You can’t judge a book by its cover!

One important thing I’ve learned while living my life as a blonde: People judge. They assume, guess, and conclude- all without knowing a person at all.
Take me for example: Blonde, goofy, young. People are always shocked to hear things about me: that I have kids, or that I’ve experienced a ton of heavy things in life, or perhaps more so character assumptions. Often, people are surprised by my intuitiveness and wit simply because I came out of my mother’s womb with lighter follicles than my darker haired friends. At times, I am engaged in conversation with people and they’re acting as if I’m a complete idiot due to how I look. “Like- oh-em-gee!!! So not cool with me!” And if you’re super lucky, I intentionally let you believe I’m that way because it works to my benefit. That one’s my master trick..sneaky Ash!- just kidding– kind of 😉
I’m sure that there are aspects about yourself that you know people overlook when they glance at you from the outside. Simply because it is impossible to realize what depth goes on beyond the hollow shells we carry to display to the outside world.

I got to thinking about all of this while watching the girls racing Badwater and how it all played out this weekend. I hate how people do this crap to me, but I’m guilty of it myself. Human nature? Of course. But that doesn’t make it right…

Regardless of the initial reasons that led to my perceptions, when female racers approached me this weekend, I had thoughts in my head about how they would do here and how their races would play out.

But after observing the women so far this weekend, I realized something very quickly. You can’t judge a book by its cover. Some women I thought that wouldn’t push as hard were charging up mountains like a dang army. And others that I assumed might be too tough for needing comfort just wanted a shoulder to cry on for a bit.

Huh. That’s crazy.

I can’t know anybody based on a piece of paper. And I can’t really tell who’s the fiercest athlete or meekest of all based on past results or descriptive essays. I just can’t. To see them all push through their individual races – to prove to themselves that they can- no matter how fast, slow, or whatever-it’s so beautiful. And it reminded me of how important it is to not assume things about people. We all harbor deep things inside that make us who we are- & that push us to do certain things. Like say finish a 135 mile race across the desert.

I’m thankful I’m getting to witness these women racing Badwater. They all have my utmost respect. It’s been incredibly inspiring being here to say the least. More soon- back to the other blog.