Okay, I really am pierced (it’s a little itchy today). And there is no noble reasoning behind it. It doesn’t symbolize or represent anything, and it’s not a manifestation of some internal darkness. It really just boils down to the fact that I really became intrigued with having a nose piercing about four months ago, and if you’ve been reading here a while, you’ve heard me mention it a couple of times. You also may have heard me express some regrets about things I didn’t do when I had the opportunity. It became quite clear that this was going to be added to that list if I didn’t give it a whirl, so I did.

I didn’t immediately love it, but I am growing to like it more and more. I really don’t like the whole discovery process where people will see it for the first time; it honestly makes me quite anxious. I emailed Carson’s teacher (because I volunteer in their classroom) and told one of her friend’s mom on the phone because I just wanted them to know in advance of seeing it for the first time (that sounds so silly but I felt much better after that).

Chris and I have actually talked extensively about getting the piercing for months. I did it with his complete blessing. We had agreed that I would wait until after the business trip to Virginia – which made Monday the day. I was chickening out, and Chris called three times to see if I had gotten it done yet. He was not lettin‘ me off the hook, and I’m glad he didn’t. He digs it – calling it cute, cool, and sexy (depending on his mood and mine).

I absolutely in no way regret doing it!

Carson is not a fan, but it’s not a big deal to her. She gives it a thumbs down, she says. Campbell says she is going to get her nose pierced when she is big like me. She has touched it and looked inside my nose to thoroughly check it out. I talked about it with both of them before doing it, but I didn’t tell them when the deed would be done. When Carson disapproved, I seriously considered forgetting the whole thing out of respect for her opinion. Then I decided there might be a better lesson at hand; as long as I am not disobeying Scripture or the leadership of the Holy Spirit and as long as I am not hurting anyone – I should not let the opinions of others dictate my choices. After all, I am praying that she (and her sister) will be socially courageous when it comes to being different in Jesus’ name.

It bears repeating that there was no noble reasoning behind the needle (that went slam through my nostril), but it has brought me face to face with my own desire for social acceptance. I don’t like feeling like people are having conversations about me behind my back, but I do like knowing that I went for it even though it would be an unpopular choice in some circles (thank you to those who left encouraging comments!). I like knowing that I’m not going to have to add another item to my regret list. I’m discovering that I needed my own shot of social courage… So while this is honestly a little humbling, it’s causing some neat introspection.