on a soapbox with megaphone in hand. The lack of  honesty in some corners of public life the past few years has gotten me all … Continue reading →

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Just Be Yourself

Posted on August 7, 2019 by swabby429

Moments before my first public speech in front of a full auditorium, my best friend Joe told me that I’d do a fine job if I’d take a deep breath and just be myself. That pat, clichéd advice was well-intended, … Continue reading →

Posted in Contemplation, Friendship, Health, philosophy, Youth | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Reticent

Posted on April 8, 2019 by swabby429

My friend Jonathan brought up the topic of reticence yesterday. He mentioned that he is more of an extrovert than I am. I mentioned that when I was Jonathan’s age, I had an even  more reticent personality. I was told by … Continue reading →

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Being Someone Else

Posted on October 26, 2017 by swabby429

Growing up as the awkward gay kid in a small town in 1960s Nebraska, the unverbalized message from family and peers was, “Don’t be yourself, don’t be proud of who you are.” Kids are especially conscious of what other people’s … Continue reading →

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Fearfulness

Posted on April 7, 2015 by swabby429

At 2:00 AM the air was still yet full of potential energy. The crickets had become silent, the starshine appeared very brilliant and sharp. A metallic taste had settled onto my tongue. The neighbor’s grey and white tabby sought comfort … Continue reading →

Posted in Contemplation, Health, Hometown, religion | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments