I’ve been struggling to think of my word for 2024. I’ve been thinking about what I need to lean into this year that makes me uncomfortable and scared, in all the best ways.
And as I was looking through these photos taken by my friend, the talented Katie Jones, and directed by my inspiring and creative sista’ Anna Chapman, I tried to sit with how I felt about them.
The overarching feeling I get is “that’s not me.” Inside I feel like the same quiet, goofy, introverted nerd with glasses and too many thoughts that I’ve always been. And I AM that girl.
But I’m also THIS girl in these photos. The one with confidence, and a voice, and a passion, and a dream.
And if those dreams are going to come true, I need to OWN IT. I need to stop watching the powerful pieces of myself from the outside looking in, like an out-of-body experience. I need to claim my rightful place in the universe.
I need to EMBODY myself, and integrate all the pieces of me that are adrift.
em·bod·y /əmˈbädē/ verb: be an expression of or give a tangible or visible form to (an idea, quality, or feeling).
My dear friend Heather Wylde (yes, the Redefining Love Community’s very own Heather!) said something the other day that knocked the wind out of me (in a good way – lots of GOOD DISCOMFORT lately):
“Please stop calling yourself ‘boring.’ Are you wanting a more exciting life? Then do it! But know that you’re not boring, no matter what!”
And she’s 100% right.
There was a time when all I wanted was for things to stop spinning so I could catch my breath. I went all in on the quiet, simple life. I wore my boring like a badge of honor. And it was good.
But it’s time to stop living into this narrative. It’s a new season, and I need to show up for it. It’s time for me to integrate my quiet parts and my power. There is room for both.
So buckle up, friends. Here I come.