Dutch Lock Down Day One Hundred Thirty Seven

[Actually For Realsies Nervous]

Tomorrow I’m doing a live stream at https://www.twitch.tv/rainleander and vlogging right here on Sunday and even though I have extensive public speaking experience and have even spoken at FOUR virtual events and … I’m still seriously for realsies really nervous about this.

WTF.

But first the news:

• Dutch position on face masks is confusing and damages trust: what the papers say
• FACE MASKS MANDATORY IN PARTS OF AMSTERDAM, ROTTERDAM FROM AUG. 5
• 450 fines issued in the Netherlands to public transport travellers without masks

But, seriously, the only reason this is scary?

At all?

Is that I’ve never done it before.

It’s like being afraid of jumping out of a plane.

Before the first time you do it, you’re afraid of the IDEA of jumping out of a plane. And, let’s be honest, it’s a valid fear. You’re jumping out of a perfectly good airplane with a well designed piece of cloth strapped to your back. Anything could happen.

Depending on who you are, it’s absolutely terrifying or thrilling as you plummet to the earth – before the exquisitely designed cloth unfurls and saves your dumbass life.

ASIDE: While fear and excitement are considered the opposites of the same coin, the Dutch language has literally ONE word that means BOTH fear AND excitement. HOW you say it gives it the meaning of fear or excitement.

#SPANNEND

But the SECOND time you jump out of a plane, especially if it was TERRIFYING, you know EXACTLY WHY YOU’RE SCARED.

But you do it anyway because you made a promise.

And while I didn’t exactly make a promise, I made a declaration of intention.

To stream tomorrow.

And vlog this Sunday.

Even though I’m ridiculously nervous.

Like the first time I jumped out of an airplane.