I ask you: When you see a fellow sister, woman, girl, or friend putting herself out there, going for what she wants, what do you do? When you see a woman paving her own way, doing things that no one else in your life is doing, do you support her? Do you encourage these women, or do you tell them all the ways they could fail?
When you see a sister being courageous and unconventional, does it make you uncomfortable? Do you tear her down, or lift her up?
When you see a friend accomplishing something that doesn’t interest or make sense to you, do you stand by her side, encourage her and hold her hand? Or do you turn your back?
When you see a woman navigating challenging times, going through a divorce, loosing someone she loves, choosing an incredibly challenging career path, battling an inner demon or going back to work shortly after having a child, do you open your arms and offer support, or avoid and judge?
I speak about woman because we tend to more easily support men in their big dreams. We tend to stand in awe of men’s confidence, embrace their courage and accept their visions without battling or tearing them down. But this isn’t a hard-fast rule; question whether you apply these assumptions to your husband, partner, son, friend or father.
Our willingness to follow our own paths and be courageous directly mirrors the way we treat others. Years ago, I was so scared to put myself out there, to go for the things that I wanted. I was judgmental of others who were following their dreams. I would say things like, ‘Who do they think they are?’ or find ways to break down their character and hold them to their past mistakes. I’m not proud to admit that, but I learned that if I wanted to manifest my biggest dreams I was going to have to focus on who I wanted to become, instead of leaning on who I thought I should be (based on my past choices, mistakes and failures).
What would you risk looking like a fool for? Would you stand up in front of a group of people and sing? Would you pursue a career in something you have no experience, but have always dreamed of? Would you write a blog, even when you’ve been told your writing skills are inadequate and you don’t have a single piece of evidence that anyone would read what you write? Would you send it out to 2000 people and hope that you weren’t attacked and shamed in the process? Would you risk starting a business with no guarantee that you wouldn’t fail? Would you speak your mind on a volatile subject, in person, to an audience with varying views? Would you choose to not have kids or get married in order to follow your heart and the truth of what you want? Would you risk ending a relationship if it would disappoint many people and dismantle your life? What would you risk looking like a fool in order to live the life you want, instead of the life you feel others want you to live?
May we all choose to risk looking like fools, so we can be the most honest versions of ourselves.
With love
Noelle
I share my meditations and talks on my Facebook & Instagram page, however, Instagram & YouTube seem to be the easiest place for uploading. If you can, subscribe to my IG page @bovonnoelle to get regular mindful offerings. I am also uploading content to my YouTube page.