I care deeply and feel deeply about both people and ideas, so though my profession is to listen, in the right environment I also love to express my ideas and opinions. Occasionally what I say upsets people and that can be a trigger for me, precisely because I care deeply about people and so when my words cause upset that impacts me too.
What is the alternative, though? Aristotle puts it best: “There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing”. I choose instead a mantra taught to me by my greatest mentor in life, the late Ed Percival: #BeMoreYou.
When given the choice between holding back from doing or saying something, always hold in mind that we are each unique and here on this earth to make our own contribution. As Marianne Williamson said in her famous quote known as “our deepest fear”:
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
For the full quote as well as a linked and famous quote from the book (and now movie) Dune, see this post: “Trust is greater than fear. Fear is the Mind-Killer.”.
Be aware of your impact on others, and at the same time always remember, trust yourself, and #BeMoreYou.