Congratulations! Boy, do I understand that fear. A few years back I participated in a Listen to Your Mother show in Portland, and I was so nervous! So nervous. I only wish it had been a honey pot inside me. I love that metaphor, the way the honey flowed when you were on stage. I think I had more of a beehive; the words stung a bit coming out of my throat. But you make me feel like such an experience might be worth trying again. Just not quite yet. :-)
What a glorious and triumphant tale of doing the hard thing. I look forward to reading your story and wish I could have been there to hear it in person. I love the way you unpack that doing the scary thing is not always the wise choice in the moment. That it is a hustle created by marketers in some cases. We can back away, we can take our time, we can decide to turn around entirely and run like hell. All of these are acceptable choices. Thank you for sharing.
Loved this post and can’t wait to hear the story Falling seems to be contagious in our family It’s a total of three now A warning to the rest to be careful. Does that ever work?
I used to think I could never drive in Boston. I live on an island off the coast of Maine, our island has exactly 2 traffic lights. But after 4 years of cancer appointments at Dana Farber Cancer Institute (4 times per year), I decided that I wanted to challenge myself to drive alone to Boston—I never want to be someone who relies on her partner to do all the driving. And now I’ve done it several times—a few times driving a car so full of my college kid’s belongings that I could barely use my mirrors! And I feel stronger. A role model for my sons of a woman who can do hard things. I’m proud of myself, but definitely wouldn’t want to do something that scary often! 💜
Indeed, what a gift it is to be seen and loved fully. Hearing the love and gratitude in your voice was a gift to me. Thank you for sharing that heartfelt emotion. I look forward to hearing the story you told in this space soon :-)
I was really impressed by your audio message. Your courage and honesty in the way that you described your experience! You also reminded me of how the support of family and friends - those who we love - is so valuable in all that we do. Thank you.
Hi Mary! I am so proud of you and wish I’d been there to support you, to hear your story and to be in a warm, inviting space as you drew people in with your words and heart.,
As far as doing something scary, I know something about that. To take steps forward, unsure if the ground beneath you will support you or swallow you whole, to create a new way of life under the most lonely and difficult circumstances I could imagine, to say yes when your mind and body are screaming no- all that is incredibly scary.
Yet, I am here almost two years later and I found a person who I didn’t know was strong and smart and brave- ME.
Congratulations on taking your fear by the hand! Nothing like a good dose of anxiety to peak a performance - invites in the angels; they'll whisk you into the heart of the matter.
Cannot tell you how the simple word "yet" and the her cousin, "yes" can change a perspective. If I had a nickle for every time a client proclaimed some absolute about their life, something too big, too scary, too unimaginable ... and I would gently attach the word "yet" to the end of their sentence - they'd absorb the enormity of that small vote of confidence ... change is afoot!
You are a woman who can do hard things.
♥️
To say Yes! 🙌
Congratulations! Boy, do I understand that fear. A few years back I participated in a Listen to Your Mother show in Portland, and I was so nervous! So nervous. I only wish it had been a honey pot inside me. I love that metaphor, the way the honey flowed when you were on stage. I think I had more of a beehive; the words stung a bit coming out of my throat. But you make me feel like such an experience might be worth trying again. Just not quite yet. :-)
What a glorious and triumphant tale of doing the hard thing. I look forward to reading your story and wish I could have been there to hear it in person. I love the way you unpack that doing the scary thing is not always the wise choice in the moment. That it is a hustle created by marketers in some cases. We can back away, we can take our time, we can decide to turn around entirely and run like hell. All of these are acceptable choices. Thank you for sharing.
Loved this post and can’t wait to hear the story Falling seems to be contagious in our family It’s a total of three now A warning to the rest to be careful. Does that ever work?
“They laughed at my jokes, they gasped in surprise, and at one heartwarming moment, I heard the entire audience say, “Awww,” in unison.”
This is the BEST high to experience as a writer and storyteller! Congratulations on your bravery.
I used to think I could never drive in Boston. I live on an island off the coast of Maine, our island has exactly 2 traffic lights. But after 4 years of cancer appointments at Dana Farber Cancer Institute (4 times per year), I decided that I wanted to challenge myself to drive alone to Boston—I never want to be someone who relies on her partner to do all the driving. And now I’ve done it several times—a few times driving a car so full of my college kid’s belongings that I could barely use my mirrors! And I feel stronger. A role model for my sons of a woman who can do hard things. I’m proud of myself, but definitely wouldn’t want to do something that scary often! 💜
Me too!!
I agree. This experience was a bit scary, but oh so fun and satisfying. You were awesome!
Indeed, what a gift it is to be seen and loved fully. Hearing the love and gratitude in your voice was a gift to me. Thank you for sharing that heartfelt emotion. I look forward to hearing the story you told in this space soon :-)
I enjoy reading your work.
E
I was really impressed by your audio message. Your courage and honesty in the way that you described your experience! You also reminded me of how the support of family and friends - those who we love - is so valuable in all that we do. Thank you.
🙂
Gorgeous post. And I love the 🍯 metaphor.
Hi Mary! I am so proud of you and wish I’d been there to support you, to hear your story and to be in a warm, inviting space as you drew people in with your words and heart.,
As far as doing something scary, I know something about that. To take steps forward, unsure if the ground beneath you will support you or swallow you whole, to create a new way of life under the most lonely and difficult circumstances I could imagine, to say yes when your mind and body are screaming no- all that is incredibly scary.
Yet, I am here almost two years later and I found a person who I didn’t know was strong and smart and brave- ME.
Congratulations on taking your fear by the hand! Nothing like a good dose of anxiety to peak a performance - invites in the angels; they'll whisk you into the heart of the matter.
Cannot tell you how the simple word "yet" and the her cousin, "yes" can change a perspective. If I had a nickle for every time a client proclaimed some absolute about their life, something too big, too scary, too unimaginable ... and I would gently attach the word "yet" to the end of their sentence - they'd absorb the enormity of that small vote of confidence ... change is afoot!
I love this post so much. It was such a treat to hear your story and see you being brave. I’m glad you had so many people there cheering you on!