Sirens

In Greek mythology, the sirens enchant and charm any who hear their song; luring those that hear them to their doom.

I used this term to describe myself in jest today. My basic understanding of the term was simply that sirens cause sailors to jump from their boats and die. The sailors do this willingly.

Frankly, I don’t think myself as a siren. I do wonder, though, why many continue to attempt to befriend me.

Is it because I see them? Acknowledge them?

Is it because I enjoy doing many things others like to do but don’t?

Is it because I love to just be myself and quit pretending? Do they see me differently than other people or is it just because I don’t imagine they don’t exist?

I’ve been accused of being a flirt, a cheat, and a slut. By who’s definition do you label me? Yours?

Reminds me of the old adage, ‘it takes one to know one.’ Is it a double standard?

In my opinion, and by my definition, I can be safely accused and convicted of being a flirt. A cheat? No. A slut? Definitely not.

So why the siren today?

Is it because of the flirting that goes nowhere? Am I a tease? There are so many derogatory words for those who do not dote upon one and only one person. Why is this?

Today I used the word hoping to prevent damage; damage control at its finest. You have been forewarned.

I may see life differently than many. Life is short and long, precious and boring. It can be lonely sometimes as well. I treat life as if each moment could hold my last breath, the last skip of my heart, the final closing of my eyes.

When we went to the beach, I yanked off my shoes, rolled up my jeans and immediately started wading into the icy cold seafoam. It was glorious. I was there, at the beach, and ONLY there. Mentally, physically, spiritually in the present moment. I didn’t think of what others were thinking, I didn’t worry that I was ‘being childish’, I didn’t curse the icy waters, I didn’t fret about the storm clouds or the waves trying to catch me.

What you saw, if you were looking my way, was freedom. I allowed any to see the uninjured child hiding inside. I bared my soul to the ocean and sky.

What were you thinking when you saw this? Did you understand? Did you realize how much I have and, just maybe, think you could have it too?

What did you think when I flopped belly down on the dock to look over the side with you? Did you find me odd?

What did you think when I kept asking, ‘what is this called? is this one unique?’. Did you lose respect for me in my curiosity and willingness to be taught? OR did you respect me more knowing I knew the limits of my own knowledge?

Why is it ‘childish’ to remain curious? Is it really? I have an insatiable curiosity, I suck up knowledge like a sponge. If we were all more curious the world would change.

Do you admire me for risking ridicule or facing my demons? OR does that scare you away? It can be both, you know.

I am not the owner; just the messenger. This is why I say I am a siren today. Today, I have lured you to a new reality, something you knew but forgot. I have given you the opportunity to see possibilities, potentialities; to have hope once again.

Be careful taking the bait. The hook is heavily barbed.

To think that you must own me to experience my freedom is misdirection. The joy you seek is not from me, for it’s inside of you. It has and will always be there for you to find.

You may not be able to unsee what you’ve seen. I hope not. The siren in me wants you to take the bait.

I want you to know happiness is possible. Peace, love, a feeling of completeness… it’s all possible.

The possibilities, though, can ONLY be found inside of you. What you saw was what those possibilities can lead to. You saw a momentary loss of my mask, my walls, and my shields. What you saw was a glimpse of me. Can you see yourself instead?

When more people show their true undefiled selves, more people will begin to see a perfectness to the world and will want that for themselves. Allowing yourself to love and be loved helps others find the permission they seek for the same.

Watch me, know me better if you must. The answer, though, is within you. Maybe I am the one who holds the mirror, the one who points you back to yourself. Maybe that is what the siren does.

Is it dangerous? Yes.

Will it hurt? Likely.

Is it worth it? Definitely.

Thank you for reading,

me