How kilts changed my life

[Makeitstop]

So, I got an email from an old friend who had heard about some work I have been doing lately in association with International Justice Mission. He wanted to say that he was impressed with not only the cause, but even more so with the fact that I was taking the lead and doing things which I would have never done in the past when he was around. He wanted to offer words of encouragement about how much I have grown in the past few years.

In my response, I reflected on the people and events that have influenced me, and one of the more unusual factors was the kilt.

Not so long ago, I was a less than social person. I wasn't exactly an introvert, but I didn't want to deal with people. I wanted very much to be invisible, and to only interact with others on my own terms. And when I did, I was usually pretty bad at it.

At the same time, I wanted to wear a kilt. I waited quite a while to do so, because I knew that people would react. One day, I realized that I was being a wimp, and decided that I should just do what I want and to hell with everyone else. So I got my first kilt, and within a matter of months had all but given up pants.

I went from being nearly invisible to being the center of attention. I wanted to be left alone, but suddenly every random stranger was talking to me and asking questions. I had to deal not only with the jerks, but the much harder issue of talking to people who were just trying to be nice, and didn't realize that they were driving me nuts.

Over time, went from being defiant and sarcastic to being friendly and understanding. I found myself using fewer and fewer witty remarks and more and more honest answers. I slowly began to come out of my shell, lower my defenses, and actually began to behave at least somewhat like a moderately normal and healthy human being.

Of course, there were many other factors that helped me grow in many other ways, but the kilt did play a key role in helping me to find my spine, and develop some sorely needed social skills.

Recently I have begun taking a very active leadership role in my IVCF chapter, taking the initiative in forming a partnership with IJM, and leading a Bible study. In the past I had never thought I was capable of being a leader, that I lacked some esoteric quality required for the role. I was terrified of responsibility, and dreaded any job that involved working with other people. And I could barely deal with strangers in passing, I never would have been able to lead a group of them, especially with all the added pressure and complexity that comes with the topic of the Bible.

It's somewhat bittersweet really, as now that I am taking a much more public role, I am forced give up my kilt much of the time, because it can get in the way when I am representing an organization or a cause, and apparently, its not all about me and what I want. Sure, in my free time I still wear them, because they are comfortable and awesome, but on the other hand, I don't need to wear them anymore. They have served their purpose.

I can honestly say that I would not be able to do these things had I not started wearing a kilt. And this is only the beginning, as I start on a path to bigger and better things. And though there will probably come a time when I am forced to relegate kilts to weekends or perhaps only rare events, deep down I will always be that "kilt guy" because it has become a part of me. I have become a new man. I have a new purpose. I have a brighter future.

And that my friends, is how kilts changed my life.

[Bugbear]

Hmmm, interesting.
* Never mind on the rest. *

[cessna152towser]

I can identify with a lot of this, but I won't hi-jack this thread by telling my own story.

[wyldathart]

Interesting, I've never heard a story quite like that one. Keep on rockin and keep wearing the kilts

[jrmiller]

I found myself in somewhat the same position, but not as far along as you. Thanks for articulating the "kilted path" so well.

How about this angle, while it isn't about you when you help/support these organizations you speak of, however, if you wear your kilt while helping them, it will create a memorable identity which could in the long run, but helpful to the organization. Kind of like the team mascot.

[Howard Clark]

Good for you ! We all find our own path, and it is good that wearing the kilt has helped you along yours.

It has helped me in some of the same ways.

[dfmacliam]

It's a very good story, thank you for sharing.

[NewPiperinNY]

That is a great story.. thanks for sharing!

[TheBlueCow]

Nice story! I have gotten a similar experience from my introduction to kilts, though not as far along as you, but my life has definitely started to take a direction - all because of kilts! Funny how a little Freedom where once there was none (from something as simple as a piece of clothing!) can open up a whole new world.

I found myself in somewhat the same position, but not as far along as you. Thanks for articulating the "kilted path" so well.

How about this angle, while it isn't about you when you help/support these organizations you speak of, however, if you wear your kilt while helping them, it will create a memorable identity which could in the long run, but helpful to the organization. Kind of like the team mascot.

And I agree with jrmiller - the kilt may not just "get in the way" when representing these groups, but might be something that grabs someone's attention and help them remember you (and pay more attention to what you have to say). Unless there are uniform/dress requirements being put on you, otherwise I think it might be worth a shot.

[bricelythgoe]

Inspiring story. Thanks for sharing!