When I look back over my life, I realize that even though I am a self-professed shy, introverted person, I have also had some really bold moments -- one such moment came to me this morning: when I was 11, I was the first girl acolyte at Christ Episcopal Church in Covington, Louisiana.
I've also had plenty of wish-I'd-been bold moments. That's sort of what I want to talk about today. Because I'm learning being bold isn't always about being loud or brash or outlandish or first. For me, lately, it's about these five things instead.
How To Be BOLD
1. Be honest. About who you are, what you like, what you want, what you think.
2. Speak up. Even when no one asks. Maybe especially when no one asks. Who you are and what you like/want/think is important, and no one will know unless you tell them.
3. Try something new. Read a book in a genre you don't usually choose. Sign up for sushi lessons -- even if you don't like sushi. (It will grow on you, I promise.) Go to a thrift store and buy something you'd never wear -- and wear it!
4. Say Yes. And NO. Yes to adventure, to an invitation for coffee, to getting up in the middle of the night to watch a meteor shower. Say NO when it interferes with what you really want to be doing or when it hurts you (or others) or when what you need more than anything is a nap.
 |
| Bold Oliver! |
Please come back tomorrow for the kickoff of my 2016 National Poetry Month project ARTSPEAK! Plant. Grow. Eat. Yay!
Great shoelaces! Reaching out and connecting with the world is BOLD, for sure. xo
ReplyDeleteI so admire your BOLD, Irene. Beautiful and wise post. Happy adventuring...I hope you find a couple cool thrift shops on your journeys. xo
ReplyDeleteGreat list! There was a time not so long ago that the only boldness I could manage was wearing my hot pink Converse. But my life the past year has forced me out of my comfort zone enough times to make me a little less chicken.
ReplyDeletePerfect. Love those laces.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice in your BOLD list!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I do believe I have just read an authoritative journal article. Bravo! Five fantastic (non-frivolous)do-nows to facilitate growing boldly. Thank you for all the doable practical advice. p.s. I once wore one earring at school (11th grade social studies, as the teacher). The kids (and adults) kept kindly asking, "Do you know you've lost one earring?" Yes, I knew when I went to wear them and could only find one. But since that one went so perfectly with my outfit, and I really loved it, I decided one was better than none. How's that for boldness? (Not the SJT kind of boldness worth writing about, but it did boost my confidence in being fully, unapologetically, outlandish me.) God bless you, and thank you for sharing your bold ideas!
ReplyDeleteWonderful advice! Love this: "Walk around in the world like it's a beautiful place to be, and you are so delighted to be in it." Very bold in a world that tends toward gloom and doom.
ReplyDeleteAlso, congratulations on your Wildebeest book listed as an Honor selection for the Lee Bennett Hopkins prize! So honored to know both you and Amy.
You make me smile! "But this is a way to reach out and connect with the world. And I can't think of anything BOLDer than that." So very true! It's bold to make connections and get out of your comfort zone!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Yes, be bold like Oliver!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Yes, be bold like Oliver!!!!!
ReplyDelete