Taking Life with Chances

Over the last few weeks, I’ve worked up the nerve a few times now to say one very simple sentence:

“Hey, do you want to grab a cup of coffee?”

Seems easy enough.

I tend to look my “cutest” on Sundays — church days — and the occasional outing with a friend. Most of the time, though, I’m stopping in after work, in my dog-walking clothes, or on my way home from the gym.

So, on the days I decided this was going to be the day, I made a little more effort. Put myself together. Tried to look a bit cuter than usual.

I’d hype myself up on the way over, throw on a good jam in my earbuds — something that gives me that extra pep in my step. I have no problem rocking out in public. You can absolutely find me lip-syncing and doing a little wiggle in most stores.

Lately, my hype song of choice has been Animals by Maroon 5.

And then… I’d get there.

And the moment would come.

And I would lose the nerve.

Both times.

Instead, I’d walk back to my car and give myself the same speech I give every time:

Next time.

So, I came up with a new plan.

An old-school note.

Like we used to do back in school.

I’ve been on a bit of a writing kick lately — I even wrote a letter and dropped it in the mail — so I was feeling a little nostalgic.

The note is simple:

“Let’s grab coffee.”
My name.
My number.

That’s it.

The plan is to slip it to him at the right moment.

This, I can do.

At least… that’s what I tell myself.

For now, the note is still sitting in my wallet.

But the attempt will be made again this week.

And I’m hoping I can hold onto that mojo I walk in with… and not turn into a complete puddle of nerves.

I can’t be the only one who overthinks something this simple… right?