Tuesday thoughts And Not so Fast

Isabelle
Jul 14
2 min read

Hi Friends,

Tuesday Thoughts and... Not So Fast

The FIFA World Cup has brought people from all over the world to the United States this summer. Before they arrived, many had already formed opinions about what they would find. News headlines, social media, and stories from others had painted a picture, some exciting, some not so flattering.I listen to German news sometimes, as I grew up in that country, and they don't agree with most of the US politics at the moment. But they love the country and its poeple.

Many visitors have said they were pleasantly surprised.

They've talked about strangers welcoming them, volunteers going out of their way to help, friendly conversations with people they had never met, and discovering places that felt much warmer than they had expected. And the food! Ranch seems to be the hit. I can live without ranch, but that’s not the topic. Anyway, it reminded me how different real life can be from the stories we hear.

And then I wondered...

How often do we do the very same thing in our own lives?

Someone tells us a neighbor is unfriendly, so we keep our distance.

A friend warns us about a coworker before we've even had our first conversation.

We hear that people our age can't start over, can't find love again, can't build a new career, or can't make new friends. Before long, those opinions become our own; even though we've never tested them.

Sometimes we even believe stories about ourselves.

"I'm too old."

"I'm not creative."

"I'm not brave."

"I'm just not the kind of person who..."

But what if those are borrowed stories too?

The World Cup has reminded me that people, places and food ;), are often far more interesting than the labels we give them. The only way to truly know is to experience them for ourselves.

Maybe this week is a good time to question one story you've accepted without thinking. Talk to the person instead of listening to the gossip. Visit the place instead of believing the stereotype. Try the thing you've convinced yourself you couldn't do.

You may discover that the truth is much kinder, much more beautiful, and much more hopeful than the story you were told. (Like all Germans are cold and uptight). I don't know if I should put a laughing or a crying emoji here.

And perhaps that's one of the greatest lessons this summer has to offer: don't let someone else's opinion become your experience. Give yourself the chance to discover the truth for yourself.

PS: Message me for a free consult to start moving toward a more confident you..

You are loved. Deeply loved. Loved beyond measure.

Until next time,

Isabelle

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