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  1. I always love your stories. I get where you’re coming from with the hesitancy to claim expert status- it almost puts an invisible barrier between yourself and the people you’re trying to reach. I always come back to this Marianne Willliamson quote, which I’ve always loved:

    “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson

    1. That’s funny, Jessica. When I launched Authenticate14 the other day, I had “Your playing small does not serve the world,” as a graphic on the front page. That’s an awesome quote. I’ve come back to it several times lately, and it keeps coming up in conversation. Always weird when that happens, right? I miss you and wish we could catch up over a cup of coffee. Lots of love!

  2. This was an eye opening post Whitney. I would have been fuming too, if someone had said that to me. And I find myself getting frustrated with these types of situations as well. This could easily have been said to me, too, girl.

  3. This was the perfect thing to get me started this Monday morning! I think that oftentimes good advice is the hardest to swallow because deep down we know there’s truth — stinging truth, but truth none-the-less — in what the advice-giver is saying. At least, that’s been true in my life. As I move through this week, I’ll remember to be more graceful in accepting criticism and more focused on listening to the good ideas others have to share.

  4. Whitney, I love this story. It’s a hard thing to learn: that sometimes the voice has to find THE right thing to say, and that means first listening and observing. But it sounds like you are on the learning path with the best kind of (redeemed) attitude. Thank you for sharing this. It’s given me so much to think about.

  5. Whitney,
    I participated in a low ropes course at my work. We did those tasks as well. I’m a “Tammy” so I could totally relate to your story. Thank you for sharing.

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