I am reading a book and its main character, a woman in her thirties, often flashes back to her teen years. During those remembrances, she speaks of a good luck charm she always carried with her, the chamois bag that held it safety pinned inside her pants. At night, it lay under her pillow.
At first it seems like a childish thing to do, but upon further reflection, don’t we all armor ourselves as adults with items that give us comfort and confidence? Clothing, jewelry, a purse, photographs; I have even heard the ever-present water bottle compared to a baby bottle, a security blanket of sorts. And who among us is not tethered to our phones like a lifeline or talisman?
But what about the more unconventional options? Is there an item you would attach to the inside of your big girl/big boy pants right now if you knew it would not be discovered? Is there an object that would bolster you and make you feel less alone in the big, bad world? I have given it considerable thought since learning of the girl’s practice and I can’t think of anything I would want with me other than the acceptable grown-up accoutrements listed above. We are so conditioned to make it “on our own” that it’s difficult to remember a time when we allowed ourselves a little help, even if just an illusion.
As I continue on with the book I will revisit the question and, honestly, I hope I come up with something. Life is hard and I am all for giving myself extra protection from its daily challenges. I certainly don’t need more junk in my trunk, but I will gladly find a place in my pants for a boost of courage to find my place in this world.
