This past weekend I went to the Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire for the fourth year in a row. The past three years I have bartended with the Knights of Columbus and this has become one of my favorite events of the year. Yes, I am a dork, but who cares? Lessons can be learned in the most unlikely of places (and from the most unlikely of creatures), yes that was a LOTR reference to confirm my dorkiness. This week I have three lessons to share from the Renaissance Faire that we can all improve our lives with.
First, Be You. Everyone else is already taken so don’t worry about trying to fit in; just be you. This seems rather simplistic but it is hard for many of us to do. We’re too worried about what others think of us when it is none of our business. The great thing about the Renaissance Faire is that people are just being themselves. They don’t care how their appearance makes them look; they’re just there to have fun. As you cross the bridge into the Faire you are greeted by people wearing Renaissance era attire, full get ups and all. As you make your way down the trail you cross people making weapons from hand, old-time shops, ax throwers, pubs, storytellers for children, and numerous stages with performing acts. There are people dressed as elves, commoners, queens, and kings. Cast, crew, and customers dress up in attire that reflects what type of Renaissance person they feel most reflects them. People are accepted for who they are and when I am there I truly get the sense that everyone is welcome.
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