Thank You But No Thank You

Should I pursue motherhood while single? 

Quit teaching? 

Start a small business? 

Just write and let everything fall into place? 

Cut my hair? 

Wear this? 

Say ‘yes’?

I want to share with you something I read which immediately had me laughing out loud—a reaction, that for me, usually signifies huge relief. Or something just clicking into place. Both in this case.

Ah Ms Brene Brown, thank you for this. You helped me make sense of something that I already knew on some level but couldn’t quite manage to put into action in such a non-negotiable sort of way.

All I know is that when I read this passage, my spine straightens and my shoulders lower. There’s an inevitable deep breath and a smile. 

My anxiety winks at me. ‘See,’ it says, ‘I’m not sending you anything you can’t handle. There are guidelines for keeping me in check. And this is a good one.” 

*From Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. (p.20) by Brene Brown.