You know how people often say, “Don’t get your hopes up…”
Why not?
I say: GET YOUR HOPES UP.
Get them way the hell up! Hoist up that hope-flag and let it flap in the wind! Allow yourself to feel excited! Allow yourself to overflow with hope and optimism!
The worst thing that will happen is… later, you might feel disappointed.
You can handle it.
You can handle all of your emotions—intense joy, intense grief, boredom, loneliness, curiosity, everything.
You’re a human being. You were born to experience a rainbow spectrum of emotions, not just a couple of carefully selected Crayons.
It’s dangerous and disempowering to tell yourself, “I won’t allow myself to feel hopeful because later I might be disappointed and I CANNOT HANDLE DISAPPOINTMENT without turning to booze/cookies/waffle fries/whatever.”
Yes you can. You are strong enough to handle it. Don’t tell yourself otherwise.
Me? I really want a book deal for my latest project.
I really want my daughter Emily to realize her dream of getting accepted to her top college choice: Columbia.
I really want the last couple seats for my 2016 retreats to get filled up.
I really want to beat my personal record for my next half-marathon race.
I want. I crave. I work. I strive. I aim high. I go for it. I make a scene. I meet, exceed, or fall short. I celebrate. I pick up the pieces. I begin again.
I feel it all—the exhilaration of victory, the bitterness of knowing that I could have done better, the serenity that comes along with knowing that I truly gave my best effort regardless of the final outcome.
I’m human. I have cravings. I have desires. To me, leading a satisfying life isn’t about “denying” or “suppressing” or “downplaying” certain things (“I don’t want that; I don’t feel that”) but rather, embracing everything with courageous honesty (“I want that so fucking much; I am hurt; I am hopeful; I am lost; I am back on track”).
To paraphrase Dr. Brene Brown, “Numbing our emotions is damaging because you can’t numb fear without numbing joy at the same time.”
Don’t numb out. Don’t downsize your joy.
Sometimes, simply admitting “I AM SO HAPPY!”—in a society that deems it “uncool” to feel things too intensely—is a supreme act of bravery.
Be uncool.
Show up and feel what you feel.
Susan
P.S. Let’s make your hopes a reality. The last VIP coaching intensive went so well, I’m doing another one at my personal lake home. I’ve decided to invite 1 LadyBoss to join me there for 2 nights this summer.
It’s a VIP coaching intensive—just you and me—working together on whatever you want. We can spend the whole time coming up with income-generating ideas for your business, or figuring out how to create a graceful transition out of your current job, or discussing your legacy project (the work you want to be known for, your permanent mark on the planet) and how to make it happen.
Coaching, boating, pampering, surprises, meals and accommodations included—of course. Bonfires and peaceful serenity. And ass-kicking! At the lake. YAASSSSS.
If you’re interested, apply here, tell me about yourself, and tell me what your heart has been whispering to you lately. Can’t wait to read…
