We all hide and we all have our favorite ways of doing it. I used to hide by encouraging others to leap. I was a great pep-talker, I just never took my own advice when the time came, I let someone else do it.
I wasn’t consciously hiding, I was just trying to be a “good girl” and not be arrogant. I listened to what Brene Brown would call “shame tapes” running through my head, “who do you think you are?”
Then I found myself living life on my own. I was responsible for my own results and I had to be the one to “do the things”. Until then I had no appreciation for how hard showing up was, and I began the journey of trying to show up, needing to be brave, and speaking when my knees were shaking.
When you start showing up, you start seeing other people differently. There is less judgment and more empathy.
You help others who are trying to make a difference because you know how damn hard it is.
You have deep respect people who have the guts to attempt what looks impossible instead of criticizing the parts that aren’t quite perfect yet.
You learn that every small step counts and that every start carries a large amount of insignificance and small steps until one day it has importance.
If you think you aren’t hiding start paying attention, maybe you will see where you are. We all do it in some way, until we don’t.
Do you answer the questions you are asked? Do you raise your hand to speak your mind? Do you stand up for what is right? Have you built something that is a service to others? Do you open your heart to others? Do you make the first move?
It feels risky to show up, but once you do it you realize that its fun, and the rewards are great. You are contributing to society instead of robbing it. That counts for a lot, and it matters.
Other people who are showing up will see you and secretly welcome you to the club.
Start small if you must, but start. Don’t listen to the voice in your head, but listen to the voice in your heart and act.
I hope to see you in the arena soon 🙂