Play Big.
I read Tara Mohr’s “Playing Big: Find Your Voice, Your Mission, Your Message” when I was on my three-month maternity leave with my second son, Crew. I was in a juxtaposition at the time – unsure of myself, my abilities, and what I wanted in life. I also had weighty personal and professional decisions I was struggling to find the answers to. I needed a strong dose of encouragement and faith it would all work out. I needed someone to tell me you will get through this, but first, you must go through it. I needed someone to tell me what I was supposed to be and what I was supposed to do.
When I read Tara Mohr’s work, it nourished my soul. It reminded me of my own self-worth and gave me hope for my future - however it was going to play out.
I soaked up Tara’s 10 Rules for Brilliant Women, seeing myself in all, but especially in #6 and #7.
#6: Question the voice that says, “I’m not ready yet.”
#7: Don’t wait for your Oscar.
One of Tara’s assignments is to envision your future self 20 years from now and then take your vision and start living your future self. I envisioned my future self as fun, smart, kind, bold, full of style and color, smiling on a beach. Laughing. Add in a healthy pour of Pinot Noir in a beautiful stemmed wine glass.
I realized I had been playing small for way too long - letting every mistake give me validation that I was not ready to own my abilities. I recognized my work was good enough. Heck, more than good enough. That I am good enough.
In between newborn feedings and changing diapers, I took a long, hard look at my journey thus far and determined that yes, I have accomplished and done incredible things. My experiences and my story was wonderfully me. And I was proud.
I made a promise to myself however these juxtapositions played out, I was going to live my life steeped in confidence and not fear. I was going to be that woman I wanted to be in 20 years. I was going to own my space.
A few months later, I resigned from my job, said goodbye to dear friends, sold our home, packed up a U-Haul, and my husband and I (accompanied by my mom, thankfully!) made the 1500-mile trip with two children under five back to our roots of Fargo, North Dakota. I started a new position as the executive assistant to the CEO, bought a house, juggled daily commutes, daycare drop offs, personal and professional responsibilities, and now adjusting to life with what is COVID-19.
Making these decisions were marred with unknowns, but we prayed hard and however hesitantly, opened each door as opportunities presented themselves. We walked through them and into the next step of our journey.
With the tugging sense of something else on the horizon, I envisioned the impact of sharing and highlighting people’s journeys in our community. Longing for honest and real conversations to remind us we are not alone in our journey, Jenine and I founded Glaze and Grit. Glaze and Grit is the idea of shattering success perceptions and showcasing authenticity at its core.
It is about sharing the real story to let others know your journey is important and no matter how far off you think you may be from where you thought you should be, it will be okay.
With the launch of Glaze and Grit, I am reminded the expert was once a beginner. I am reminded even though I do not have all the answers I am wildly capable with a robust skill set and background experience to make a positive impact in the art of storytelling. I am reminded I too have an incredible story to share.
And so, boldly, I play big.
