That coloquialism has all sorts of implications. Most often people use it to describe someone becoming more outgoing. I had an experience in cooking school where one of my classmates (who described himself as an Italian stallion :s) was shocked at how "reserved" I was and would really like to see me "come out of my shell" Translation: 'how can you still be a virgin? Just go and have sex!'
Well THAT wasn't about to happen, so since then this saying has had a negative conotation. If I'm able to seperate myself from that experience and look at the original intent then it can have a positive spin.
I am very shy. I was painfully so as a child and it hindered my growing up, especially by the time I got to highschool I had a hard time making good friends or recognizing when someone wasn't a friend. Well, eventually I started to get over that. I don't know whether it was just growing up or the need to be connected but, about 14 years ago I really started to "come out of my shell". I made a good group of friends, many of whom I am still connected to in some way. As I look back on the last 14 years though I notice that I'm just halfway out. It's like my leg and half my arm are still inside the shell. I'm holding on ready to scurry back in at a moments notice. This was a surprise to me, I thought I'd ditched the shell aroud 7 years ago! Around four years ago though, a significant event caused me to get so far back into my shell that just my fingers were sticking out, just far enough so I could grab hold of something.
I've been able to slowly come back out more and more since then and just now am starting to feel like I could ditch the shell for good. I've used it as an excuse for so long, it was a safety net, but it turns out it has hindered me more than helped me. Why try anything that's daring to you when you've got your safe place too cozy to let go of? And how are you able to do what you want to do with the freedom you want to do it with when you're still attached to this cumbersome shell? Just imagine that wave coming up could take you to the place that you've always dreamed about. If you stay in your shell you'll just sink to the bottom of the ocean floor.
I think I'd rather ride the wave... symbolizing that this is God's call and I'm trusting in his direction. I know I'll land in a safe place and it'll be alot less challenging and painful if I'm not dragging around that silly shell.
Bye bye shell, I'm to old for you now..
