THE YEAR OF YES. SPEAK YOUR TRUTH. NAMASTE IN BED…
OK, that last one is a t-shirt/meme, but the other two are legit inspiration. Or, so I hear. I’ve honestly never been one for motivational/inspirational topics, but leave it to Oprah Winfrey to make me a believer. (*Oprah voice* YOU get motivation and YOU get motivation!) Last month, I was completely transfixed watching her acceptance speech in recognition of her amazing career. She tackled so many social and personal issues in the way only she can. However, her call to “speak your truth” really inspired me into action. I couldn’t sleep that night because I was so stirred up. But, what does “speaking my truth” really mean?
Listen, I totally get her speech was about much more than I’ll chat about here; I’m not trying to minimize that at all. I just know that I’m no Oprah, so it’s best for all of us if I unpack just a tiny bit of it. So, back to “speaking my truth.” I thought of it more as how I speak and live my truth, so how who I say I am (to myself and others) aligns with my daily actions and the way I live. That seems like a lot to consider during a 9-minute acceptance speech, but I immediately thought of two areas where I knew I wanted to step my game up: Professional development and volunteer service. So, how did Mother Oprah help me make that happen?
SHUT UP AND SHOW UP…
I had been eyeing a week-long professional development series that shot down all my usual objections:
- It was virtual…no introvert awkwardness.
- It was in the evening…I didn’t have to take time off.
- It was free..no brainer.
- The topics were great…no time-wasters, here!
Home run, right? Well, I would usually find any reason not to attend, but not this time! I went to every session and racked up more than 5 hours of (FREE!) professional development. The moment I stopped making excuses and just jumped in, I crushed my goal. By attending that one series, I was already well ahead of my professional development from this same point last year. This. Girl. Is on FIIIRRREEEE!
While I was still riding high from the development sessions, I received an email that an organization I volunteer for needed help the following week. My calendars were clear and I had the time, so I hopped on the volunteer opportunity. Even better, they ended up not needing me in the job I signed up for, so I got to experience another part of their operation (one that I likely wouldn’t have signed up for otherwise). Again, this is more than I’d volunteered last year, so I’m excited for more opportunities to give back.
WELL, LA-DEE-DA…
OK, I’m only patting myself on the back a little, but I mostly wondered how many parents could relate to my experience: You know who you are, your motivations, and what you want to achieve, but you don’t have the energy, desire, etc., to “shut up and show up.” I don’t know what your “Oprah moment” is. However, if there were only a few hours of rewarding, meaningful work standing between YOUR CHILD speaking/living his/her truth, whatever that may be, I bet you would make it happen. That’s all I’m saying. You’re worth the time and effort you pour into everything else. So, start today…you’ve got your whole year ahead of you.
