Sketch by mlq
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I found this writing by Brené Brown while visiting a post by Jennifer Juneau ~ Looking Back While Looking Ahead. It’s only been recently that I’ve embarked on the journey of ‘Looking Back’ all with the intent to continue moving forward and ‘Looking Ahead’. Writing about our life story, the good parts and the not-so-good parts, pulls together a pattern that reminds us of who we were all along the way. A pattern of strength and courage through our struggles that becomes clearer when we become an observer from the present time and allow ourselves to look back. We can do this at any time and at any age. The insights we gain and the freedom we experience keep us ‘rising strong’.
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~ Manifesto of the Brave and Brokenhearted ~
“There is no greater threat to the critics and cynics and fearmongers
Than those of us who are willing to fall
Because we have learned how to riseWith skinned knees and bruised hearts;
We choose owning our stories of struggle,
Over hiding, over hustling, over pretending.When we deny our stories, they define us.
When we run from struggle, we are never free.
So we turn toward truth and look at it in the eye.We will not be characters in our stories.
Not villains, not victims, not even heroes.We are the authors of our lives.
We write our own daring endings.We craft love from heartbreak,
Compassion from shame,
Grace from disappointment,
Courage from failure.Showing up is our power.
Story is our way home.
Truth is our song.
We are the brave and brokenhearted.
We are rising strong.”Brené Brown
♥
Great piece. Profound truth
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Thank you, josephina. ❤ Take a look at this faith story of one of my guest bloggers: https://meinthemiddlewrites.com/2016/07/03/me-in-the-middle-of-introducing-guest-blogger-francis/
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I’ve always maintained that anything a writer writes has something to do with who they are. In anything I’ve written I’m always there peeking out from behind my words.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
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It’s true, Lee!! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you through your writing. 🙂
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This is lovely!
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Thank you! 🙂
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Mary Lou, so much love to you!!! ❤ Thank you for this shout out to my blog and the words of Brené Brown. I highly suggest you read any book of hers, they are all amazing and motivating and I'm sure you will be able to connect with her words 🙂 Keep marching on, soul warrior! ❤
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You’re welcome, Jennifer! I hope to stop by and follow your posts often. It’s so good to be connected with strong, supportive and inspiring people like you and Brene! 🙂
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Thank you Mary Lou! We will support each other through it all 😊😍
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loved reading this.
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Thanks, Daisy ……. glad you loved it. 🙂
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Thank you for sharing that poem, Mary Lou! On just the right moment I got your e-mail so I could read your last post. It has been a while since I visited your blog and now after so many months, I again, find something so truthful I get goose bumps. I will start reading more of you the upcoming days.
I just had a major clash with my boss. On a friday. Pffff. When I think about the bad communication I have with this man, it is because I am not afraid to say something truthful even if it is not ok for him. I have learned that bosses (of people in general) do not like employees that are brave. It is much easier to have “followers”. Sorry, I have been hit/hustled with and have risen equally many times that I have become too strong to pretend.
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I’m glad this helped you at the right time! I haven’t read any of Brene’s books. I really like what she has to say. She has other YouTube videos too. Good luck in communicating with your Boss! 🙂
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Thanks Mary Lou. I will need some luck for the upcoming two months, but I already decided four months ago not to renew my contract in January. My boss knows about that and I think it makes me a little bit more bold than ususal.
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Love this. So true.
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Thanks, Ally! Brene Brown is a real gift! I’d like to read one of her books (among all the other books I want to read) 🙂
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