Lessons I learned last week, from the wonderful people in my life. I'm acknowledging every one of you who offered these sentiments--bowing my head in gratitude and saying thank you, because oh, how I needed these reminders:
Listen and listen and listen and listen. Pay attention. Tune in. Be there. Don't run away. Don't hide.
You are not alone. You are not alone. You are not alone.
Show up. Just show up and bring your whole self. Don't worry about your performance or the way you look. Just show up.
Make eye contact and smile. Everyone is nervous about something. You can help reassure them; you might make their day.
Sometimes others thrive and you compare their success with your failure. And sometimes people struggle and compare your success with their failure. Stop comparing. It's not helping. Embrace them--all of them, the thriving and the struggling--because aren't we all both at times? And couldn't we all use some help?
Nobody cares what you're wearing. Or even if they do, they don't notice all the things you hate about yourself. Stop hating things about yourself. Be grateful--so grateful--for everything you are: alive, capable, powerful, present, strong, willing to learn, ready to try, on your way.