It’s Pride Month.
This got me thinking about who we really are and who people assume we are.
Recently, a coworker was hosting a music based event. I helped support and market the event, but did not attend.
Why?
To quote myself, “Intimate music events are my nightmare.”
How did I get this way?
Well, I realized that at a young age I was told I couldn’t sing and, at some point, that notion took root. The couldn’t may have turned into a shouldn’t.
I’ve also been told that I have a strange color sense and that my quirky and sometimes self deprecating sense of humor wouldn’t make me a good RA in college.
And yet:
- I’ve unabashedly sung a duet solo in front of strangers. You can read that story: HERE
- I have perfect color sense. I’ve been tested. AND I managed and grew an art department for a multi-million dollar company for the better part of a decade.
- Leaders come in all shapes, sizes, and with varied senses of humor. After said comment, I was later awarded for my leadership and management skills for the residence department at that same college.
People are going to say dumb things to you, make assumptions, project on you, tell you that you don’t have that skill or shouldn’t be that way.
Ick.
My good friend, Jennifer Coolidge, has been making the rounds giving college commencement speeches. (Here’s the story of our friendship: LINK )
One of my favorite quotes by her is, “Choose radical self acceptance and compassion.”
Which is fitting as the naysayers above were all school based.
Huh.
And whether it is an educational or any other institution passing judgement, etc. don’t let them become the voice in your head and dictate your strengths.
You know who you are and what you can accomplish in this life.
Don’t let them dim your light.
Happy Pride my loves. Got you this.
Yours Truly,
Melanie – Community Manager