The Embarrassment Gene

I found myself in a situation where I needed to ask someone as favor. All I had to do was pick up the phone in the hopes of achieving something that I desired. Simple right? As I rehearsed how I wanted the conversation to go, I felt acutely embarrassed at the prospect of asking for help. I wrestled with myself because logically it was a simple enough task with the possibility of a big pay off. However embarrassment forced me to procrastinate. Not exactly sure why I was embarrassed when the worst the person could say to me was no. As I began to explore my feelings and the notion of embarrassment itself, it lead me to some interesting theories.
I consulted my dictionary for an official definition. Its definition was simple, to feel awkward or ashamed. Everyone at some point or another has endured the uncomfortable feeling of embarrassment. But what is its real purpose? For me embarrassment can be defined as a personal chastising for the perception (real or imagined) of others. Embarrassment therefore becomes self imposed emotional punishment.
Now in some cases you may in fact need to be punished. There are norms and laws in society that exist so we can co-exist. The perceptions in question here is the collective perception. Violating the collective perception can take us down a very dangerous road. In these cases where it is warranted , embarrassment can lead to regret, remorse, rectification and ultimately seeking forgiveness. Now if you follow this chain of logic one only needs to feel embarrassed for something that requires forgiveness or rectifying. Namely something that harms another or the common good. If you trip and fall..who would you need to apologize to? What do you need to make right other than yourself?
A strange concept that is much easier said than done. But it is one that I will attempt to practice. What I shall call unfounded embarrassment is a manifestation of what truly holds us back..FEAR! Why should I fail to try solely for the FEAR of looking stupid or feeling awkward? Why does asking for help feel so uncomfortable because we are fearful of the word no?
Pride is a hell of a thing and embarrassment is ingrained so deeply within us it's like a part of our DNA. But in the pursuit of our dreams embarrassment must be put in check. The road to success is lined with many noes, many help me ups and a lot of pride swallowing. When making a decision that gives you that uncomfortable feeling, ask yourself one question, "Is this something I'll need to apologize for in the future?" If the answer is no, I say go for it! Put yourself out there because where your dreams are concerned there is little to lose and everything to gain. So don't punish yourself for paving the way to your dreams. Once your actions do not ruin your integrity, what people think of you shouldn't matter.

If you read this, leave a comment and let me know what you think about my theory :-)

BTBM
~Natana~