You’re the Only One Holding Yourself Back

Excuses are easy and complaining is second nature. But when we really cut the BS, we are the only thing standing in our way.

Want to travel? Find a way. Hate your job? I know the feeling, get out of there. NOW. Or maybe you’ll be lucky and get fired, being forced from your safety net will allow the possibilities to pour in.

I too am guilty of the self-imposed hold back. Limiting beliefs and reasons why something wouldn’t work were part of my inner dialogue. Now when I find myself holding back I am quick to identify and move around it. Not past, but around with solutions and possibilities.

What if we allowed the fabulous what if and don’t know twins to take up residence in our thoughts permanently? What would happen?

Adventure. That’s what. Let it in. Go on and try.

Forget the Small Talk, Give Me the Big Talk

I’m not a fan of small talk. It feels like a waste of time, all surfacy and shallow. I want to dive in, straight to the heart of the matter with juicy conversation.

A few months ago I had the opportunity to meet one of my favorite’s favorites. He was brand new in town and we agreed to meet for a meal.

I didn’t have a great sense of him, other than our mutual association with a very bright light. After placing our order and sitting down, we both expressed our mutual dislike for small talk.

I told him about my #100UnfilteredTruths project and mentioned my apprehension with vulnerability. He suggested I take the opportunity to practice with him.

To make the conversation balanced, we began exchanging truths — one for one. Some small and silly + others so heavy and thick with emotion they filled the room.

I saw him to his very depths. His pain, the pride, and the hope. And I know he saw me too. I was moved to tears several times — by both his and my own admissions. I looked him in the eye not bothering to hide my emotion, tears filling my eyes.

What if we made the decision to go deeper with one another? To see + feel + listen without judgment — to witness emotion and acknowledge.

I often think of our conversation. I keep it close and use it as an example of how I wish to connect with others, more often.

It is my goal to live wide open; showing up and seeing you. Allowing myself to be seen — arguably, the harder of the two. What do you think? I’ll show up if you do.