When we dabble, we fiddle. We partake in partially acknowledging the things that we are not fully capable of immersing ourselves in during that moment--because if we were entirely consumed by the weight of what we've experienced, what we've felt, or what we've assumed, we would break and probably drown under the density of the failed expectations versus the reality that we weren't able to control.

Dabbling is a temporary solution. It gets us to where we need to go if we know what we're doing because it exposes us to the shallow end of where everything started--of where we began to lose track of who we were.

But when we're not effective and when enough time has passed and we're still piddling around in the shallow end, it's usually because we're afraid of what's next--that the water is only going to get murkier and deeper until familiarity isn't a crutch anymore.

The rising water levels put us in a place where we're uncomfortable because they test our hearts and our minds. The closer the water gets to our mouths, nose, ears, and eyes, the more nervous and hurt we become because we let our innate senses become lost to the world. And as a result, we get swallowed up by the external factors.

And when we finally get to the parts of life that were intended to be the ones where we were supposed to thrive and grow, the deep end has already engulfed our intentions and disabled us from getting to where we were meant to go.

Contrary to the former, if we dabble with purpose in the back of our minds and the right amount of caution, it's possible to not only to make it through the deep end but also learn things about ourselves that we didn't know could be refined or even found.

When we're lost or when we're hurting, it is so easy to let ourselves become submerged in the things that the world keeps telling us is right or wrong.

It's okay to put yourself in new situations. In fact, it's healthy.

It's okay to pull back but only if this is what's right.

It's okay to be lost but only as long as you know when to become found again.

It's okay to hurt as long as you know when to turn to people when you need it.

It's okay to move forward because you're not moving backwards.

It's okay to dabble as long as you have an idea of where you intend to end up.

If we abide by what our hearts tell us and where our minds lead us then usually we will end up in the right place, and we'll come out of whatever we've been through a stronger and more well-rounded person.

We all have a right to these things because we all are entitled to discover the good and bad things about ourselves as long as we take the time and respect for ourselves and others along the way.

So dabble in feelings. Dabble in your experiences. Dabble with time and respect.

And you just might surprise yourself.