BRAVERY 52 | List 50
LIST 50 | List the things you have the courage to do now that you didn't before starting this journal.
I am far more open to trying new things than I was last January. Failure is simply an opportunity to learn and perfect is not just limiting, it’s boring, too.
Over the year, I’ve learned that I can do hard things. In fact, I can do the impossible and survive, even thrive.
I suppose, when it comes down to it, there are three things I now have the courage to do:
I’ve learned to embrace and encourage my 14-year-old self to show up more often and participate. All of that youthful spirit, curiosity and intuitive sensitivity were cruelly quashed, it’s time to let her have some fun.
Boundaries are a wonderful thing. The pandemic has taught me a number of things, and it has provided me with a natural filter for priorities and values. If our actions and values don’t align with how we address and behave through the pandemic, I doubt much else will align. You do you, but my double-vaxxed and boosted self will do me. I no longer feel the need to apologize for disagreeing with the actions of others. The fawning years are officially over.
I’m a human being, not a human doing. Now that I’m more settled, I’m more than happy to have visitors and not make excuses for the pillows all over the great room floor (dogs) and the knit throw in a ball at the end of the couch as I was happily living another life immersed in a book. There may be some visual chaos at times and that’s okay. My home does not have to be “visitor ready” at every moment - not that it usually is, but I’ve finally released that pressure and I’m trying to keep the ever-present piles limited to my office. There are only so many hours in a day and I’m embracing my priorities which is now all about the care and keeping of me.
This was my year of “BRAVE”, the One Little Word I chose to guide me in 2021. I have shown up and given 100% at every opportunity, even when it made me nervous or triggered my need to cancel plans! I didn’t give in to temptation and often forced my introverted self to engage in uncomfortable situations.