I’m on my soapbox today.

I’m expressing a strong opinion about what not to do. And I’m on the hook here too.

On a recent car trip home, I discovered that I had unintentionally shut down my daughter. There was no malice. No intent to harm. Yet in that moment, my response had closed the door on what she was sharing.

It led to an open and vulnerable conversation about how I was showing up.

An opportunity to reflect and consider how I might show up differently.

But the truth is, we don’t always get that opportunity.

Over the past week I have heard several stories where a single comment changed the direction of someone’s life:

• A 16-year-old football player was told at state level that she couldn’t kick. She dropped out and has never picked up a football again. She is now 19.
• A 17-year-old girl asking a teacher for career advice during subject selection was told she didn’t have the grades to become a radiologist and should settle for being a radiographer instead. She is on track to being a Doctor.
• A 42-year-old woman has spent the last six and a half years in a role that causes her mental anguish because it doesn’t align with her values, yet she has been convinced to stay because “the money is apparently good.”

Stop. Words matter. And careless ones can quietly crush a dream.

Be mindful of the influence you have on others.

Do not let anyone steal your dreams or tell you what you cannot become.

Challenge it.

Build the belief that you are worthy of your dreams.

The world needs people who are brave enough to step outside of the opinions of others.

Have an amazing week ahead!!