Waiting for the Shoe to Drop

One of my teammates came from an extremely rigid work environment. Everything was dictated, down to the fabric of their slacks. During a one on one meeting a few months after he joined our team, I asked how he was doing. He assured me he was happy and everything was great – but he was waiting for the other shoe to drop.  

This is a little how life feels right now. We’re in a good place, even somewhat of a happy place. I’m even relaxed! It feels good.

But I know the numbness, the darkness, still lurk in wait for him. And I wonder when they will rear their ugly head and send him down into the depression, into the gray.

I’m enjoying this time, and I think as much as he can, he is too. But in the back of my head, I remember other times where we went from good to not good. And the reality is that at some point, it will happen again. There’s no telling when or how bad it’ll be – that’s just the nature of the beast. It won’t be great for either of us, but I know it’ll be tougher on him.

So in the meantime, while I wait, I’m enjoying the smiles, the conversations, the good times.